TIDAL is making some big moves in the VR industry.
Just last month we told you that Jay-Z’s music streaming service has spent $7 million on tokens (‘SENSO Tokens’) issued by Sensorium Corporation – the in-world currency of VR “social metaspace” Sensorium Galaxy.
Today (September 16), TIDAL has announced that it’s teaming up with Facebook’s virtual reality platform Oculus on live, immersive, and “intimate” music performances in the Venues app (available on the Oculus Quest) and on TIDAL’s own platform.
This news marks the latest development in the rapid convergence of livestreaming tech and recorded music streaming.
Last month saw UK-based virtual reality music company MelodyVR acquire US-based Spotify rival Napster in a deal worth $70m.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, Amazon Music partnered with livestreaming platform Twitch (which is owned by Amazon) to incorporate Twitch’s live streaming functionality into the Amazon Music app on IOS and Android.
According to the release announcing the partnership, later this year, TIDAL and Oculus will livestream a series of immersive concerts with, what it describes as “some of the biggest names in music”.
Although no specific artists were named in the release, it claims that the “reimagined live performance experience” will make you “feel as if you are standing in the crowd alongside other fans”.
All performances will be available simultaneously in Venues and TIDAL.
The press statement adds: “As everyone continues to practice social distancing in order to slow the spread of COVID-19, TIDAL members and nonmembers alike can enjoy front row seat access to exclusive performances that are available in virtual reality in the Venues app and in 2D video and high quality audio on TIDAL”.
“At a time when livestreamed performances are seen as the new norm, TIDAL’s partnership with Oculus provides music lovers an elevated concert experience with more interaction and dimension than past livestreams.”
Lior Tibon, TIDAL COO
Lior Tibon, TIDAL COO, said: “At a time when livestreamed performances are seen as the new norm, TIDAL’s partnership with Oculus provides music lovers an elevated concert experience with more interaction and dimension than past livestreams.
“Oculus is revolutionizing the live music experience and matched with TIDAL’s HiFi audio quality, members will be able to remember what it feels like to stand in a large crowd at a concert venue.”Music Business Worldwide
