The future is here, and according to tech giants, it lies in the Metaverse: a place in cyberspace where possibilities are infinite through advanced and interactive tech. With these new concepts of the Metaverse reaching unprecedented popularity worldwide, there is truly so much to explore. To many, the word Metaverse may feel ambiguous and even scary, but these ideas can change the human experience in truly interesting ways.
The Metaverse as a New Music Trend
According to Wired, the term metaverse, “…doesn’t really refer to any one specific type of technology, but rather a broad (and often speculative) shift in how we interact with technology.” As tech continues to make its way into all aspects of society big and small, advancements in technology will greatly affect how we use it. By connecting people through an intertwined digital network, the metaverse has the potential to create a new space for users to bond with others while delving into their own interests.
Music has historically had a tight bond with tech, as the way that we listen to music has changed overtime as technology advances. From records and cassettes, to CDs, to iPods and now with vast streaming services on mobile devices, music lovers throughout the decades have shifted their listening habits with the times. Now, high tech solutions aim to provide all immersive listening events with the advanced resources at hand.
Tech transcends the musical experience, as music can now appeal to more of your senses rather than just your hearing. With immersive and engaging visuals to support the artists’ sounds, the digital world provides a blank canvas for music listeners to reimagine songs, albums and artists. Big tech companies, specifically in the gaming industry, have capitalized on this idea by using digital tools such as animation and connected servers. With the right celebrity to headline a tech-based concert, digital companies are able to step into the future of the live-music industry.
Virtual Concerts Brought to the Next Level
Digital gaming giant Fortnite has hosted megastars like Travis Scott and Ariana Grande to perform on the digital stage and Roblox, a similar interactive platform, hosted Lil Nas X. For fans and music lovers, this means experiencing artists in a never-before-seen, lively way. Especially during the pandemic lockdown, these virtual concerts were a way to immerse yourself in music and connect with other fans, while maintaining distancing protocols.
In the case of gaming services, utilizing their platforms to provide a futuristic journey has proven imperative in staying relevant to growing music trends. In a review of Ariana Grande’s performance, writer Andrew Zucosky said, “The Rift Tour does not threaten live concerts in the same way that music videos do not. This is an entirely new platform for artists to experiment and play with.”
Music has always lived on different platforms to evoke different feelings; think of how you feel with headphones on in comparison to a packed stadium. With the metaverse emerging as a prominent place to connect with others over common interests, the platform will be able to promote new musical sensations. Zucosky continued in his review: “It’s just a modern tool that gives us new ways to reach out to each other again.”
Getting Connected to New Sounds
Bringing music into the metaverse will provide ways for fans to get a more intimate and personalized experience with the music they love. Whether it be through a video game or a streaming service, the future of consuming music is highly personalized and attuned to the senses. These developments also do not have to mean the end of crowds or live audiences, but rather the beginning of a more streamlined process of finding concerts and performances. Sofar Sounds, a company devoted to exploring the live sounds of new artists in unique venues, uses their online platform to bring together music-enthusiasts around different cities. While the entire process of finding the right event for you is digital, the music is live and features new talent.
For emerging and established artists alike, a world of opportunity lies before them. They must make the choice to step into a new future of digital music, and then decide how to best fit their branding into this world. The metaverse can help emerging artists find their listeners and overall place in the industry. Even with this new digital world, making connections, showcasing your talent and tapping into audience interaction will still prove important to building a musical presence.
