Forget passively sitting in teh dark. A new wave of interactive concerts is hitting the scene, adn Montreal’s “C’est quoi ta toune?” is leading the charge. Launching this august, this innovative show puts the audience in the driver’s seat, letting them choose the songs, shout-outs, and even the themes of the performance. could this be the future of live music, and will it translate to the U.S.concert scene?

One potential counterargument is that some concertgoers prefer a more passive experience, simply wanting to sit back and enjoy the music without having to actively participate. Though, “C’est quoi ta toune?” caters to a different audience – those who crave interaction and a sense of ownership over the performance. This targeted approach allows the show to create a highly engaging and memorable experience for its intended audience.

The success of “C’est quoi ta toune?” could pave the way for similar interactive concerts in the U.S., perhaps transforming the live music landscape. Imagine attending a stadium show where fans vote on the next song via a mobile app, or a theater performance where the audience chooses the ending. The possibilities are endless.

Unlock the Future of Music: An Interview with an Expert on Interactive Concerts

Imagine a concert where you choose the songs,shout-outs,and even the themes. This isn’t a dream; it’s the reality of interactive music experiences like Montreal’s “C’est quoi ta toune?” launching this August. To delve deeper, we spoke with Dr. Evelyn Reed, a leading academic in the field of audience participation in the performing arts and the author of “From Stage to Screen: The Evolution of Audience Agency.” Let’s explore the core concepts driving this musical revolution.

World Today News: dr. Reed, thank you for joining us. To start us off, how considerably does an interactive format like “C’est quoi ta toune?” transform the customary concert experience?

Dr. Reed: “The change is nothing short of revolutionary. historically, concerts have been a unidirectional experience. The audience is largely a passive recipient, a watcher. But with “C’est quoi ta toune?” and similar interactive shows, the audience becomes an active participant.They’re no longer just observers but collaborators, shaping the narrative and the very fabric of the performance. This shift from passive consumption to active creation fundamentally alters the emotional connection to the music and creates a much more personalized and memorable experience. Think of it as moving from watching a movie to stepping into the storyline.”

This shift echoes the growing trend of personalized entertainment that’s already taken hold in other sectors. Think of services like Netflix or Hulu, which use algorithms to suggest content tailored to individual viewing habits. Or consider the rise of “choose your own adventure” style video games, where players directly influence the narrative’s outcome. The move towards interactive concerts is a natural extension of this desire for a more customized and engaging experience.

World today news: This interactive approach is described as mirroring trends in personalized entertainment. What are some specific examples of these developments, both in North America and Europe, and how effectively do they translate to live music?

Dr. Reed: “The desire for personalized experiences is booming. In the US,we’ve seen the rise of customizable streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music—creating personalized playlists. There are also interactive museum exhibits. In Europe, we have similar examples of customized experiences–from personalized tourist itineraries to interactive art installations. The translation to live music is a natural extension, a logical evolution. Live music, at its core, is about connection. Giving the audience agency creates a deeper sense of connection, fostering a sense of community and shared ownership over the musical experience.”

In the U.S., the popularity of karaoke nights and open mic events demonstrates a pre-existing desire for audience participation in music. Interactive concerts simply take this concept to a larger scale, offering a more structured and technologically advanced way for fans to engage with their favorite artists.

• Customizable Setlists: Audience members can make requests,vote on the next song,or even suggest themes,creating unexpected turns.
• Personalized Experiences: The artists can shout out individuals or groups, enhancing the connection between performer and audience.

World Today News: The article highlights the importance of a skilled director, like Joël Legendre, in managing an interactive concert.What specific skills and experience are most crucial for directing such a show, and what challenges does this present?

