Insight: Animated Concerts Are Skyrocketing In Popularity

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Whenever I hear about bands or musicians complaining that “downloading has ruined the music industry”, very clearly that’s someone who doesn’t understand the economics of the modern-day music industry. Is it true that you can’t stay at home and just collect royalties from album sales anymore because streaming royalties pay less that CD sales once did? Yes. But, if you’re an artist that tours the money is doing just fine (even if travel costs have increased) and Gen Z audiences are coming out to shows in droves in more ways than one.

In 2024, live attendance by Gen Z audiences at concerts increased by 22% year over year from 2023 though overall attendance is down by less than 1% mainly due to fewer millennials going to concerts. Also, the way people are going to concerts is changing and if you’re a music artist not adapting to these trends, then you’re going to be left in the dust.

Companies like PulseJet Studios are leading the charge by producing concerts in VR-immersive worlds. In a time when entertainment is becoming more of an interactive experience, PulseJet Studios is at the forefront, blending virtual reality technology with high-quality 3D animation to transport music fans to a new dimension. The PulseJet team partners with music artists to design and produce virtual reality music videos, prioritizing the story behind each song and using art to make the viewer part of the music.

The team is currently designing new elements for and remastering the VR album, Vulnicura, by Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk. Advancements in both virtual reality and animation technology in the time since the original was released has opened a world of possibilities for the piece, set to be released this summer.
Gaming live-services like Fortnite and Roblox are teaming with artists like Lil Nas X, Ariana Grande, Travis Scott, Marshmello, Lizzo, Charli XCX and more to offer up in-world concert experiences where ticket sales could potentially be endless because artists don’t have to worry about max capacity or number of seats. Other platforms like Meta’s Horizon Worlds, AmazeVR, and WaveXR are leading the charge in bringing VR concerts to the masses

While VR concerts are unlikely to completely replace traditional live performances, they are poised to become a significant part of the music industry. They offer a complementary experience, expanding the reach of artists and providing fans with new and exciting ways to engage with their favorite music.  

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect VR concerts to become even more immersive and interactive. Improved haptic feedback, higher-resolution visuals, and more sophisticated social features will further blur the lines between virtual and physical reality.

The future of live music is likely to be a hybrid, with VR concerts playing an increasingly important role in connecting artists and fans in new and innovative ways. It’s a digital frontier where the boundaries of performance are constantly being redefined, offering a glimpse into the exciting potential of the metaverse.

About John Schwarz

John is the Chief Editor and Founder of Bubbleblabber.com. While at first a part-time project, Bubbleblabber quickly grew into a full-fledged operation and officially became a company in 2014. When John isn't running a business full-time, he likes to go to concerts with your mother.