Live streaming has become an increasingly popular way for musicians to connect with fans and share their music.
With the rise of platforms like Twitch and YouTube, musicians can now reach audiences around the world from the comfort of their own home.
Live streaming is expected to continue to grow in popularity through 2023 and beyond, as more musicians embrace this new medium. We will explore some of the benefits of live streaming your music, as well as some of the best practices for making the most of this platform.
Benefits of Live Streaming Your Music
1. Reach a Global Audience
With live streaming, musicians can reach fans around the world, regardless of their physical location. This means that even if you're based in a small town or city, you can still connect with fans in other parts of the world and build a global following.
2. Connect with Fans in Real Time
Live streaming allows musicians to interact with fans in real time, responding to comments and questions as they come in. This creates a more intimate and engaging experience for fans, who feel like they are getting to know the artist on a more personal level.
3. Generate Revenue
Live streaming can also be a source of revenue for musicians, through donations, sponsorships, and ad revenue. With the right strategy and audience engagement, live streaming can even become a full-time income stream for musicians.
Best Practices for Live Streaming Your Music
1. Invest in Quality Equipment
To make the most of live streaming, it's important to invest in quality equipment, such as a high-quality microphone, camera, and lighting. This will ensure that your streams look and sound professional, which will help you stand out and attract more viewers. We would recommend using what you have to start however, to see if it's something you want to put investment into.
2. Plan Your Setlist and Interactions
To keep your viewers engaged and entertained, it's important to plan your setlist and interactions in advance. This will help you maintain a steady pace and avoid awkward silences, while also allowing you to respond to viewer requests and questions in real time.
3. Promote Your Streams
To build an audience for your live streams, it's important to promote them in advance. This can be done through social media, email newsletters, and other channels. You can also collaborate with other musicians and streamers to cross-promote each other's streams.
Who is livestreaming?
Twitch has become a popular destination for music fans looking for live performances and music-related content, and many talented musicians have found success streaming on the platform. Here are some examples of the top Twitch musician streamers:
1. Laura Brehm
Laura is a singer-songwriter who has been streaming on Twitch since 2018. Her streams feature a mix of original music, covers, and live performances, and she has built a loyal following on the platform. Check out her Twitch channel here: Laura Brehm on Twitch
2. Megan Lenius
Megan is a multi-instrumentalist and singer who streams a variety of music-related content, including covers, original songs, and behind-the-scenes looks at her creative process. She also hosts a weekly show called "The Loop," where she collaborates with other musicians to create new songs on the spot. Check out her Twitch channel here: Megan Lenius on Twitch
3. Rob Scallon
Rob is a musician and YouTuber who has been streaming on Twitch since 2017. His streams feature a mix of original music, covers, and live performances, and he also offers music lessons and Q&A sessions for his fans. Check out his Twitch channel here: Rob Scallon on Twitch
4. Harry Mack
Harry is a rapper and freestyle artist who has gained a following on Twitch for his live performances and freestyle sessions. He often collaborates with other musicians and creates spontaneous songs based on audience suggestions. Check out his Twitch channel here: Harry Mack on Twitch
5. T-Pain
T-Pain is a Grammy-winning rapper and singer who has been streaming on Twitch since 2020. His streams feature a mix of music-related content, including live performances, behind-the-scenes looks at his creative process, and Q&A sessions with fans. Check out his Twitch channel here: T-Pain on Twitch
These are just a few examples of the talented musicians who have found success on Twitch. With its wide reach and engaged community, Twitch is a valuable platform for musicians looking to connect with their audience and share their music with the world.
