These are unprecedented times across the world and we all know that businesses are going to be adversely impacted. None more so than the live music business which has been the prime revenue generator for artists, musicians and event companies alike. Additionally, with the shutting down of establishments that play music during lockdowns, the composers, authors and publishers also stand to suffer substantially.
However, will adversity bring opportunity? Will necessity again become the mother of invention?
The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd (“IPRS”) in association with Music Plus will be hosting an engaging panel discussion on ‘The Future of Paid online concerts in India’ on Thursday, 14th May 2020 at 4:00 pm. The session will be LIVE on Music Plus and IPRS social media handles. The forum will discuss the changing dynamics of concerts worldwide and whether the world will now see the rise of paid online concerts.
The panelists of the session include industry stalwarts Rakesh Nigam, CEO of The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd (IPRS) and Brian Tellis, Director of Fountainhead Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. along with the popular performer Manasi Scott, singer, songwriter and actress and will be moderated by Atul Churamani, MD of Turnkey Music & Publishing. The panelists will talk about the future of the Indian music industry, the options of alternate revenue streams, the financial and technical requirements and opportunities of virtual concerts and the critical role a society like IPRS would play in this changed world.
Rakesh Nigam, CEO, IPRS said, “After receiving a positive response to the previous session, we are glad to partner with Music Plus once again to host this webinar on “The Future of Online Paid Concerts”. We strive to help our music fraternity in all possible ways and this webinar is a step towards that. We are hoping that this session will help us emphasize the importance of people paying for concerts to encourage creativity among artists and simultaneously support them in these challenging times.”
Brian Tellis, Director of Fountainhead Entertainment commented, “There will be a change around the live entertainment industry. If virtual concerts go the paid route, this may fulfill the needs of musicians, but the sustainability of technicians then comes into question. We will delve into the issue and address factors that will be determining the industry’s future course of action.”
Ms. Manasi Scott, singer, songwriter and actress said, “My heart breaks when I think of not being able to experience an open-air concert in the near future! The world as we knew it is rotating into a new world order. Concerts are sheer magic, when 1000s come together to be united by music. Yet there’s excitement in this new way forward. Where thousands were physically present in one place, now millions can connect and watch from across the world in real time. The west always had the concept of massive ticket sales and have converted that into paid virtual concerts beautifully. I have faith in the Indian audiences too. My job is to create quality, online content and present my virtual shows with the same larger-than-life way I do onstage and I’m sure audiences here will support me and other artistes and pay for this pleasure!”
Mr. Atul Churamani, MD of Turnkey Music & Publishing mentioned, “The challenges this pandemic has thrown up are horrific. Yet I believe that our passion for music will drive innovation and India will be able to use technology to bring about significant change to the economics of music watching. I’m honoured to be part of this discussion which promises to be an eye opener for everyone.”
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