Headphones Latest Audio School Trend In Dance, Live Music

Headphones at a dance show? At a concert? Yes and yes

. Two new sound trends for students of audio school to take note of.

Audio School Case Study #1 - A trend leading to a trend leading to a trend

London dance house, Sadlers Wells, generated a lot of buzz the summer of 2009 with its dance show, Electric Hotel, which was remarkable for its embodiment of several interrelated trends - the first of which one suspects of having given rise to the second; the second of which, of having given rise to the third; and, all of which, of impacting the future of students currently enrolled in audio engineering school. If this production is any indication, then graduates of sound engineering school will be more in demand as performance artists continue to experiment with sound in their shows.

The first trend embodied by Electric Hotel is the penchant for theatre in non-traditional, often industrial, venues. This particular production was staged behind Kings Cross station in London, in a building constructed expressly for the purpose, in an art deco style. Although, strictly speaking, this is not a sound engineering trend, it is still of importance to students in audio school. If you are in audio engineering school out of a desire to pursue a career in live sound design, then you may find yourself working in non-traditional venues such as this one. This is a career path that calls for adaptability and flexibility.

The second trend of interest to sound engineering school students? The pop up show. Pop up shows are surprise, usually limited run performances that appear with little warning, usually at non-traditional venues. Again, although this is not a concept that may be taught in audio school, it is still worthwhile for students to take note of it. Because after audio engineering school, you may find yourself working on productions where the ability to keep a secret will be one of your most valued talents.

The third and perhaps most important trend, at least from the perspective of audio school students, is the use of individual headphones. Electric Hotel, a Hitchcock-inspired production, takes place late at night. Audience members are invited to spy on the staff and lodgers at a hotel. A lot of the show is heard rather than seen: a robe drops to the floor, a telephone rings. The individual headsets convey a sense of intimacy, and help address any noise problems with the neighbours, especially given the later than normal hour.

But individual headsets arent just popping up in dance productions. They are even being used by recording artists in concert settings. Witness our second case study for students in audio engineering school:

Concerts in a bubble

Montreal turntablist Kid Koala was inspired by fatherhood and lullabies to produce a quieter, more reflective concert-going experience. This winter, his Space Cadet Headphone Concert went on tour. Audience members were given their own headsets, and their own pods in which to stretch out in. Could quirky initiatives like these become more prevalent in the future? These are questions that students in sound engineering school may want to ponder.

by: Rima Hammoudi

POST COMMENT

The Two Best Live Music Concerts Ive Ever Seen Music Distribution, An Indie Artists Bmw Navigation Has A Hard Drive For Navigation And Music Data Music Promotion Plus Points: Use Google+ And Sell Music Online Engage Fans On Facebook, Sell Music Online, And Profit Music Promotion, Sell Music Online, And Gain More Fans With Instagram How To Not Annoy Your Music Fans With Your Online Music Promotion Efforts Booking A Tour Means Music Promotion And Selling Songs Look For Easiest But Effective Options To Promote And Sell Your Music Rightfully Apply Innovative Tools To Sell Music To The Right Parties At Appropriate Time 8 Key Features Of An Ideal And Effective Music Distribution Deal For Indie Artists How A Music Distribution Firm Can Help You Adhere With The 4 P Music Distribution & Promotion