We all knew the day was coming and…it’s here! Virtual Reality is taking the world by a storm. It’s changing the way video games are played, transforming movies, and you can bet, it’s working its way into the music industry too. Ready or not…here it comes.
Virtual Reality is now our reality. Affordable customer technology has opened the gate and if you don’t jump on the band wagon, you may be left behind.
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual Reality (VR)is the technology behind creating a simulated environment through the use of a computer. The current recognizable component used to transform the experience is a HMD, or head-mounted display. VR is used in many games and is catching on in the music video realm now as well.
History of Music Virtual Reality
The term “virtual reality” was first used in the music industry in 1932 when Antonin Artaud published the manifesto – “Theater of Cruelty”. It was called that because it was a pioneer in the new format of modern theater where musical instruments were treated as objects on the set, changing sounds based on the alloys of metal and other innovative concepts.
Just a few decades ago in the 50s, Virtual Reality hit the scene, introduced by a man named Douglas Engelbart who was a former naval radar technician. During this time, computers were in their early days. They were huge and bulky and were used for crunching numbers. Engelbart saw computers outside the box though. He envisioned them as tools for displaying graphics and texts in addition to the crunching of numbers – just as they are today.
In 1960, a form of virtual reality hit the theaters called “Sensoroma”. The audience experienced the movies with all their senses. Chairs moved. Odors were emitted. State-of-the-art speakers were used. The flicks were a full-body experience.
VR headsets became a thing in 1969 when a reality computer artist began to develop “artificial reality”, a string of computerized experiences that were artificially created to fell like reality. In recent years, VR has been perfected for video games and now, the race is on to bring the technology to other realms as well.
Just as Araud’s philosophy had a major impact on the way sound is delivered and Engelbart’s futuristic thoughts came to pass, Virtual Reality will one day be the norm and will no doubt change forever the way sound and visuals are impact audiences.
Music and VR
Music is an ever-evolving industry. The audience craves he intense screentime and the ultimate in sound. They want to be immersed. Virtual Reality encompases both visuals and sound so it only makes sense to give users what they want. Doesn’t it?
It’s not that easy. It will be though. As technology progresses, the goal is always to uncomplicate it. VR apps are already available although VR is still in its formative years. That simply means you can get by without implementing it into your music. But…only for a time.
VR music involves the computer screen but also liver performances. There will be a day that, much like what’s available in theaters today, music concerts will be set up as Virtual Reality events.
While the concept may sound intimidating right now, imagine the possibilities. You’re playing a song about being tossed around like an ocean and suddenly, your audience find themselves in a boat in the middle of the sea. They are rocking to the rhythm of your tune with sharks swimming about and the sun beating down. They fell wet and maybe even a bit sea sick. The power you will have at your fingertips is unimaginable. Of course it will only be available for those who are willing to accept the cutting-edge technology and venture out. It won’t be for everyone…just the winers.
When the world changed over to computer technology, not everyone was ready. Those who weren’t we no longer hear of. The same was true when desktop setups transformed to cell phone screens. Those that had listened to technology experts who said cell phones were the new wave of the future made the cut. Now, there’s a newcomer on the scene – Virtual Reality. Will you reap the rewards of keeping up with the times or possibly even being a step ahead?
What’s in Store for Music VR?
At present, music VR apps are mere elaborate toys with VR drum kits that sound too average and sound-to-graphics visualizations that pay with you to reveal a supposed VR generated wonderland. VR in video gaming is already incredible so you know it’s right around the corner that music VR will catch up. You can bet there are many sound and visual engineers working behind the scenes and perfected aps will surface soon just as has been the case with computer users turning to cell phone users and so on.
Possibly the most advanced music VR app presently is “Drops…Rhythm Garden”. The program highlights features created by objects and structures onto which drops of liquid are dripped. The shapes and materials are used to influence the sounds and pitches that are produced when a drop strikes a surface.
In Tune with the Future
The music world will never slow down. It dances to the beat of its own drum. As a musician, the more you embrace the changes and roll with them, the better your chances of not only surviving, but of thriving too will be.
Where will it go from here? No one can really say. All we can do is to be prepared because when it comes to the music world, it will arrive like a storm and it’s sink or swim.
As VR advances, more forward focused music marketing companies will master the technology and offer it as an option. For now, it’s the willingness to be open to the new technology that’s the most important thing. The rest will come about later and you can bank on that.