My Entry Into the World of Live Stream
Author: Betty Ann Bryanton
[email protected]
Date: December 23, 2020
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Ottawa Jazz Happenings or of JazzWorks Canada.
Back in September 2020, when things were opening up a bit, I was asked if I’d like to sign up for a Zolas in-restaurant gig or a live stream gig. I wasn’t yet ready to enter back into restaurants, so I said, “I don’t know what a live stream gig entails, but sign me up! I’ll see if I can make it work.” I had no idea when I said that just how much would be involved!
The first question was, “Well, can I do a live stream with musicians each from their own home?” Very quickly, for a number of reasons, that was ruled out as not a viable option. So then I had to find an accompanist that was not only up to play in-person, but with the caveat of a 6 feet distance and masks (because it was, by now, too cold to collaborate outside), and someone who was up to the technical challenges that a live stream might involve. Trusty David Miller to the rescue!
So, the whole 6-feet thing means you need to keep your band small — which, of course, is better anyway for COVID. It also means you need a big enough space to accommodate the distance.
Luckily for me, Dave took on the initial challenge of figuring out the tech. He relied heavily on Chris Thompson’s excellent series of articles. (Thanks Chris!!) What emerged fairly early on was that in order to do a live stream you need to have a fast upload internet speed and, to this point, you might be paying for a fast upload internet speed, but not actually getting it. Hmmm… Anyways, neither Dave nor I had a fast enough upload internet speed. Now what?
Well, we had a couple options: (1) just do a pre-recorded gig (since not ‘live’, the upload speed would not be an issue), or (2) find some place with a faster upload internet speed. We seriously considered pre-recorded, but having read Chris’ May 13 article, we wanted more the ‘live’ experience, so chose this option as a backup. So onto option 2. Enter Ian Schwartz.
Ian agreed to help us with the live stream and enjoy the perk of playing with us too. Win-win! At this point, we learned that Ian is a glutton for technical wizardry! He took on the lead role of figuring out the technical details. There were many emails, meetings, conversations between the “Tech Team” — Ian, Dave, and Chris. I just tried to keep up as best I could! LOL. Ironically, though, once you figure out the details, it all seems surprisingly simple. But combining the gear of all the musicians, figuring out how it works together, trying different options, testing the balances to the live stream, etc., etc., etc. ... is no small feat! So, I’m super thankful to "My Tech Team.” <insert grateful smiley emoticon here>
Okay, so now to the real topic: the live stream itself! I really didn’t know how I’d feel about performing a live stream. When you perform in a restaurant, there’s an electricity that exists. This electricity is created by the hustle and bustle of the restaurant: the servers seating people, happy restaurant goers, the smell of the food, the din of the restaurant in action. Further, and most importantly, those of you who really like performing for an audience like it because of the direct engagement and feedback loop you get with a live audience. You come into the restaurant, you’re on a high as you greet people you know, and get to know some people you don’t know. You may get some song requests that you try to fulfill (sometimes with greater success than others, but people are always grateful you tried). As you perform, you see people swaying to the music, you see the smiles, the nods — all while people are enjoying a nice wine perhaps, good company, and good food. It’s a happy, electrifying experience.
Doing a live stream, you get to do the performance part, but you don’t see any audience. However, since we used Facebook Live, we could interact with people via the chat feature. We don’t see them, but we can feel their love and energy through their hellos, their comments and likes, and, my favourite, their emoticons.
So, do I miss performing live? Absolutely. I miss the energy. I miss the feedback loop between me and the audience. I miss interacting with the audience. As a side note, I realized years ago that I really like a performer’s interaction with the audience, whether I’m a spectator or the performer. As a result, I try to focus all my performances on the audience, which means some song choices may not be loved by the band but may be loved by the audience. Oh well. After all, why are you performing for an audience at all? I also miss being able to be nearby my band mates and sharing a hearty laugh or a pat on the shoulder. (I’ve realized during this pandemic how much I used to touch people — be it a little slap on the arm, a hug, a pat on the shoulder. I miss that, too.)
But, shhh, let me tell you something: I really loved the live stream experience. Yes, I love performing live and wait with bated breath to get back to it, but the live stream experience definitely had some excellent points in its favour.
Luckily (or maybe sadly, some might say - LOL!), I have the gift of the gab, so I had no problem interacting with the camera that was sitting in for the audience. I just tried to say and do a lot of the same things to the camera as I would to an audience. But two main points come to mind as benefits for the live-stream experience.
