Ten years ago, a small-scale show was far from glitzy. Musicians took to the stage with their instruments in hand, hoping that a proper spotlight would showcase their talents in front of the fans. With electronic and synthetic beats being transplanted into virtually every style of music – from pop to rock and every nook and cranny in between – it’s obvious that technology plays a big role in the music industry.
“I wouldn’t say the priority [of a lighting set] has changed as much as the bands themselves have changed,” Paul Massaro, production manager for Schubas and Lincoln Hall said in an email interview.
“A lot of bands now are electronic and aren’t playing traditional instruments so there is less to watch and the emphasis is on projections or lights.
The traditional bands are pretty much doing the same thing, but with smaller more affordable lighting packages.”
Lighting has always played a major role in electronic music and DJ sets, but what about during the day time? Major festivals that take place during the summer have sunlight until, generally, the headlining set. For DJs playing in the afternoon, or even around 6 p.m., there isn’t much to look at on stage. For these artists, LED screen technology has helped dramatically.
But as more electronic-based music is taking over tiny venues and major festivals, even the smallest bands are including a light set in their performance. Some musicians are even taking it in their own hands to create a totally unique light show fitted to their style.
“Active Child had a really cool DIY setup that they bring on tour,” Massaro said. “It was all self contained and run off a computer which was synced with their music so they could tour without the expense of a Lighting Director. It was a bunch of small LED placed around the floor of the stage along with a laser shooting behind the band. It made their show seem really professional and well presented.”
After LED lighting made its way into the hands of the music industry, it became even easier for musicians and venues to consider an artistic show to accompany the music. LED lights can change colors, are energy efficient, affordable and can last a considerably long period of time without burning out.
“Lights are becoming interesting with all of the LED technology. They are really fast, light, and able to do what old bulb type lights could do and more. There are lights that can now do pixel mapping or have graphics on the fixture itself like little bright TVs,” Massaro said in reference to changes in lighting.
“Also the big LED screens have become a big part of bigger shows but are out of reach for smaller venues which tend to use projectors to accomplish a similar effect but without the brightness.”
The music industry is constantly evolving and musicians that are able to keep up with burgeoning technology may be the ones that stick out from the pack. As Massaro ended his interview: “the old saying ‘Nobody is going home humming the lights’ has now changed to ‘the lights were awesome for Daft Punk.’”
