Brian Silas: The Challenges of Online Performances During Lockdown

The transition from live performances to digital platforms has been a challenging experience for many artists during the pandemic. For veteran pianist Brian Silas, adapting to online shows required not only learning new digital tools but also adjusting to the unfamiliar experience of performing without a physically present audience.

Silas recounts how the lockdown forced him to explore Facebook as a platform for live streaming his music. Initially, the transition was far from smooth. Neither he nor his wife was well-versed in digital platforms, and they relied on their neighbor’s granddaughter to help them navigate this new world. The biggest hurdle for Silas was performing in front of a camera, without the immediate feedback and reactions of a live audience. "It was like playing to the wall," he recalls, emphasizing the stark difference from traditional live performances.

Despite these challenges, Silas chose to persist with online music making, recognizing that the ongoing pandemic had severely limited opportunities for live events. Over time, he became more comfortable with the format, and what initially felt alien began to transform into a new kind of interactive experience. He started to engage more with his online audience, who would send in requests and messages, reminiscent of a radio jockey taking dedications from listeners.

Reflecting on this new journey, Silas found a silver lining: the opportunity to play and revive many old, cherished classics that had fallen out of the mainstream. The positive feedback from his online audience exceeded his expectations, providing a sense of fulfillment even in the absence of a physical crowd.

As he now prepares for regular monthly online shows, Silas acknowledges that while digital performances have their own rewards, they can never fully replace the unique joy of playing for a live audience. The connection, energy, and immediacy of a live performance remain irreplaceable, even as professional music composers like Silas continue to adapt to the new normal amid the covid-19 impact on the music industry.

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