From the start of the pandemic, it was clear that venues were going to be the last places to be open. With the music industry at a standstill, artists had to figure out new ways to stay connected to their audiences. In March and April many artists flocked to Instagram and Facebook live features for small acoustic performances or chats. 

Tours were being canceled and postponed and the possibility of seeing a live production show seemed impossible until at least 2021. Artists and fans are craving the feeling and presence of live shows, we are starting to see artists pushing the boundary of what a show on your screen can look like. 

Underoath made waves with their Observatory series in which they played three of their classic albums in full. To make up for the lack of live audience and that instant connection and feedback that helps drive a show, Observatory is constructed in a way to enhance and showcase the intensity and emotion of the performance through camera work and staging. 

While in-person audiences are currently not allowed under health and safety guidelines in the U.S.A, that did not stop The Maine from finding ways to celebrate the end of their 7th album cycle with their fans around the world. They chose a group of a few hundred fans, that are a part of their Pillar club, to watch the show live through video call. This gave a small illusion to some audience members being present. Even though the show was live and thousands were tuned into the stream from around the world, some got an exclusive look into the show, one that felt more like being in the crowd. The Maine have always been about connecting their audience with each other and them as a band staying connected with their audience. The direction they chose to make this show proved the strong connection this band have been able to maintain with their fans over the course of their 13-year career. 

Hands like Houses also took an audience approach to their recent live streamed show with Live in Ya Lounge, a coalition that started to help bring live music to people during the pandemic. The band has recently started a Patreon to stay connected with their audience on a new and intimate level. A small group of patrons from the band’s hometown Canberra, Aus were chosen to watch the show live in-person. However they were placed at tables placed 6 feet from each other and the stage. 

COVID-19 has left many in a state of limbo, unsure of what’s next. Even though we currently don’t know when we can go back to our favorite venues to see our favorite bands in person, many are starting to embrace the live streaming service to stay connected. With some finding ways to bring full production, shows to audiences screens.