The days of metal bands only being able to connect with fans through live shows and album releases are long gone. Even the concept of the music video seems outdated compared to the new methods that some acts are using to promote their material.
Live streaming is the latest way metal bands are getting in front of a huge audience, and fans feel closer to their favorite musicians than ever before. Rehearsal room live streams are the way forward, and more bands need to jump on this trend.
Live Streaming is One of the Internet’s Most Popular Mediums
It’s no surprise that live streaming is gaining traction among metal acts, as the medium has blown up pretty much everywhere online. The entertainment industry was one of the main reasons why live streaming became so popular initially. In the early days, it was predominantly used by Twitch streamers who would broadcast their games to viewers in real time.
The iGaming market was another huge help to the growth of live streaming, as it emerged as the perfect medium to bring casino table games to players in their own homes. This form of play proved so popular that it spanned way beyond the classics like roulette and blackjack. Now, live casino includes a whole range of games, including game show-inspired options like Adventures Beyond Wonderland and Family Feud Live from Vegas.
Live streaming has already had an impact on the music industry as well, with some bands finding that it’s a great way to broadcast shows to a wider audience. One of the most famous recent examples of this was the Black Sabbath farewell concert, which was streamed in real time to more than a million online ticket holders.
Why Are Rehearsal Streams Taking Off?
Live streaming of concerts is an excellent way to make them more accessible to more fans, but it doesn’t allow for much connection between the viewers and the streamers. Rehearsal streams are an entirely different experience and give viewers a sense that they are close to their favorite bands. On top of that, it allows them to feel like they are part of the process, potentially watching history as bands work on their next hits.
Enter Shikari is one of the best known metal bands to have jumped on the rehearsal stream idea, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access to their band practice. Nexorum has uploaded a few rehearsal streams as well, giving fans a taste of what the process is like for bands like this before they get on stage.
Live streams present an excellent opportunity for up-and-coming independent bands that want to promote themselves to a wider audience. They allow for connection between fans and musicians, and can also foster communities that grow up around a band.
Live streaming is a new and clearly innovative way to encourage greater fan engagement, and there’s going to be a growing trend of bands using this medium to connect with their audiences. Fans have always wanted to get closer to their favorite musicians, and this is now the best way for them to do so.