First, the quiet. Yes, I love performing in-person, but sometimes the din of the restaurant becomes more than just a din, and it’s hard to hear yourself or hard to emote the words of the song, in which case, I generally don’t do a ton of soulful ballads in restaurants, or I am prepared to change my set list on the fly according to the noise in the restaurant. (Sorry to all my accompanists! Haha.)
I’ve had the absolute pleasure to perform in several ‘events’: house concerts or ticketed shows. I call these ‘events’ and I categorize them differently than restaurant or hotel gigs. At events, the vibe is completely different. You have a live audience, but people are there primarily for the music. They still may have food and beverage, but there is an unspoken rule about being quiet during the performance and actually listening to the music, or maybe it’s the venue itself that encourages that vibe. (Pressed on Gladstone was one of those venues. Sadly, they’ve recently had to close their doors. You can read about that great café, where I performed several shows, in Alayne McGregor’s Centertown BUZZ article (page 4 of the Nov 12 publication).)
At an ‘event’, on one hand, it’s daunting because people are actually listening! So, you have to be more on your game, so to speak. It elevates the professionalism and the performance quality. But, what’s really great about an event is that you can choose really soulful or quiet songs that are super impactful because both you and the audience can hear every word, every little tinkle on the piano, every little brush move on the drums, every big fat bass note. In general, it’s way more about the words, the sensitivity, and the song delivery, for me anyways.
I found the live stream was very similar to an event, without the audience, true, but with the chance to really dig into the songs and not have to compete with the noise of a restaurant. Super great for the quieter songs like the requested, new-to-me Autumn in New York, which I performed for the first time at my Oct 20 live stream (which you can still watch, or re-watch, by clicking the link). Interestingly, many people told me later that this song was their favourite. That song may not have enjoyed the same experience and reaction in a restaurant.
I also received a comment from a friend of mine who said that she loves to see me live for the social aspect and the fun, and getting to give a hug and say hello, but that she actually preferred the live stream because she could hear every note; I wasn’t drowned out by the talking, and it felt like a private showing. That was nice to hear, especially since I didn’t know how people would like it.
But, a second reason why I really liked the live stream: the extended geography. I am from PEI and a lot of my family are still there. They never, or rarely, get to see me perform. Since a live stream is online, it was great for me to be able to share the performance with not only the usual peeps in Ottawa, but with family and friends all over. Some of my extended family didn’t even know I sang jazz, so this was a real treat for me and for them.
Also, some people I know are not on Facebook, so initially there was a question if they’d be able to watch. This is a benefit of Facebook’s live stream service. The watcher does not need to be a Facebook member, so that meant that even my Mom could watch. Yeah!
The extended geography not only allows your friends and family in other cities and provinces to watch, but anyone anywhere can watch your live stream! This is a great benefit to have new listeners hear you and perhaps show a continued interest in your music. People I would never have known or been able to reach can now enjoy my music.
Oh, okay, a third point why I loved the live stream: it is a lasting entity. This could be bad or good, I suppose, depending on how much you liked your performance — haha! But, when a person comes to a restaurant to hear you, it’s a wonderful experience but the experience is ‘one-time’. The next time they see you, it’ll be a different one-time experience. But with a live stream, it’s recorded and, if you choose (via Facebook live stream settings), you can allow your live stream recorded video to be available for posterity. This is also a great benefit because, let’s say, someone is in a different time zone, and to watch live, it’s not a good time for them; now, they can watch it whenever it’s a good time for them.
It also means that someone who missed the live stream can watch it the next day or even next month or whenever. Or if someone really liked the live stream, they can re-watch it as many times as they want. They can also rewind and fast forward to their favourite bits, and see the comments people made at the time.
Finally, as the performer, I can re-watch the live stream and use it as an analytical opportunity for ‘what to improve’ next time. In a restaurant gig, I may take some notes about what not to do / what to improve next time, but it’s just based on my memory of how things were. I don’t get to actually see me performing, to be able to analyse the entire performance. So, not only is the live stream a great experience, but it’s something I can learn from more easily.
In conclusion (remember: the gift of gab — LOL!), I definitely miss the joy and energy of performing for a live audience, but I also really enjoyed the attention to detail and the elevated quality that, I believe, a live stream experience demands (maybe that’s just me).
Post-pandemic, as Chris has said, and I agree, I will be back in restaurants, but now that I’ve realized the benefits of live stream, I may still do a live stream here and there. If you’d like to keep informed on what I’m doing when, by all means, sign up for my Events newsletter; you can unsubscribe anytime.
And while we’re on the topic of live streams… Please join me, David, and Ian for our next Zolas live stream presentation on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2020, 7-8 pm EST.
