Month: November 2024

Is it possible to host simultaneous music events in multiple cities with the same headliner? The IMMERSIONS project shows exactly that! With advanced live-streaming technology and a commitment to an eco-friendly future, we’re bringing electronic music to an entirely new level.

As the project’s strategic partner, at Electrum we are fueling these innovations with low-emission solutions that not only redefine event organization but also open new opportunities for music scenes in areas far from major cultural centers. “It’s a way to combat cultural exclusion,” Jędrzej Dondziło explains. He’s a local music promoter and IMMERSIONS representative in Poland. “People in places without a well-established club infrastructure or with limited cultural offerings have to no longer wait for artists to travel to them.”

IMMERSIONS Project: The European Hybrid Music Network for Cultural Peripheries

The heart of the project is a mobile truck equipped with a container that doubles as both a stage and a broadcast center. This setup allows events to be hosted practically anywhere, from smaller cities to remote locations where club infrastructure may be limited or nonexistent. “With our truck, we can go anywhere, even to places without clubs, and host events. We can also receive broadcast signals from other cities and stream them locally,” says Jędrzej. “All our partners come from the periphery of Europe, from the periphery of the electronic music scene, and that’s a key element of the project – unifying forces to bolster the resilience and growth of local music scenes.”

So how does it all work? The project’s hybrid technology enables simultaneous events with the same headliner in different cities. Recently, three such events were held in Białystok, Vilnius and Porto. Though only physically present in Białystok, Berlin-based DJ, Mary Yuzovskaya, performed at the same time in each of these cities. Her set was broadcast live to Vilnius and Porto, creating both digital and fully immersive experience.

“A single camera shot of the performer is transmitted to the other locations,” Jędrzej explains. “DJ appears at a 1:1 scale on large screens in the receiving cities, with no noticeable latency and exceptionally high-quality sound. When the lighting, stage design and a bit of smoke are all configured just right, we create the illusion of the artist’s presence in the room.” The broadcast signal originates from the truck, which acts as the stage for IMMERSIONS’ hybrid events. “This setup can be deployed almost anywhere, as long as a few (seemingly simple) requirements are met – a matte black backdrop, a camera mounted in the right spot, and a stable Internet connection.”

Photo: Krzysztof Karpińśki

You Don’t Need a Physical DJ to Enjoy the Music

The concept behind the project addresses the idea that, in a club setting, the focus should be on the music itself—not just the person selecting it—especially when the event is designed for a dedicated community of music enthusiasts. And it’s precisely this sense of community connection that the IMMERSIONS project aims to foster.

Historically, DJs and their setups weren’t always located in the same room as the event itself. DJ booths were often tucked away in less visible spots rather than positioned center stage, and DJs frequently played with their backs to the crowd. IMMERSIONS draws on this tradition and takes it a step further – removing the artist from the room physically but placing them there digitally. This shift doesn’t compromise the musical experience in any way – the sound quality is outstanding, and the bass can still be felt deep in your bones

Solar Panels and Energy Storage for Low-Emission Events

The push for these solutions has undoubtedly been fueled by the pandemic. Travel restrictions and club closures highlighted the need for alternative ways to experience live culture. And speaking of travel, IMMERSIONS also tackles environmentally harmful practices, such as constant flying. With broadcast technology, artists can perform in multiple cities simultaneously without needing to travel. “It’s a fight against practices that come at a high cost to our planet,” Jędrzej explains.

Electrum is backing the project’s green dimension, aiming to make the truck entirely sustainable. Plans include installing solar panels and energy storage units that will power entire events with green energy, stored directly on the truck. “Our ambitious goal is to power the entire event solely with renewable energy,” Jędrzej emphasizes. “Even in a minimal setup, the truck could support several hours of podcast recording and, if needed, connect to the grid. Additionally, as a backup, we plan to equip the truck with a small, low-emission gas generator—rather than a standard diesel engine—to further reduce its environmental impact.”

Altogether, IMMERSIONS presents an innovative response to challenges in electronic music and club culture. It not only opens new doors for developing music scenes in underserved areas but also brings sustainable practices into the world of live events. It’s a testament to how technology, ecology and culture can intertwine to create a future that’s accessible to everyone, no matter where they live.

IMMERSIONS Project: A Collaborative Network Supporting Equal Access to Music Culture

IMMERSIONS – the European Hybrid Music Network for Cultural Peripheries – links Białystok, Vilnius, and Porto through this innovative initiative. The project is a collaboration between independent organizations in the electronic music scene: FOMO_ (Poland), Gare (Portugal), and Kablys (Lithuania). IMMERSIONS aims to provide equal opportunities for artists from Europe’s peripheries and to create more accessible and sustainable ways to participate in music events. By using advanced live-streaming technology, artists can perform in multiple cities simultaneously, reducing the need for travel and the associated carbon footprint. The project also offers free workshops and events that empower local music communities and promote new forms of artistic collaboration. For more information and an event schedule, visit the project’s website.