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Living Music's Virtual Connection: Insights from Mitali Mookerjee, co-founder of CastRooms

Leeds-based start-up CastRooms, equipped with VideoCrowd technology, intends to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, offering a immersive, interactive platform for artists and their audiences.

Live Music Pioneer Mitali Mookerjee Discusses Blending Real-Life Performances with Virtual Reality
Live Music Pioneer Mitali Mookerjee Discusses Blending Real-Life Performances with Virtual Reality

Living Music's Virtual Connection: Insights from Mitali Mookerjee, co-founder of CastRooms

In the realm of virtual events, a new platform is making waves by bridging the gap between online and in-person experiences. CastRooms, a Leeds-based start-up, is transforming the way live music is consumed online, offering a unique and immersive experience that sets it apart from traditional livestreams.

CastRooms' success is built on its interactive VideoCrowd technology, which allows audience members to join a "videocrowd" where they can see each other live via webcam alongside the high-quality broadcast of the artist's gig. This shared social experience among virtual attendees mimics the feeling of being at a live event with friends and fans.

The platform also fosters real-time interaction between artists and fans. Artists can see audience reactions in real time, interact directly with fans, and even take song requests. This two-way interaction addresses the loneliness often felt in traditional livestreams.

Moreover, CastRooms integrates with the physical venue, with the virtual videocrowd being projected on a big screen inside the physical venue. This blurs the line between physical and virtual attendance, fostering a sense of togetherness.

CastRooms supports high-quality video streaming designed specifically for music performances, along with paid ticket options, allowing artists to monetize their virtual gigs effectively. The platform is designed to work on familiar devices without special equipment, making it simple and accessible for wider audiences to join and participate in the live music experience.

CastRooms is not just a platform; it's a dynamic, social, and shared event that shifts the virtual live music experience from a passive, isolated viewing to an interactive and engaging one. The platform is already hosting a variety of artists from around the world, including Femi Kuti, Mr Scruff, Afro Celt Sound System, Amber D, Rampage, DJ Ace, Skatalites, and Bimini.

The platform is also partnering with Manchester's Band On The Wall and other live promoters, venues, and labels, aiming to provide a sense of togetherness for live music online. CastRooms is looking to take away the anonymity and disconnected nature of traditional livestreaming, bringing the energy of a crowd atmosphere into online event spaces.

Queer House Party, an organization providing a safer space for LGBTQ+ people, is one of CastRooms' early adopters. The platform allows artists to develop authentic relationships with their online fans, sharing genuine moments together.

CastRooms is also working with the BPI and other organizations to become increasingly involved in the music industry. As the live concert livestream boom has slowed since the pandemic, CastRooms offers artists a new avenue to reach their fans and monetize their content.

The development of video call technology has been accelerated by the pandemic, and CastRooms is at the forefront of this evolution. The platform allows artists to share a high-quality video livestream link of their gig with followers globally, with options for paid ticketing.

CastRooms is currently seeking angel investors to help scale the service and build out their vision. The platform aims to keep the human experience at the heart of their platform, helping to keep music live and accessible. With CastRooms, the future of virtual live music experiences is looking brighter than ever.

[1] Source: CastRooms official website

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