Live Streaming for Musicians on Twitch | Creating New Waves in Music Discussion Podcasts
Twitch, the popular live streaming service acquired by Amazon in 2014, has become a significant player in the music industry. The platform's unique features allow artists to create a live community space, maintain creative control, and build a direct connection with fans.
Karen Allen, an author and consultant to tech startups in music and entertainment, is at the forefront of this movement. She is the creator of the book and online course "Twitch for Musicians," now in its second edition. Allen has held executive positions at the RIAA, Mobile Ecosystem Forum, and TAG Strategic, and she is also a Twitch streamer herself.
Allen recently discussed Twitch's role in music streaming on the Innovating Music Podcast. She highlighted how the platform enables artists to foster artistic freedom and close fan engagement beyond traditional streaming models. Twitch acts not only as a streaming outlet but also as a way for artists to build a direct connection with fans, which can extend into other ventures such as launching an independent record label.
Allen's experiences are evident in her work. She manages Megan Lenius, a top music streamer on Twitch, and features artists on the InRotation channel. Allen's own weekly live-stream show on Twitch evolved into a community that inspired the name and spirit of her label Vibing Out.
Despite the majority of Twitch's audience consisting of gamers, the platform also boasts creative and music channels. Artists such as EmmaMcGann and MarinaV can be found streaming on Twitch, engaging with their fans in real-time. The platform became especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, with music streams on Twitch increasing by over 400% at that time.
Allen also discussed the use of StageIt, another live streaming service, and the importance of using streaming software like Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). She emphasized the role of platforms like Stream Labs, designed for streamers, in facilitating this new form of music streaming.
Twitch's success in music streaming is not only due to its live community-building features but also its commitment to artist rights. Audible Magic, a rights management service, ensures that artists retain control over their music and creative output on the platform.
Stay updated with "Twitch for Musicians" by following them on Facebook (@twitchformusicians), Instagram (@twitchformusic), and Twitter (@twitchformusic). You can also find Karen Allen's book and online course on her website: https://www.twitchformusicians.com.
As the music industry continues to evolve, Twitch is proving to be a valuable addition to the traditional music industry channels, offering artists a unique platform to engage with their fans and maintain creative control over their work.
Technology plays a significant role in the innovative approach taken by Twitch, a platform that empowers artists to build a direct connection with fans beyond traditional streaming models. Artists such as EmmaMcGann and MarinaV utilize streaming software like Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) to engage with their fans in real-time, demonstrating the impact of technology on the music industry.
