ABSTRACT
In November 2022, the debut prototype of the Big Sand Live show used virtual production tools such as motion capture, LED walls, and Unreal Engine to deliver a remote, real-time virtual music performance to an audience in a physical venue. Music performances from avatars have been happening in physical venues for decades, but almost all of these performances have been pre-recorded, leaving the audience’s experience of ‘liveness’ reliant on elements such as fan interaction. Meanwhile, physical music concerts involving real-time live performances have stayed rooted in traditional models of touring and travel. Virtual production techniques can help to make virtual music concerts more ‘live’, by incorporating remote, real-time performance, while simultaneously giving performers opportunities to tour with less travel. This chapter is an artist statement from Big Sand creator Sally Coleman, unpacking her vision and ethos for the Big Sand Live show, documenting the technical process and creative outcome of the performance, and discussing how live performance and virtual production techniques can complement each other.
