As many of you are no doubt aware, Second Life is a successful online 3D virtual world (developed by Linden Labs) which is built and owned by its 'residents'. Fellow 'residents' retain the rights to their works which they can then buy, sell, and trade with other 'residents' in a thriving e-commerce marketplace.
Several notable musical acts (including Suzanne Vega, Duran Duran, and Chamillionaire) have already purchased 'islands' (land) within the Second Life world where, as avatars, they can stream their live music concerts to their fans in real-time. Playing a show in Second Life is done by sending a live music stream from the artist's computer to a Shoutcast server, and mapping the server's stream URL to a parcel of land in Second Life. People who visit the parcel in Second Life will immediately hear the live music stream. Musicians are also typically logged into Second Life at the same time as they are performing, so they can chat with the audience between songs and even take requests.
I think this represents a really creative opportunity for performing artists that leverages enabling technologies -- and further engages the relationship between artists and their loyal fans. Stay tuned as more artists take the plunge with a Second Life (no telling when the band The Residents will join ;), but of all artists it seems a perfect fit for their unique approach!).
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I've never thought in this way ...I've just wonder! Well written article.
I agree this represents a really creative opportunity for performing artists that leverages enabling technologies -- and further engages the relationship between artists and their loyal fans
Option trading
I'm so glad to see so many articles about Seoond Life music. In SL, I am known as Mankind Tracer. I was recently awarded the Best of Second Life 2008 Award for best live performer. I have been performing now for about a year and a half and recently did my 250th show in SL. I have a fan group now of about 1450 people from all over the world and it's growing constantly. My brand is recognized and I even sell clothes and other wears to SL residents. If you log in, you can ask about me and I'm sure you'll find at least some who have heard of me. In a sea of 12 million members, I take that as a good thing :-)
I mention all this in answer to your question Agnethe, so I can offer a resounding YES! I perform live at every single show. My "inworld" group, the Friends of Mankind, offer solid attendance to all of my shows. I have reached a global audience I would not have otherwise been able to reach and thanks to the generosity of the SL residents, I have been honored by their continued support. On July 26th, I have been invited to Amsterdam to perform a Real Life (RL) gig which has been setup by my friends/fans.
I'm not sure I understand the second half of your question regarding costs to join. SL is free to join for a basic account. I have a basic account and have never spent a dime of my own money, other than that which I have earned in SL.
I see SL as a wonderful avenue for any style of artist to at least experiment with. As Kelli explained, streaming music into SL is quite simple. My tenure has proven a very solid springboard and after touring professionally for over 20 years, I am really glad I don't have to schelpp my gear around.
As Seth Regan, I gained fans by touring around to different physical locations. In SL as Mankind Tracer, I am stil in my home studio performing in Italy, NY, Paris even China, and meeting some very interesting people. It is the role of an armshair warrior but the battle I fight is of no consequence. There really is none if you know how and where to get started.
The people are vibrant, the scenes are breathtaking and the fulfillment can often be greater than perfomrming a RL show. I strongly recommend to any artist to join and begin a new Second Life.
Best of luck to you and yours.
Seth Regan a.k.a. Mankind Tracer
Hi
I just read your very interesting article. Just wondered if you might know if its is the real artists that's behind the computers when they perform? And how much a concert would cost if you wanted to join?
Agnethe