Changing Trends in Live Music Industry

Gone are the days when accessibility to music was only for the moneyed. With the digital boom and the internet, you can access music anytime, anywhere. Music isn’t celebratory anymore, it is an integral part of our lives — right from that travel in the train, to recreation at home, or a party, music marks every occasion.

We consume music daily because of easy accessibility and an open space for various genres. The new generation really knows how to experiment with different styles and its appetite remains united with the growing live entertainment space and digitalisation. With the digital boom we are not limited to songs we listen to in movies or on television. We have access to enough and more with a vast range of choices in the musical sphere. Also, artistes today showcase their talent without the support of a music label. This of course makes us pickier with so many artistes and styles to choose from. One hit song is all it takes to make it into various kinds of renditions.

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This has influenced the live music industry tremendously. Back in the 90s live music was limited to weddings, parties and corporate events. However, now the live music industry has grown by leaps and bounds.

In 2007 India woke up to the culture of music festivals with its first fest in Goa. Over the last ten years the live music space has grown with many more festivals and international and national artistes, DJs, performers stepping in. Even restaurants have adapted to this trend. The casual dining space is incomplete with either music in the background or a live performer. People don’t look for just food in a restaurant these days, but the entire ambience is what makes the cut. Several restaurants have a special stage set-up with a musical gig as a regular weekend plan.

With live entertainer booking apps like Songstruck, even house parties are incomplete now without an artiste or DJ. Most parties are celebrated with a musical night. With digital start-ups and YouTube now being apt musical launchpads for artistes the consumer is exposed to more music than he has ever been before.

One does not need caste, creed or language to bond, the power of music is enough. Visionary corporates and MNCs have begun to understand the power of music and have started investing in musical properties and collaborations. Music is now looked at as a community builder and has the power to bring people together and create a culture.

The revolution in the music industry is churning now with some live music companies that understand the power of music and curate customised musical experiences to drive business impact.

From the June 2017 issue of FHM India.