The next best thing to being there
Charlie A’court offers live online concerts in lieu of stage performances
HALIFAX, N.S. – In these days of self-isolation and forced quarantines, Charlie A’court is offering a bit of respite from pandemic cabin fever.
“This self-isolation doesn’t have to equate to cutting off our social connections,” the Atlantic Canadian touring and recording artist said from his home in Halifax. “We just have to use a different method for the time being.”
A’court, like other artists, has been shut down from his normal source of income through live performances. His social connection now translates to online concerts via Twitch, a video live-streaming service operated by Amazon subsidiary Twitch Interactive.
“It’s an absolutely monumental work stoppage,” he said, of live performances. “In the context of the entertainment industry, it’s hard because when a society is faced with a hardship we look to arts to express and articulate how we feel as a society. And how audiences go to access that has been completely removed from the equation in terms of the traditional sense of accessing the arts.”
A’court has actually been streaming live since April 2019 when he created a channel called Charlieplaysguitars on Twitch (www.twitch.tv).
Along with performing his original catalogue of music, A’court plays a variety of covers for music lovers all over the globe.
Now, with the music industry brought to grinding halt by the COVID-19 pandemic, A’court said live streaming his concerts offers potential to earn income while also staying connected with his audience.
He lives streams his concerts
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. Atlantic time, generally for three hours at a stretch.
“It’s time for creativity and technology to come together for the entertainment and arts industries,” he said.
A’court completely supports the concept of self-isolation but also believes use of technology can be beneficial to artists and audiences alike.
“It’s not about limiting the crowd, it’s just all about staying home …,” he said. “We will get through it. There is no doubt in my mind we will get through it. We are absolutely best connected for the time being if we stay apart from each other. It’s so counter intuitive to say but it really is our best line of offence right now.”
On Twitch, viewers can use their computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone to tune in to A’court’s broadcasts throughout the week.
Some people play along while he is streaming
“It’s been such a heartwarming experience to be able to offer this to people and they gravitate towards it. It’s really just an amazing experience; I just can’t say enough about it.”
People have even sent in videos of themselves playing along with him while he’s streaming, he said.
Although viewers can stream the concerts for free, there are several ways to donate to the cause; information is available on his site and includes becoming a subscriber, for as little as $5 per month, which offers some artistic perks.
“For millions, accessing the arts by traditional means is not an option right now. I live gigto-gig and along with so many working in the arts industry, we’re deeply stressed about losing that income,” he said. “As a streamer, I can feel connected to society, be contributing and earn a little income for my talent.”
A’court can be followed on his channel, Charlie plays guitars, at www.twitch.tv/ charlie plays guitars.