From: Greg Thomas, Jazz Channel Producer, TheStage.tv
Re: Thursday, Dec. 2nd Launch of the Jazz Channel of TheStage.tv
You are invited to participate in the launch of the Jazz Channel this Thursday from 7-10PM (EST)!
“The Jazz Channel experience gives jazz musicians a way to reach an audience of jazz fans directly, in real time, around the world," says Jazz Channel producer Greg Thomas. “And fans can enjoy jazz performances from the intimacy of their own homes for free, and can cheer, chat, add time, and even give monetary tips to musicians they like and want to support."
A preview showcase on Monday evening, November 29th demonstrated the process: musicians from New York to Argentina logged in to perform, got in line, as they would at an in-person open mic performance. Each artist then played or sang for at least four minutes, while viewers pressed the Cheers button, gave additional time, or chatted with each other and the musicians underneath the viewing screen. Based on audience response, the musicians saw their numbers rise on the Leaderboard.
The highly interactive scene was heightened by the musicians graciously acknowledging the previous performer and his or her song selection and rendition.
“Jazz musicians, whether amateur or professional, find their experience on the Jazz Channel to be fun and exciting," according to Thomas. “During the showcase, the musicians were clearly having a great time, and based on comments written during chats and via Facebook, the audience enjoyed the experience to the max also!"
As mentioned above, musicians who perform frequently and get good feedback from the audience will be eligible for the Leaderboard, which is a fun and competitive way to build an audience and earn cash every two weeks. (The top ten musicians on TheStage.tv leaderboard will be paid as described at the site.)
To perform, musicians simply need a webcam and a YouTube account. They can test the system easily, checking visuals and audio levels, by clicking the Camera Tester at the site (minimum 250Kbps upload speed). And for those on the cutting edge, the Jazz Channel can accommodate 3D webcams and the industry's first dual streaming/relay with video.
Regular performers on the Jazz Channel will be eligible for participation on Your Concert version of the site, which will also be available for record label showcases and for fundraisers in the non-profit community.
Performances are automatically uploaded to YouTube if the performer selects the appropriate option.
After the launch, the Jazz Channel will run on a weekly schedule of Thursday-Sunday, from 7pm-12 midnight EST.
Opportunity for Jazz Musicians:
- Perform live from the comfort of your own home or studio
- Expand your followers by increasing your online presence, voice and identity as a jazz musician
- Perform, via dual streaming, with a musician in a different location
- Link to a global audience of fans hungry for jazz
- Backing tracks are permitted, so you can play and improvise over existing recordings if desired
- Become a top performer at TheStage.tv Jazz Channel, place on the Top 10 Leaderboard, and get paid cash every two weeks
- Get paid tips directly into your bank account via Paypal
- Sell your music (iTunes and Amazon)
- Reach and gain YouTube subscribers
- Promote your events/tours and websites
- Automatically upload your performances to YouTube, and, if enabled, create MP3s
- Try out new ideas, concepts or tunes and get feedback before you play them on the road
Opportunity for Jazz Fans:
- From the intimacy of your own home, connect and communicate with jazz musicians playing live for you
- Gain exposure to talented musicians you didn't know about, and to musicians you.d like to hear more of, time and time again
- Experience dual streams, where two musicians in different locations play together in real time
- Share the excitement of jazz performance and improvisation in real time with family, neighbors, colleagues and friends
- Give feedback (via cheers and chat) to the performers; and if you like them a lot, give them tips via Paypal
- Subscribe to the You Tube channels of your favorite performers and get emails informing you of their upcoming performances on the Jazz Channel
Background:
Since launching in January 2010, TheStage.tv Main Channel has had over 30,000 performances by 1000+ performers, and 2500 YouTube subscribers as well.
TheStage.tv surpasses live streaming competitors by offering musicians a way to perform with other musicians via dual stream; segment performances and automatically upload to YouTube; extract MP3s of each performance; and get tips via Paypal. Compatibility with 3D webcam technology and better user visual and audio experience are other factors that place TheStage.tv at the leading edge of online entertainment. The future is here and now, and TheStage.tv is the place to experience it!
The Stage.tv is licensed by BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC for live performances of copyrighted material, and with the Harry Fox Agency for digital versions of past performances.
Call to Action:
Join us for the official launch of the Jazz Channel on Thursday, December 2nd (7-10pm EST)! If you miss the live performances, there are archival clips that you can access, but for the best Jazz Channel experience, be there live and tell your friends and family to visit the Jazz Channel!
Greg Thomas
Jazz Channel Producer
TheStage.tv
