Deezer Moves into Live Music
The France-born music streaming service Deezer has been one of many in recent months to add the concept of live music into their growing repertoire. While it is still early days, the current success of this and other systems on this route could mark a significant shift in focus in the manner in which online music services operate.
Spotlight on Deezer
Already with 56 million tracks in their library, a number which exceeds even that of Spotify and Amazon Prime Music, Deezer is one of the most diverse music platforms available. The hope is that by leveraging emerging streaming technologies combined with growing global demand, the move into live streaming might solidify or improve their placing within the pack. Given Deezer have 14 million active users compared to Spotify’s 271 million, there is considerable room for improvement.
What is Live Music Streaming?
There can be some misunderstandings about the term live music streaming, owing to how on-demand, recorded live music, and streamed live music can be confused. In the modern sense, the idea of live music streaming refers to concerts that are either streamed while being held for crowds or are only held live for distant audiences.
Deezer first took this route in a smaller invite-only show on February 19, 2020, with what they called Rocket LIVE. With Circa Waves and Twin Atlantic booked, the platform-exclusive show was simultaneously broadcast to anyone with a subscription to Deezer. Upcoming examples of similar shows on other platforms include Lady Gaga on YouTube (June 6), and the National Memory Day Concert on YouTube and PBS (May 24).
Why Go Live?
There are several key reasons why music shows would go live online, with the most important probably relating to the popularity of live streaming in contemporary tech-entertainment trends. Twitch has been a breakout example of such trends, but the real examples run much deeper than what just music and gaming might imply.
“Twitch booth” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Gage Skidmore
Live casino games like those from Hajper are perhaps a more indicative example of this new form of entertainment, owing to the advantages offered over more established methods. With live casino games such as blackjack and roulette, customers get a more personal means to play alongside their traditional methods of access. This more involved and interpersonal approach is similar to what live music is attempting to channel, and why it has so far been a striking success.
We all know that music has massive appeal no matter if enjoyed live or pre-recorded, but there is no doubt that live music also gives a feeling of community and oneness that other avenues cannot match. Sharing a simultaneous experience with thousands of others lets us more fully appreciate an event, becoming part of the zeitgeist in a real if nebulous way.
“Deezer V2” (CC BY 2.0) by simonrobic
While still in its infancy, current indications show that live music could easily become a more standard feature in music streaming in the future. Whether concerned with cost, distance to travel, or any other number of limiting factors, this change opens the music world up to many who could otherwise have no choice but to go without. In a future that could include greater VR adoption in these sessions, live streaming can connect us like never before.
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