Celebrity Life

Adapting is the name of the game.

With theatres and concert halls closed again in many global locations to stop the spread of Covid-19, artists are instead turning to livestreamed concerts to allow fans to enjoy their music in a new way.

These live performances, which may once have been free, are now vying to become a new revenue stream for the struggling industry. From Dua Lipa, Gorillaz and Jessie J to Liam Gallagher, Major Lazer and Metallica, all kinds of acts are getting in on the game, organising exclusive performances that music fans can watch live from the comfort of their homes. Many artists already tested the water during spring's lockdowns, although without investing too much in the production of these makeshift livestream performances.

Music fans may still remember a laid-back John Legend tinkling the ivories in a bathrobe, or Alessia Cara embarking on an acoustic set in her bathroom for the MTV "Unplugged at Home" series.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Legend (@johnlegend)

After a few weeks of random and impromptu performances, these virtual gigs upped their game and started being streamed from more prestigious locations, such as London's Alexandra Palace, The Roxy club in Los Angeles and even the V&A Museum. Add high-quality lighting, multiple and varied camera angles, sometimes even special effects, and these once free concerts suddenly morphed into exclusive pay-per-view events.

The cost of technology

Ticket prices vary, although they're often around the US$15 (HK$116) mark. While Dua Lipa promised to take fans on a "kaleidoscope, rocket-filled, journey through time" to discover her latest album for US$15 to 20 on November 27, Billie Eilish charged up to US$30 for livestream tickets to her global virtual concert, "Where Do We Go? The Livestream," broadcast October 24 from Los Angeles. For their money, fans of the iconoclastic singer were given access to the livestream, and could rewatch for up to 24 hours, as well as enjoy reductions on merchandise.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BILLIE EILISH (@billieeilish)

But that's nothing compared to the US$100 (HK$775) tickets that fans of Jason Isbell snapped up in July to watch a live performance by the folk singer, followed by a Q&A session. The start-up Topeka even cashed in on the interactive experience by proposing a recorded version of Isbell's event for US$25.

At a time when livestreamed concerts are increasingly ubiquitous, music industry pros hope that the enthusiasm for virtual gigs will give a boost to the struggling sector, for which live shows and world tours are a key source of revenue. In fact, revenue from live music stood at some US$26 billion in 2017, according to data from Goldman Sachs, or 42% of turnover in the sector.

[caption id="attachment_212630" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Fans of folk singer Jason Isbell snapped up US100 tickets in July to watch his livestreamed performance. (Image: Jason Isbell/ Alysse Gakfyen/ Instagram)[/caption]

An increasingly diverse offer

But, as the music industry learned to its expense with the onset of streaming, it can be hard to convince consumers to pay for something they once got for free. Especially so in a highly competitive ecosystem where independent artists, concert production companies and tech giants are all vying for music fans' attention — and ideally their money.

On December 5, virtual gig-goers will have the choice between an online show by the band Evanescence, ahead of the release of their new album "The Bitter Truth," a virtual Darlene Love Christmas show, and a livestream performance by Liam Gallagher "Down by the River Thames" in London. It's a tough choice from a musical point of view.

[caption id="attachment_212627" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Rock band Evanescence will hold a livestreamed concert on December 5. (Image: Evanescence/ Facebook)[/caption]

As well as being spoiled for choice as the offer diversifies, certain music fans face the fear of not being tech savvy enough to enjoy livestream gigs. "A rock band with a slightly older audience, those audiences are less rabid from an online engagement perspective," Steve Bursky, the founder of Foundations Music told The New York Times. The management company's clients include Foy Vance, Young the Giant and Lauv.

Conscious of this concern, platforms and artists are reaching out with various tutorials and other explanations to get fans onboard. The aim is to invest in high-quality online gigs in order to bring livestreamed concerts and events into the mainstream. And it seems like these efforts are starting to bear fruit, since 28 percent of Americans said they would pay to watch an online concert, according to a report from Nielsen Music/MCR Data.

"Livestreaming is a new genre, a new form of entertainment. It is not ephemeral. People will doubt it -- but I believe that it will stay and be a complementary form of entertainment that will compete with playlists and videos and live shows," Fabrice Sergent, cofounder of Bandsintown, told Rolling Stone.

(Main image: Live Nation; Featured image: Dua Lipa/ Facebook)

The post Livestreamed Concerts are Fast Becoming the Norm in These Pandemic Times appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The Champs-Elysées, one of the world's most famous shopping avenues, is about to don its sparkling attire to celebrate the end of year.

It is a Parisian tradition: Every year, the City of Lights organises a ceremony to launch its Champs-Elysées 'illuminations.' Last year 70,000 people gathered along the iconic avenue for the event but for the 2020 edition, and the unprecedented global health crisis, a digital process will prevail alongside a small, simultaneous ceremony with French singer Louane.

