With gigs likely to be off limits for the foreseeable future, artists are doing what we’ve all been doing – taking to the digital realm and essentially living there for the time being. Luckily for us, they’re putting on some pretty cool shows on a host of streaming services, everything from bedroom pop gigs and band practices to virtual DJ nights and request-heavy sets by big hitters. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite live-streaming concerts happening right now. Musicians, like most of us, are struggling now so if there’s anything you like the sound of, you could always buy some of their music, too.
Brendan Benson plays a song on Insta
The singer-guitarist (and Raconteurs dude alongside Jack White) takes to Instagram Live every day at 4.20pm his time to play a song. As that’s 1.20am here in the UAE, this is one for night owls only. Expect covers, old faves and tracks from his latest album, Dear Life. You can catch up with the performances on his feed and on IGTV.
Daily 1.20am, UAE time. www.instagram.com/brendanbensonmusic.
Diplo plays five weekly DJ sessions
The famed producer and DJ plays live five nights a week on his YouTube, Twitch and Instagram pages, with sets being based around themes each time. You can find details and links on his website. You’ll have to get up early though.
Tue, Thu-Sun 6am, UAE time. www.diplo.com.
La Blogothèque welcomes renowned singer-songwriters
France’s La Blogothèque, known for its videos of amazing, intimate concerts, keeps things going by offering live streams of top indie musicians (think Hamilton Leithauser and Andrew Bird) on its Instagram feed each day.
Daily 10pm, UAE time. www.instagram.com/blogotheque.
Radiohead streams a classic show
The critically acclaimed British band uploads a concert from its archives to YouTube every Thursday for fans around the world to enjoy. The videos go live at the very late (or early, depending on your point of view) time of 1am, but stay there so you can watch when you
get up.
Thu 1am, UAE time. www.youtube.com/radiohead.
Rufus Wainwright performs a song each day
The beloved American-Canadian artist plays a different fan favourite from his home every day to entertain you in your sitting room. Check out past videos and find out about the next set from the popular singer-songwriter’s official Facebook page.
Daily, times vary. www.facebook.com/rufuswainwrightofficial.
Third Man Public Access introduces cool artists
Jack White’s label hosts a different band or solo artist on its YouTube channel daily and tips you off on how to support them.
Daily 9pm, UAE time. www.youtube.com/OfficialTMR.
Rolling Stone broadcasts classic artists from home
For its In My Room series, the classic rock mag has dialled up some ’60s and ’70s legends (plus the odd younger artist) to perform acoustically from their homes. So far that’s included Graham Nash, Creedence’s John Fogerty, Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys and Sting.
Mon, Wed & Fri 11pm, UAE time. www.instagram.com/rollingstone.
