It took me awhile to put two and two together after watching Aluna’s YouTube performance video. A friend suggested we check it out and something happened as the last minutes ticked down on the 45-minute performance. I came to the realization that for the very first time in my illustrious entertainment-binged 2020, filled with escapism tendencies and a dwindling attention span, that I actually managed to watch an artist’s entire stream/performance.
Before I get to that I think I should get something off my chest. I love that artists have the ability to reach their audiences in their living rooms from their living rooms. It’s a great thing in lieu of the real thing, but here’s the thing: it’s a far inferior substitute. Now I might be a little jaded from working as a performer for a couple decades, I’ve played or produced literally thousands of shows through the years, but you can’t replace the energy, the vibe and the connection you get from a live performance. This year has made me realize that I took that for granted. Sometimes you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.
Lesson learned.
That being said, this was the first time a live stream caught my attention and actually kept it there for most of their performance. Also, I had a friend there at the time to share the experience with. A tribunal of connection between an artist and two people on the other side of the world. That’s pretty cool.
Moving forward I see a hybrid model coming to live events, especially in the case of demand exceeding supply and shows selling out. I’m not sure whether this performance was originally streamed live with some on-the-fly video techniques or tweaked in post to add a little razzle dazzle, but it works. It’s raw and intimate being broadcast from what looks like the bedroom of her flat in the UK.
I knew the name sounded familiar and then I made the connection. Aluna being one half of the British duo AlunaGeorge. One part Aluna Francis and one part George Reid, AlunaGeorge have been building a solid reputation for themselves in the electronic music world since their 2012 release ‘You Know You Like It’ with DJ Snake. I came across that track in the form of a remix by one of my all-time favourites Tchami. That’s a burner that should go in any DJs crate that appreciates the future house sound.
Their 2016 collaboration with Popcaan ‘I’m In Control’ was a solid electro-pop follow-up and their success has been bolstered by major tours opening up for the likes of Sia, Miguel and Coldplay. Recently, Aluna began giving signals of her desire to pursue some music paths that would be better suited to a solo project. You can check some of that here in the form of ‘Body Pump’.
I think there is a really bright future for Aluna in whatever sort of musical direction she focuses her talents on. You can get a good vibe for her in the Renaissance Royal Rave performance right here. It’s different, it’s intimate and a sign of good things to come.
Grab a bubble buddy and enjoy.
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JT James is a DJ, producer and writer based out of Vancouver, Canada. A veteran of the DJ and recording worlds. he has produced several projects in the genres of hip hop and electronic music under various aliases such as James Divine, Track Nicholson and Sandy Villanova. When he’s not on the decks, in the studio or staring into a blank word document you can catch him at the beach, hiking through the forest or telling people how much yoga can change their life. Look out for his latest project Wulvun and their debut single ‘Far Away’ streaming now on all major platforms.
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