Dr. Reed: “Directing an interactive concert poses unique challenges, and the director is crucial to its success. A director must have the ability to balance structure and improvisation. Here’s why: An interactive surroundings brings unpredictability. The director must have strong improvisational skills, the ability to think on their feet, and to react skillfully to unexpected audience input.Secondly, the director must curate a well-rounded experience.”

think of it like a seasoned improv comedian leading a show. They have a general framework in mind, but they’re also prepared to roll with the punches and incorporate audience suggestions seamlessly. This requires a unique blend of artistic vision and swift-thinking adaptability.

• strong Communication & Empathy: The director must skillfully react to unexpected cues or requests.
• Technical Proficiency: Understanding the technology or the interactive platform being used.
• Musical Knowledge The director must understand how to structure the performance, manage the flow of data, and create a captivating experience when audience input provides the main content of the show.

World today News: The article mentions the debate between passive concertgoers and those who crave interaction. How can organizers cater to both preferences, especially in a show designed for audience participation?

Dr. Reed: “This is a interesting, relevant point. Creating a triumphant interactive concert isn’t about alienating traditional concert goers.It’s about tailoring the experience. One strategy is diversification.Offer different levels of participation. For example, the audience can engage in interactive mobile apps, but certain parts of the audiences don’t necessarily need to.This way, there’s something for everyone – Those who crave involvement and those who prefer a more passive experience. Offering different experiences within a single show can increase engagement.”

This could involve designating specific sections of the venue for more active participation, while others remain for those who prefer a traditional concert experience. Alternatively, the interactive elements could be designed to be optional, allowing audience members to choose their level of involvement.

World Today News: as someone who studies these trends, what do you see as the most notable long-term impact of interactive concerts on the wider music industry, and in what way will this influence future concerts?

Dr. Reed: “I believe the long-term impact will be profound.Interactive concerts represent a true evolution. It’s where audiences find what they wanted most: to feel truly heard and to shape the story that is shared. As technology advances,we can expect even more elegant audience integration,through immersive visuals or multi-sensory elements. These technological advancements are going to dramatically change how music is delivered. here are a couple of my predictions:”

• hyper-Personalization: AI could create entirely new song arrangements based on audience preferences, in real time.
• Hybrid Experiences: Concerts could blend live performance with virtual and augmented reality, creating immersive worlds.
• Data-Driven Music Production: Audience data could be used to inform song-writing, creating music tailored to audience taste.

Imagine a future where AI analyzes audience reactions in real-time, adjusting the tempo, key, or even lyrics of a song to maximize engagement. Or picture a concert that seamlessly blends the physical and digital worlds,allowing fans to interact with virtual elements on stage through their smartphones.

World Today News: What advice would you give to concert organizers or artists considering incorporating an interactive format into their shows?

Dr. Reed: “My primary advice would be to embrace a culture of versatility and adaptability. Prepare for the unanticipated. Start small, experiment, and gather data. Consider pilot programs and use audience feedback to refine the experience. Be willing to pivot. Additionally, think about how this can create strong emotional connections, shared experiences, and audience-artist loyalty.”

It’s crucial to remember that technology is just a tool. The key to a successful interactive concert is to use it in a way that enhances the emotional connection between the artist and the audience,creating a shared experience that is both memorable and meaningful.

World Today News: could “C’est quoi ta toune?” or similar efforts influence live music concerts in the U.S.?

Dr. Reed: “Absolutely. the success of “C’est quoi ta toune?” in Montreal could serve as a case study. The same ideas can be transplanted to other cultures. The U.S. entertainment industry is always looking for the next big thing. I expect we will see many similar interactive concerts launch both on a big scale—major stadium shows—and in smaller venues.”

The U.S. market, with its diverse musical tastes and tech-savvy audience, is ripe for experimentation with interactive concert formats. From country music festivals to hip-hop shows, the possibilities for incorporating audience participation are virtually limitless.

World Today News: Dr. Reed, This has been a fantastic discussion. Thank you for your time,and this will be useful for readers.

Dr. Reed: Thank you for having me.

What do you think about the future of interactive concerts? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media—we would love to hear it!