Rhythm’s blues: Virtual gigs only option now?

The Covid-19 crisis has had a big impact on the performing industry. With fresh lockdowns being imposed in many Indian states, it will be a long time before musicians perform to live audiences. And for those who depend more on live gigs than recorded tracks, the last four months were very tough while the near future looks equally testing.

Euphoria’s frontman, Palash Sen, has filed an online petition seeking government aid for musicians. “For our band, which used to do 50-60 shows a year, the future is not great because we don’t know when things will open up,” he says.

Electronic music outfit, Lost Stories, is slightly more optimistic. “We just have to adapt to a better setting. The process is tedious, to be able to find alternatives overnight is also difficult, but the industry is evolving with the options at hand,” say Prayag Mehta and Rishab Joshi.

Rahul Ram, bassist for band Indian Ocean, admits live performers have been hit hard. “Now, there’s no way to do a live gig, except virtually. You need a really high-speed net connection, which enables you to play music live, seamlessly. For smaller artistes it’s going to be very tough,” he says. But virtual gigs he thinks are “here to stay”, adding the band will soon perform two ticketed virtual concerts.

Electronica musician Ritviz too feels artistes will have to adjust to performing over the internet. “Digital concerts will be a part of our journey. We have to find a way to blend in,” he says.

But Mahesh Tinaikar, Indus Creed’s guitarist, doesn’t feel it will substitute live shows. “I don’t see how technology is going to support people sitting in different places, and playing live together,” he says.

Agrees electronica artiste Gurbax, who has two digital festivals in a few weeks. “At the moment, digital shows and festivals seem to be the new norm. [But] Anyone who thinks live shows will be obsolete is being shortsighted,” he says.