Live streaming saw significant growth during COVID quarantine in 2020 and it’s become clear that the format will continue to be a part of the live music business even once in-person concerts return.
Evidence of this came in January when Live Nation Entertainment acquired a stake in Los Angeles-based livestream firm Veeps and again last month when the two companies started equipping over 60 concert venues across the United States with livestreaming technology.
Now, France-born audio streaming service Deezer has emerged as the latest company to enter the livestreaming space, becoming what it calls a “cornerstone investor” in DREAMSTAGE, a US-based live music streaming startup.
Amongst DREAMSTAGE’s founders are CEO Thomas Hesse, a former President of Global Digital Business and US Sales/ Distribution at Sony Music.
The startup has delivered over 50 live shows since its launch in August 2020 and handles ticket sales and the delivery of the live audio/video signal to screens and devices.
DREAMSTAGE’s founders also include entrepreneur Scott Chasin (CTO) and Artistic Director Jan Vogler, a cellist and Director of the Dresden Music Festival.
The company says that the new funding from Deezer will enable it to “significantly speed up growth and expand its operations”, with the company also planning to offer live gig subscriptions in the future.
In addition, the platform plans to offer simulcast streaming opportunities for in-person concerts when live concerts return.
Artists can also sell merchandise, VIP experiences, and raise donations on the platform.
Elsewhere, Deezer says that its investment will help “accelerate the roll-out of DREAMSTAGE’s product, expand its range of content and grow market share”.
“We believe that DREAMSTAGE is the best live music platform on the market today.”
Hans-Holger Albrecht, Deezer
Deezer CEO Hans-Holger Albrecht, said: “We believe that DREAMSTAGE is the best live music platform on the market today.
“It’s well placed to become the ultimate online music destination for both fans and artists. Music fans can finally enjoy an authentic concert experience that is more than just a video call.”
Added Albrecht: “DREAMSTAGE and Deezer share a vision of supporting talent across a wide variety of genres. Live shows provide musicians with crucial revenue opportunities during these challenging times.
“This aligns closely with our mission to connect artists with their fans through our Originals projects, recorded sessions and editorial content.”
“We are thrilled and honored to transform live music for the long term with Deezer as a visionary entrepreneurial partner.”
Thomas Hesse, DREAMSTAGE
Thomas Hesse, CEO of DREAMSTAGE, said: “DREAMSTAGE is rapidly developing as a leading premium player in the thriving streaming concert business, creating unique moments for artists and fans to connect across the globe.
“We are excited to join forces with Deezer who share our vision to innovate and capture this massive new opportunity.
“Together, we will nurture and propagate the emerging Live Music Video format, and help artists grow and delight virtual audiences everywhere.
“We are thrilled and honored to transform live music for the long term with Deezer as a visionary entrepreneurial partner.”
Last month, Deezer and Brazilian video streaming provider and Netflix rival Globoplay signed a strategic partnership that will allow all Globoplay users to subscribe to Deezer Premium for free for 12 months, with a reduced monthly price after that.
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