Live Streaming Music Events for Beginners

Given the current status of most countries and the complete lack of live entertainment opportunities the only option is to live stream a performance. Although many performance artists have been doing this already for some it can be a challenge but how easy is it to get up and running with a streamed event. 

Not all artists have access to professional studios, equipment and producers so for those keen to get streaming can this be done at home with a few basic tools? Here is a quick reference guide to what will be needed to get up and running quickly and start streaming performances. Bear in mind many so-called live performances are pre-recorded and steamed at a later date, this allows for refinement in production to produce a top-quality event. However, for those brave enough performing live can provide a unique experience for viewers although the end product may be rough around the edges some people like that. Here are the basic requirements to get up and running.

Video and Audio Sources. 
A good DSLR camera, camcorder, webcam or phone camera, obviously the higher quality the camera the better the reproduced images will be. Where the stream is live and not being pre-recorded, there is no requirement for any memory cards. For audio a simple handheld or USB microphone will be required. Bear in mind that if the microphone signal goes through the camera, the audio will come embedded in the video source, which means they will arrive together through one cable.

Content Control.
Ideally using the highest spec computer the artist can afford is going to help make a slick streamed performance. The video and audio source material cannot easily to formatted to a streamed destination because it's too large and bulky and for this reason most streamed material needs to go through an encoder to translate these files into an internet friendly package. This can either be software installed on the computer or as a standalone encoder hardware. 

Streaming Destinations.
For performance artists where to stream content can vary enormously as everyone has their preferred destination. Currently the most popular streaming destinations are YouTube Live, Vimeo and Facebook Live.

Internet Connection.
A reliable high-speed connection is essential to avoid drop out and buffering issues so it is essential that the artist’s connection can be relied upon. For this reason, many live streamed performances use hardwired Ethernet connections rather than Wi-Fi.

Once the basic equipment is in place it is essential to run some live stream tests using a dummy account first. Record the stream and play it back to check for any flaws that may be the result of inferior equipment or connections.

This is only a very basic overview of what it needs to get up and running quickly with a live streamed performance and depending on equipment available should result in something presentable.

For any event organisers planning their 2021 live events using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their virtual event. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors guestlists and ticketing. 

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