[caption id="attachment_212301" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Christmas lights at the famed Champs-Elysées. (Image: Stephanie LeBlanc/ Unsplash)[/caption]

The idea is that anyone around the world has the possibility to take part in this event from home. It is "a way to show the impact of Champs-Élysées Christmas Lights throughout the world," said the Champs-Elysées committee. To take part, you will need to register for free before tomorrow, November 20, online here. You'll have to wait until November 22 to connect to your personal account to access a countdown so that you click the digital buzzer at the right time.

The ceremony will kick off at 7PM Paris time on Sunday, November 22 (2AM Hong Kong time on Monday, November 23), and will be livestreamed. Each digital participant will be able to book their own light, corresponding to an address on the Champs-Elysées. Moreover, participants will be able to add a short, 140-character personal message to their light; the message will also be broadcast on the event's platform.

[caption id="attachment_212300" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Every year, it's a Parisian tradition for the City of Lights to organize a ceremony to launch its Champs-Elysées Christmas lights. (Image: Lloret/ iStock)[/caption]

For the moment, the number of reserved lights has not been published but the "total number of participants will also be displayed in a spirit of federation and unity," added the Champs-Elysées committee. The city of Paris will also broadcast the event on a dedicated platform from November 23 to January 6, 2021.

(Main and featured image: Lloret/ iStock)

The post Light Up the Champs-Elysées in Paris From the Comfort of Your Couch appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The Champs-Elysées, one of the world's most famous shopping avenues, is about to don its sparkling attire to celebrate the end of year.

It is a Parisian tradition: Every year, the City of Lights organises a ceremony to launch its Champs-Elysées 'illuminations.' Last year 70,000 people gathered along the iconic avenue for the event but for the 2020 edition, and the unprecedented global health crisis, a digital process will prevail alongside a small, simultaneous ceremony with French singer Louane.

[caption id="attachment_212301" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Christmas lights at the famed Champs-Elysées. (Image: Stephanie LeBlanc/ Unsplash)[/caption]

The idea is that anyone around the world has the possibility to take part in this event from home. It is "a way to show the impact of Champs-Élysées Christmas Lights throughout the world," said the Champs-Elysées committee. To take part, you will need to register for free before tomorrow, November 20, online here. You'll have to wait until November 22 to connect to your personal account to access a countdown so that you click the digital buzzer at the right time.

The ceremony will kick off at 7PM Paris time on Sunday, November 22 (2AM Hong Kong time on Monday, November 23), and will be livestreamed. Each digital participant will be able to book their own light, corresponding to an address on the Champs-Elysées. Moreover, participants will be able to add a short, 140-character personal message to their light; the message will also be broadcast on the event's platform.

[caption id="attachment_212300" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Every year, it's a Parisian tradition for the City of Lights to organize a ceremony to launch its Champs-Elysées Christmas lights. (Image: Lloret/ iStock)[/caption]

For the moment, the number of reserved lights has not been published but the "total number of participants will also be displayed in a spirit of federation and unity," added the Champs-Elysées committee. The city of Paris will also broadcast the event on a dedicated platform from November 23 to January 6, 2021.

(Main and featured image: Lloret/ iStock)

The post Light Up the Champs-Elysées in Paris From the Comfort of Your Couch appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Dior will be kicking off Paris Fashion Week with its Spring/Summer 2021 ready-to-wear show tomorrow.

The livestream takes place on September 29 at 8:30pm (HKT) or 2:30pm (Paris time).

Those on TikTok can also catch the digital presentation by Maria Grazia Chiuri live on the short-video platform for the first time. Get ready to be enthralled.

This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore

The post Livestream: Dior Spring/Summer 2021 Ready-To-Wear appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Designer Maria Grazia Chiuri staged a runway show that celebrated the customs and people of the provincial town.

The post Christian Dior highlights the traditions of Lecce, Italy, with its Resort 2021 collection appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Designer Maria Grazia Chiuri staged a runway show that celebrated the customs and people of the provincial town.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

Be the first to catch Dior's Cruise 2021 collection live from Puglia.

Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri traces her paternal roots to Puglia in south-eastern Italy, which she chose as the backdrop for the unveiling of Dior Cruise 2021 collection. With its mix of architectural styles and influences from Ancient Rome and Baroque era, the creative expressions of the land has been reinterpreted and presented for the show to reflect the passions that shaped the collection.

Start time: 23 July 2020 | 2:45 AM (HKT)

The post Livestream: Front Row at Dior’s Cruise 2021 Show appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Kim Jones helmed Dior Men’s seasonal range will be walking down the runway in a few. The collection is said to pay tribute to British stylist and jeweller, Judy Blame. Livestream Dior Men’s Fall/Winter 2020 Paris Fashion Week Runway above.

Start time: 18 January 2020 | 1:30 AM (HKT)

The post Livestream: Dior Men’s FW20 Collection appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.