Across the world, the way we engage with others had completely changed. Even as we emerge from lockdown, our behaviour patterns and regulations call for innovative methods to implement events and brand experiences.
Despite the challenges the current climate presents, the music industry has already begun to reshape and ignite the revival of the arts and entertainment sector. In this article, we explore the emerging formats and trends taking place in live entertainment around Sydney.
Smaller, more frequent sessions
A common approach that can be seen already is there have been shorter more intimate shows, but there are multiple sessions. Across Sydney, a large number of venues have already reopened, one being The Vanguard in Newtown. The Vanguard is a purpose-built music venue and they’ve been booked out multiple throughout the week, with some nights sitting multiple shows. As a venue that commonly has seated shows in the past with food served, the intimate setting is comfortable and well-fitted for the venue.
Sydney pop-duo, Lime Cordiale are performing more than 15 shows for their Album Launch, with a large majority taking place at Oxford Art Factory. The venue is operating under Government regulations so Lime Cordiale perform their “Live Album Speakeasy” to an intimate, seated crowd which is in contrast to their regular sets. With the different dynamic, the band have the opportunity to provide bands with a unique experience that they have yet to experience and may not experience in the future. Given the exclusivity of the shows, they have sold out each one.
Live at the drive-thru
A curious approach; the live drive-in experience. The demand and desperation for live entertainment became clear when videos showing the popularity of drive-in concerts in Germany went viral. Adapting to the concert, Wollongong duo, Hockey Dad is celebrating the launch of their album release with “Alive At The Drive-In” with a 400 car, zombie apocalypse inspired show. A bit extreme? Maybe, but they’ve already sold out the first of two shows at $200+ a car.
Re-brand, re-format, re-invent
Great Southern Nights will be hosting 1000 COVIDSafe gigs in NSW in November in an effort to kick start live entertainment across Australia. What the concepts does is take the idea of a festival or multi-artist lineup and creates a series of live performances throughout NSW. A variety of venues, theatres and pubs will be involved in the shows. For more information head to the Great Southern Nights website.
The ARIA awards will also coincide with Great Southern Nights in Sydney, as planned in November. While at this rate, restrictions should allow for the annual awards, it is unclear on how the event will take place or if there will be a need to adapt. However, by this point, there are plenty of alternative methods that could be used to execute the night.