Live or Online Nation?

Last week, I had a conversation with a friend about the difference between seeing a live show in person as opposed to seeing a live show online. There is something very powerful about seeing a show in person. Maybe it’s the combination of loud music, lots of people, alcohol, and the power of shared experience. I think the difference is even more notable in a symphony hall.

Parts of the recent Coachella concert were broadcast online. I read how people were sweating in the 100 degree heat listening to the live music while many others were comfortably at home in front of their computers and air conditioners listening to the same music. I would venture to guess that if we asked these two groups of people 5 years from now what they remember about Coachella 2008, the people at the concert will have a deeper, more intense remembrance of the event. The people who watched it on the computer may remember that they watched the concert, alone.

This brings up a good point that live music will always be a very important way to experience music. No matter how good the technology advances in the future, nothing will compare to seeing the band live, in person.

Stay tuned,
Erik
erikrostad.com