Introduction to Augmented Reality in Music
Even though streaming music on demand is more cost-effective than ever, music lovers can pay more to experience it live. The combination of music, performance, pyrotechnics, and entertainment make festivals and live shows value going to. With rising demand for one-of-a-kind experiences, entertainment corporations are beginning to explore latest avenues. That includes augmented reality.
How Augmented Reality Enhances Live Performances
Augmented reality arms entertainment corporations with infinite opportunities to boost live experiences. For instance, Irish rock band U2 used AR to heighten their performance on the Experience + Innocence Tour. Concertgoers saw a large iceberg projected on an 80-foot screen. But those that held up their smartphones to the screen saw a big projection of Bono, towering over the audience. This technology enables performers to interrupt the fourth wall and boost audience engagement. Furthermore, it helps them construct emotional connections with the group.
Real-World Examples of AR in Concerts
Maroon 5 also used AR in a strategic way. They teamed up with Snapchat and Verizon to create live karaoke experiences at three of the band’s live shows. Fans could use Snapchat to sing along and film themselves while doing so. These social media engagements drive buzz across the event, making other fans realize what they’re missing out on and inspiring them to get tickets to the band’s next shows.
Other Augmented Reality Applications
Aside from elevating live performances, event promoters can use AR applications inside concert venues and festival grounds for other purposes. Sponsors and vendors, for instance, can leverage AR-enabled apps to supply coupons and prizes. US-based event promoter Live Nation has been developing AR features to integrate with select festival apps, allowing users to look at larger-than-life animations unfold whether or not they’re at home or on site.
Virtual Attendance and Navigation
Let’s say you may’t attend a music festival. All you could have to do is point the AR-enabled app towards a flat surface to stream the concert. It shows a three-dimensional rotatable viewer so that you get the very best views of your favorite acts. Hyundai debuted this technology on the annual Music Midtown Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, using it to advertise the 2020 Sonata. Using the app, viewers were in a position to catch immersive views of select performances and see 3D versions of the brand latest Sonata. Event promoters also can use AR to guide concertgoers across the venue and keep them updated in regards to the acts.
Conclusion
Concerts and augmented reality go well together. While AR is about bringing the actual and virtual worlds together, live events are all about finding a fragile balance between sound, performance, and emotional connections. Both experiences reinforce one another. Although a lot of the apps on this field are still experimental, they’ve the potential to go mainstream within the music industry. As technology continues to evolve, we are able to expect to see much more progressive applications of AR in live shows and music festivals, changing the way in which we experience live music without end.