Finally, as this article will appear shortly before Christmas, let me take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season — cozy, peaceful, and warm. It has been a strange year that brought us fear, hardship, and isolation, but the tide is turning. Bring on 2021!
Betty Ann Bryanton
[email protected]
https://bettyannbryanton.com
https://www.facebook.com/BettyAnnBryantonVocalist
The first question was, “Well, can I do a live stream with musicians each from their own home?” Very quickly, for a number of reasons, that was ruled out as not a viable option. So then I had to find an accompanist that was not only up to play in-person, but with the caveat of a 6 feet distance and masks (because it was, by now, too cold to collaborate outside), and someone who was up to the technical challenges that a live stream might involve. Trusty David Miller to the rescue!
So, the whole 6-feet thing means you need to keep your band small — which, of course, is better anyway for COVID. It also means you need a big enough space to accommodate the distance.
Luckily for me, Dave took on the initial challenge of figuring out the tech. He relied heavily on Chris Thompson’s excellent series of articles. (Thanks Chris!!) What emerged fairly early on was that in order to do a live stream you need to have a fast upload internet speed and, to this point, you might be paying for a fast upload internet speed, but not actually getting it. Hmmm… Anyways, neither Dave nor I had a fast enough upload internet speed. Now what?
Well, we had a couple options: (1) just do a pre-recorded gig (since not ‘live’, the upload speed would not be an issue), or (2) find some place with a faster upload internet speed. We seriously considered pre-recorded, but having read Chris’ May 13 article, we wanted more the ‘live’ experience, so chose this option as a backup. So onto option 2. Enter Ian Schwartz.
Ian agreed to help us with the live stream and enjoy the perk of playing with us too. Win-win! At this point, we learned that Ian is a glutton for technical wizardry! He took on the lead role of figuring out the technical details. There were many emails, meetings, conversations between the “Tech Team” — Ian, Dave, and Chris. I just tried to keep up as best I could! LOL. Ironically, though, once you figure out the details, it all seems surprisingly simple. But combining the gear of all the musicians, figuring out how it works together, trying different options, testing the balances to the live stream, etc., etc., etc. ... is no small feat! So, I’m super thankful to "My Tech Team.” <insert grateful smiley emoticon here>
Okay, so now to the real topic: the live stream itself! I really didn’t know how I’d feel about performing a live stream. When you perform in a restaurant, there’s an electricity that exists. This electricity is created by the hustle and bustle of the restaurant: the servers seating people, happy restaurant goers, the smell of the food, the din of the restaurant in action. Further, and most importantly, those of you who really like performing for an audience like it because of the direct engagement and feedback loop you get with a live audience. You come into the restaurant, you’re on a high as you greet people you know, and get to know some people you don’t know. You may get some song requests that you try to fulfill (sometimes with greater success than others, but people are always grateful you tried). As you perform, you see people swaying to the music, you see the smiles, the nods — all while people are enjoying a nice wine perhaps, good company, and good food. It’s a happy, electrifying experience.
Doing a live stream, you get to do the performance part, but you don’t see any audience. However, since we used Facebook Live, we could interact with people via the chat feature. We don’t see them, but we can feel their love and energy through their hellos, their comments and likes, and, my favourite, their emoticons.
So, do I miss performing live? Absolutely. I miss the energy. I miss the feedback loop between me and the audience. I miss interacting with the audience. As a side note, I realized years ago that I really like a performer’s interaction with the audience, whether I’m a spectator or the performer. As a result, I try to focus all my performances on the audience, which means some song choices may not be loved by the band but may be loved by the audience. Oh well. After all, why are you performing for an audience at all? I also miss being able to be nearby my band mates and sharing a hearty laugh or a pat on the shoulder. (I’ve realized during this pandemic how much I used to touch people — be it a little slap on the arm, a hug, a pat on the shoulder. I miss that, too.)
But, shhh, let me tell you something: I really loved the live stream experience. Yes, I love performing live and wait with bated breath to get back to it, but the live stream experience definitely had some excellent points in its favour.
Luckily (or maybe sadly, some might say - LOL!), I have the gift of the gab, so I had no problem interacting with the camera that was sitting in for the audience. I just tried to say and do a lot of the same things to the camera as I would to an audience. But two main points come to mind as benefits for the live-stream experience.
First, the quiet. Yes, I love performing in-person, but sometimes the din of the restaurant becomes more than just a din, and it’s hard to hear yourself or hard to emote the words of the song, in which case, I generally don’t do a ton of soulful ballads in restaurants, or I am prepared to change my set list on the fly according to the noise in the restaurant. (Sorry to all my accompanists! Haha.)
