Pandemic-Spurred Innovation In Live Music

The samurai guitarist Miyavi speaks about the pandemic-spurred innovation in live music.

Live concerts have looked different over the past year and a half. They’ve been robbed of the fanfare. Artists, who once walked out to arenas packed by thousands, now perform out of their living rooms, waiting for livestreams to fill up before getting the shows started. Listeners, who once returned home deafened by the pulsing bass, now try to convince themselves that their phone speakers can provide a similar experience.

They can’t. Let’s be honest, virtual concerts will never be quite like the real ones. I mean, where’s the utter disregard for personal space? Where are the flying Solo cups raining down beer over the masses? And where are the people sitting on shoulders, making sure no one behind them can see a thing?

On second thought, perhaps it isn’t the worst thing that virtual concerts are a bit different. Sure, they leave you to set the atmosphere yourself, and the logistics of bedroom pyrotechnics can be tricky to navigate, but there is a bright side to consider.