May 5, 2021 10 ideas for behind-the-scenes livestreams
Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash
It’s no secret that livestreaming has gone mainstream. Some of the biggest names in every industry have developed new technologies, changed their focus, and created new opportunities along the way.
For musicians, now that live music is on the horizon in several markets, that means looking at livestreams less like an alternative to live shows and more like an addition to them. And it’s already begun.
In a recent article from USA Today, Live Nation purchased livestream platform Veeps in January and have just recently begun installing livestream technology in more than 60 venues across the U.S. so far. Selected venues are regular tour stops, and any artist performing at one of them can basically flip a switch to livestream the gig, say when the event sells out. Performers can deliver backstage access and front-row viewing angles, the companies said.
What kind of exclusive access can indie artists provide? Chances are we might not be playing huge Live Nation venues on a regular basis, but there are certainly ways to lift the veil and let our fans in on our process and our journey.
The following list is an excerpt from my new book, 365 Livestream Ideas for Musicians.
The goal of sharing your expertise and showing your process is to provide entertainment and value to your viewers. And it doesn’t even matter if it’s something people will actually do.
I’ve watched many adventure shows, cooking shows, and behind-the-scenes documentaries of activities I will never attempt. But they’re fun and informative and that’s all we need sometimes. These examples can be tweaked to whatever YOU find interesting.
1. Virtual Tour. Give a quick virtual tour of your live stage set up or even livestream layout. What kind of gear do you use? Geek out a little! Choose one piece of gear and talk about why you like it and how it helps you create or spice up what you’re playing.
2. Time-Saving Tip. “Here’s how I save time doing [musical task].” Example: “Here’s how I save time recording. I’ll make 5 beats in a row with drums and percussion only before adding in all of the layers and finishing a song.”
3. Your Process. “This is the process I typically use to [musical task].” Example: “This is the process I typically use to write songs: start with the melody and some sort of chorus, and go from there. I’ll show you.”
4. Band Business. Broadcast a band meeting via Zoom. Are you planning a practice or upcoming event? Turn the camera on one of your band’s Zoom meetings so they can see an example of the non-musician tasks that need to be done.
5. Storytime. Share a livestream that goes into details about how you first started getting interested in music.
6. Non-Music Tasks. Describe how you treat your music like a business. Do you have a release coming out? Are you wanting to purchase a piece of gear?
7. Your First Gig. Walk your fans through how you landed your first paying gig. Let them know how important they are to you and invite them to your next one.
8. Your Routines. Screen share a quick behind the scenes look at how you usually plan your day, week, or weekend.
9. Show and Tell. Share the story of how you first learned how to play an instrument. Talk about how far you’ve come and where you’d still like to go.
10. About the band. Let fans know how you started your band and why you believe you’re still together. Then invite them to an upcoming live show or livestream.
(end of excerpt)
It may seem like your fans have “livestream fatigue”, but maybe it’s less about the medium and more about the content? According to Livestream.com, it’s reported that 87% of people will watch a live stream if it includes behind-the-scenes content.
So, what’s next? Are you ready to let your fans behind the curtain?
Take a look at the list, pick one idea and one platform and share with your fans! What other ideas do you have or have you used? Let’s chat in the comments.
Author Bio
Leonard Patterson is a livestream strategist for leading music education resource, The Artist Collective and author of 365 Livestream Ideas for Musicians. He helps artists, bands, and musicians launch their live video ideas and turn them into viable income streams. Leonard’s music career spans 20+ years with roles that include front-man for a 6-figure party band, booking agent with 1000’s of shows under his belt, indie band coach, and topline songwriter with credits in film, tv and Billboard. His ideas and blogs have been featured in Livestreaming Pros, Social Media Today, Hypebot, Gigmor and BandsinTown for Artists.
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