I’ve had the absolute pleasure to perform in several ‘events’: house concerts or ticketed shows. I call these ‘events’ and I categorize them differently than restaurant or hotel gigs. At events, the vibe is completely different. You have a live audience, but people are there primarily for the music. They still may have food and beverage, but there is an unspoken rule about being quiet during the performance and actually listening to the music, or maybe it’s the venue itself that encourages that vibe. (Pressed on Gladstone was one of those venues. Sadly, they’ve recently had to close their doors. You can read about that great café, where I performed several shows, in Alayne McGregor’s Centertown BUZZ article (page 4 of the Nov 12 publication).)
At an ‘event’, on one hand, it’s daunting because people are actually listening! So, you have to be more on your game, so to speak. It elevates the professionalism and the performance quality. But, what’s really great about an event is that you can choose really soulful or quiet songs that are super impactful because both you and the audience can hear every word, every little tinkle on the piano, every little brush move on the drums, every big fat bass note. In general, it’s way more about the words, the sensitivity, and the song delivery, for me anyways.
I found the live stream was very similar to an event, without the audience, true, but with the chance to really dig into the songs and not have to compete with the noise of a restaurant. Super great for the quieter songs like the requested, new-to-me Autumn in New York, which I performed for the first time at my Oct 20 live stream (which you can still watch, or re-watch, by clicking the link). Interestingly, many people told me later that this song was their favourite. That song may not have enjoyed the same experience and reaction in a restaurant.
I also received a comment from a friend of mine who said that she loves to see me live for the social aspect and the fun, and getting to give a hug and say hello, but that she actually preferred the live stream because she could hear every note; I wasn’t drowned out by the talking, and it felt like a private showing. That was nice to hear, especially since I didn’t know how people would like it.
But, a second reason why I really liked the live stream: the extended geography. I am from PEI and a lot of my family are still there. They never, or rarely, get to see me perform. Since a live stream is online, it was great for me to be able to share the performance with not only the usual peeps in Ottawa, but with family and friends all over. Some of my extended family didn’t even know I sang jazz, so this was a real treat for me and for them.
Also, some people I know are not on Facebook, so initially there was a question if they’d be able to watch. This is a benefit of Facebook’s live stream service. The watcher does not need to be a Facebook member, so that meant that even my Mom could watch. Yeah!
The extended geography not only allows your friends and family in other cities and provinces to watch, but anyone anywhere can watch your live stream! This is a great benefit to have new listeners hear you and perhaps show a continued interest in your music. People I would never have known or been able to reach can now enjoy my music.
Oh, okay, a third point why I loved the live stream: it is a lasting entity. This could be bad or good, I suppose, depending on how much you liked your performance — haha! But, when a person comes to a restaurant to hear you, it’s a wonderful experience but the experience is ‘one-time’. The next time they see you, it’ll be a different one-time experience. But with a live stream, it’s recorded and, if you choose (via Facebook live stream settings), you can allow your live stream recorded video to be available for posterity. This is also a great benefit because, let’s say, someone is in a different time zone, and to watch live, it’s not a good time for them; now, they can watch it whenever it’s a good time for them.
It also means that someone who missed the live stream can watch it the next day or even next month or whenever. Or if someone really liked the live stream, they can re-watch it as many times as they want. They can also rewind and fast forward to their favourite bits, and see the comments people made at the time.
Finally, as the performer, I can re-watch the live stream and use it as an analytical opportunity for ‘what to improve’ next time. In a restaurant gig, I may take some notes about what not to do / what to improve next time, but it’s just based on my memory of how things were. I don’t get to actually see me performing, to be able to analyse the entire performance. So, not only is the live stream a great experience, but it’s something I can learn from more easily.
In conclusion (remember: the gift of gab — LOL!), I definitely miss the joy and energy of performing for a live audience, but I also really enjoyed the attention to detail and the elevated quality that, I believe, a live stream experience demands (maybe that’s just me).
Post-pandemic, as Chris has said, and I agree, I will be back in restaurants, but now that I’ve realized the benefits of live stream, I may still do a live stream here and there. If you’d like to keep informed on what I’m doing when, by all means, sign up for my Events newsletter; you can unsubscribe anytime.
And while we’re on the topic of live streams… Please join me, David, and Ian for our next Zolas live stream presentation on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2020, 7-8 pm EST.
Finally, as this article will appear shortly before Christmas, let me take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season — cozy, peaceful, and warm. It has been a strange year that brought us fear, hardship, and isolation, but the tide is turning. Bring on 2021!
Betty Ann Bryanton
[email protected]
https://bettyannbryanton.com
https://www.facebook.com/BettyAnnBryantonVocalist