Concert Window Unlocks Live Music Revenue for Performers Online: Monthly Rent-Raising Series, Icons Playing Benefits, Bands Recovering from Burglary, and 14,000 Other Ways to Perform Online

Live music is a huge business; in 2014 it brought in a staggering $27 billion. It’s the only part of the music industry that’s enjoyed consistent growth in recent times. But it’s also the only sector that hasn’t made the transition online. Concert Window is changing that, allowing musicians to play concerts anywhere – from a club to an airport baggage claim area to a bedroom – and be paid for it without all the rigors involved in touring. Artists only need a laptop to broadcast the show and are paid the next day.

“Over time,” explains Concert Window co-founder Dan Gurney, “we believe that musicians will make ten times as much on Concert Window as they do at a physical venue.”

Last year the company paid out $400,000 to artists, with gross revenues increasing sevenfold in the last 14 months, building the community through word-of-mouth rather than advertising. The process removes so many of the uncertainties that constantly plague musicians. There’s no need to book shows months in advance, no endless hours of travel and set up. And it allows them to connect with fans who can’t see a show because of distance or disability. People can watch from anywhere in the world.

“We’re making live music more efficient and profitable,” says Gurney. “Musicians can play whatever and whenever they’d like on Concert Window. We have licenses with ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. After the show the artist receives a recording of the event for non-commercial use. They can also choose their favorite song from the broadcast and the site will create a highlight video.”

Each artist has a dedicated channel on Concert Window. It’s absolutely free; all they need to broadcast is a laptop with a built-in webcam and microphone. And with the new Busk app being released this February, it will be possible to broadcast with an iPhone or iPad, giving absolute flexibility. The artist has the option of making the concert free, allowing viewers to “pay what they want”, or setting a ticket price. Whatever the choice, viewers can watch three minutes before any ticket prompt. Those watching can also use a one-click system to give tips, which can increase artist revenue by up to 100 percent, and artists can offer “tip rewards” – unique items such as signed CDs or handwritten lyric sheets – for sale.

In addition, the medium offers instant feedback, as the artists see audience chat messages on their screens and can reply in real time – and those watching the show can also chat with each other. On Concert Window artists have a direct one-to-one relationship with fans during the show itself; allowing artists to see the internal thoughts of fans in real time. Each show payment contains a full breakdown of earnings, including tips and tip rewards. The artist receives 70 percent of the gross, with the remaining 30 percent going to Concert Window.

“It’s personal, it’s like a hangout,” notes Gurney. “It’s still a performance, but it’s also a conversation.”

And with over 600 shows on Concert Window during December alone, that’s a lot of conversations.