MelodyVR announces the launch of Live from LA, a free live music series delivered directly into fans’ homes around the world, broadcast from a specially designed studio location in Los Angeles.
Starting Saturday at 6pm PST, with an exclusive show from global superstar John Legend, Live from LA has been developed to provide fans with incredible immersive performances from their favorite artists, while maintaining the highest levels of safety for both performers and crew. The series will also include performances from Machine Gun Kelly, Katelyn Tarver and The Score during the first week, with many more artists yet to be announced.
The studio setting means that fans will be still able to connect with artists in an intimate and engaging way. In advance of his new album ‘Bigger Love’ that will launch on June 19, John Legend commented: “Come and join me for a very special performance live from MelodyVR’s studio on Saturday May 16. While we can’t be together in person right now, I'm excited to share this moment with my fans."
In order to prioritize the safety of the team, artists and wider community, social distancing and safety precautions are rigorously observed at all times. Taking advice from third party specialist advisors, the following measures are taken:
Artists and performers remain in isolation for the duration of the performance, and do not come into contact with the public or on-site crew.
MelodyVR’s unique technology allows for our crew to communicate with artists and handle all technical and production needs from an entirely separate area. There is no direct, in-person interaction between artists, their teams and MelodyVR team.
Before and after each performance, the studio is extensively sanitized and cleaned using antibacterial agents, by a professional team.
Artists have a separate entrance to the building and to the performance to enable them to drive from door to door, enter the building, perform, and head home, with no cross-contamination.
There is a health and safety advisor on site at all times, to ensure the highest level of precautions are adhered to.
Live from LA seeks to bridge the gap between fans and artists at a time when tours and events are on hiatus, by enabling artists to perform with world-class production, while remaining in complete isolation. Through MelodyVR’s unique camera and production technology, viewers will be transported to the unique studio space to experience unique immersive performances. Fans are able to virtually stand next to their heroes and experience live performances without leaving their homes. The series is intended to support both the music industry and fans by providing artists with an innovative, personal way to perform and a viable alternative to in-person touring during this challenging time.
Performances will be broadcast on smartphones and VR headsets via the MelodyVR app (downloadable at on.melodyvr.com/App).
"I’ve really missed getting to play shows and perform my songs live for an audience” explains multi-talented pop singer, actress and songwriter Katelyn Tarver, “MelodyVR is a great way for me to get to do that in a way that feels really interactive and as close to the real thing as we can get right now! Music always makes me feel connected to myself and other people. I hope my performance can provide a little bit of that feeling for you, too.”
Anthony Matchett, CEO of MelodyVR said: “MelodyVR was founded with the vision of providing fans with a new and exciting way of experiencing the live music they love, regardless of their location, age or financial means. The current absence of concerts and festivals is extremely damaging to both artists and to the music industry, and as a company that’s dedicated to virtual events and immersive content, we wanted to utilize our unique technology to create a solution. Our new studio facility in LA provides a safe, innovative, creative space for artists wishing to reach their fans digitally while they are unable to perform publicly. I’m thrilled to be working with our partners throughout the industry, including artists, managers, record labels and promoters to bring this series of exclusive performances to fans”.
In addition, the series is generating funds for the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. In recent weeks, COVID-19 has devastated the music community, leaving thousands of music creators and professionals without work. The Recording Academy and its affiliated charitable foundation MusiCares have established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help the music community affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Artists revealed for the first week of Live from LA are as follows:
John Legend: May 16 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET / 2am+1 BST
The Score: May 17 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET / 2am+1 BST
Katelyn Tarver: May 19 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET / 2am+1 BST
Details of upcoming shows, including Machine Gun Kelly and many more, will be announced on the MelodyVR app on May 20.
