As a frequent concert goer, the pandemic really impacted my plans for the Summer of 2021. However, with quarantine and restrictions came creative ideas and solutions for those of us stuck at home.

I attended my first “virtual concert” in 2021, for Twenty One Pilot’s Scaled and Icy tour. People who signed up to live stream the event were able to get exclusive merchandise. But now that quarentine is over, I plan to see them live.

This event lead me to think more about future possibilities for live events. Live streaming is already a common practice, but I feel that over time more interactivity will be possible for these live events.

The Jerma Dollhouse

Looking at a popular event from August of last year, The Jerma985 Dollhouse was a live stream event that was sponsored by Coinbase. The live-action event took place over the course of 3 days where Jerma and a team of actors and stagehands would perform based on audience decisions. It was essentially a live Sims game and social experiment or parasocial commentary.

The Jerma Dollhouse is a Theatrical Masterpiece

The first stream hit over 600,000 views within 3 hours. Viewers would decide on Jerma’s outfit for the day, how he would talk with his neighbors, the furniture he purchased, and where to place it. It was hilarious and highly rated.

Looking at events like The Jerma985 Dollhouse, with a streamer and a team of people, it only makes you wonder what is possible for major record labels and musicians can accomplish.

Fan-Artist Interactivity

Entertainment label SM is really pushing the boundaries of what is possible without a concert venue, by creating intense storylines weaving together a cinematic universe of musicians and even having a virtual meet and greets where artists can communicate in real-time with fans.

How K-Pop Is Reinventing Virtual Concerts | WSJ

The Metaverse and Virtual Avatars

Avatars for a virtual live experience sounds like something out of Black Mirror. But metaverse technology is bringing concert venues to the digital space.

Sony Music's 'digital Madison Beer' sets the virtual concert world on fire | Unreal Engine

Justin Bieber - Somebody (Live From The Metaverse Virtual Concert)