In her June “Grace Notes” column classical crossover contralto Grace Foley discusses performing and the virtual concert pheneoma
While the pandemic has put a stop to most live, in-person performances, many artists have not let this get in their way. Before 2020 I had only ever popped on Facebook live for a quick chat and never even dreamt of performing on there.
My first little dabble in live online performing came on St. Patrick’s Day 2020. It was all very casual and off the cuff. I held my phone in my hand, sang a few songs acapella and chatted with the people who tuned in. What surprised me most was the fact that this experience came with its’ own ‘little high’! I think most performers will agree that we are addicted to the magical high that performing gives us. So many times, I have stood side stage and asked myself, ‘why do I continue to do this to myself?!’. Sweaty palms, wobbly knees, topsy turvy tummy. Then, after I have sung the first song, I begin to get the reward for my bravery. I feel an incredible connection with a room full of people, most of whom I don’t know and also, most of whom I can’t even see. My body fills with adrenaline and there is literally no feeling in the world like it. I know I’m doing something that is quite scary, but I also know that I am reaching people.
There is something powerful about the silence after the last note of some songs. You would imagine that us performers are waiting for the applause, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes what we crave most is the electric moment when time feels suspended, and we know we have taken people to another place. This makes us feel that we have truly achieved something. We know that we have all traveled somewhere new and it will take us a second to land back in the room. There is the landing, and then the applause. Even typing about this makes me yearn for that feeling again.
What performing online has brought me is a whole new connection with my audience. I feel that I know many of my followers a lot better now. When performing on a stage, you have to wait until the end of the concert for feedback whereas, online, there is an immediate response. This can be a little daunting at first because sometimes ignorance is bliss! Generally, if someone is at your concert and they didn’t like a song, they probably won’t mention it once the concerts ends whereas, online, you’re open to anything. I have to say, I am absolutely blessed with the people who watch my concerts and I can thankfully count the number of ‘mean’ comments I have received, as being very few.
For me, online performing has been an absolute lifesaver this past year. It has kept my ‘performing nerve’ intact. It has allowed me to reach a broader audience and has forced me to update my repertoire in an effort to keep things fresh. It has even inspired me to make an album!
Do I miss performing on stage? Yes, more than I could have imagined. I cannot wait for my next side-stage meltdown! I love walking into an empty venue, just before soundcheck. No one is there. The room isn’t all set up yet, but it is already electric with promise; a promise of what lies ahead. Our job is never a boring one. There’s always a chance that you are hours away from the performance of a lifetime or maybe only 6 people will turn up. Somebody might sit in that audience and fall in love with your voice. Someone may be needing an emotional release, and I can give them that. What I actually miss the most is the comradery of performing with live musicians. I miss the glorious connection that is created when people come together in the name of music and create one beautiful sound. I miss the dressing rooms. I miss the dresses! I miss coming off stage at the end of a concert and meeting the audience. When I perform online, I get the high and then I press, ‘finish video’, and everyone is gone. Suddenly I am back in my living room and the adrenaline leaves my body so much faster than it should. Minutes later I am in my PJ’s watching TV, like the performance never even happened. I miss the faces, the handshakes, the hugs, the photographs, and autographs. I miss the slow come-down.
Do I think that online performing will ever replace live in-person performing? No, but I also wonder if perhaps there is a place now for both? Perhaps live streaming will continue.
I ask, would you miss the fact that the artist cannot see your comments as you type, or would you be happy enough to just tune in and watch a live stream of a performance? Would you like artists to continue to do both online concerts and on-stage ones too? I feel that I would miss performing for the people that cannot get to my stage performances if I were to completely stop online performances. I am really interested to hear your feedback on this as we continue to navigate these unchartered waters.
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I never realized how much a live audience meant to performers. I just though you were up there doing another show for another audience. You definitely should continue to do on-line as well as stage concerts. On a personal note, I honestly don’t think I’ll ever see you, Mary-Jess, Emer, or Affiniti perform live, and it really does break my heart. 💔 At least with Emer I have the memory when I did see her perform live, and those brief moments when I met her afterwards. I think it’s a very good idea that artiest don’t see our comments when you perform on line. It would be less distracting to them and I personally would enjoy the concert more. They could always read the comments later. Please don’t forget the tip jar. Did I mention that I really enjoyed the article? I loved hearing your insightful and learning so much more about you. Take Care 😘
Online concerts and streams have been a lifeline for artists and fans alike through a long period when gathering in the same room was simply not possible. They allow fans worldwide to have equal opportunity to watch artists they might never be able to see in person.
The comments have allowed a different type of interaction which sometimes I enjoy, but at other times I prefer just to lurk unseen and listen to the music.
Live music is now returning (at least in the UK) and I am fortunate in my location on the edge of London that I am spoilt for choice in the number of live events available to me.
For me, in-person events will always take priority for my attention, but there is still a place for online live music and I am somewhat missing some of the artists that I have met and interacted with over the past year and a bit.
The opportunity to comment (or not) in real time has been a welcome bonus, but it is not essential to me. I would respect whatever the artist prefers, and I don’t think the availability of a ‘chat’ would be a deciding factor in choosing which streams to watch.
P.S. Having got to know you Grace (and others) better during lockdown, I will now make a greater effort to come to one of your live shows when you start again and travelling is no longer so difficult.