Self-isolation and
social-distancing laws have given rise to new trends in the music
industry. In a bid to flatten the curve, fans across the world have
substituted live music concerts for virtual alternatives,
relying heavily on technology’s ability to recreate these experiences in
the comfort of their homes.
From the yesteryears of
evenings spent on the couch, enjoying the ambience created by the
magnificent combination of vinyl and gramophone to the more current
trend of wirelessly streaming the latest chart-topping
hits through state-of-the-art Bluetooth speakers – audio technology has
continuously adapted to the changing requirements of fans and performers
alike.
A new trend is on the rise for music consumption.
Research by Billboard and Nielsen Music, titled COVID-19
tracking the impact on the entertainment landscape,
indicates an 8.1% increase in the number of fans streaming music videos
in April. These numbers have continued to climb during the outbreak,
with fans showing a growing interest in exploring
virtual concerts.
The growing number of fans that are tuning in to virtual music experiences, like the Global
Citizen One World: Together at Home and the unforgettable Andrea Bocelli: Music
for Hope live-streamed concert, is evidence of this phenomenon.
It’s for this reason
that South African DJs, like DJ Shimza and Black Coffee, have encouraged
regular partygoers to stay home by hosting online parties that are
live-streamed via popular social channels accessible
to communities of fans looking to connect to some of the biggest music
stars in the industry.
Advanced audio technology makes it possible to create virtual music experiences
Millions of people from
across the world can connect through music thanks to advancements in
audio technology. From smartphones to laptops and even smart TVs, fans
can join virtual concerts streaming live to their
living rooms or get lost in the moment through virtual parties using
home stereo technology and portable Bluetooth speakers that enable them
to experience music as if it’s live.
For instance, virtual
house parties can be enjoyed without causing or being affected by
external disruption thanks to headphones such as Sony’s WH-1000XM3
Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. This noise
cancellation technology can filter out any unwanted background sound to
deliver uncompromised music reproduction thanks to a dedicated HD Noise
Cancelling Processor and an integrated built-in
amplifier. It also has the best-in-class signal-to-noise ratio and low
distortion for portable devices to deliver exceptional sound quality –
perfect for handling a virtual house party’s heavy beat.
Whether fans are
streaming live music concerts, a parody over YouTube or are captivated
by amazing solo performers – today’s technology enables music to stay
true to the original recording through sound that’s
optimised for minimal distortion and allows listeners to enjoy all the
subtleties of the music.
Technology is driving the evolution of music
Brands like Sony
continuously strive to improve on quality and sound reproduction through
a range of industry-leading audio innovations. This results in music
concert experiences that can be recreated in listeners’
living rooms thanks to home audio systems like the Sony
HT-ST5000 Soundbar. Much like the brand’s virtual
surround sound technology, Sony’s Soundbar combines Digital Signal
Processing and S-Force PRO Front Surround with wavefront technology to
produce an unparalleled three-dimensional experience
capable of emulating natural sound.
The immersive audio
experience can be enjoyed through Sony’s speakers, soundbars and
headphones to enable music to be reproduced the way artists originally
intended.
