We all miss live music right? It’s honestly been forever since we’ve been to a concert. For me? Last February to be exact – so sad. But, I guess I am pleased that at least our generation has limitless capabilities when it comes to sharing media and content online. While the seemingly endless virus created a physical disconnect between the musician and the fan, 2020’s social distancing restrictions allowed for artistic freedom, thinking outside of the box, and an opportunity to push creativity to the limit in an attempt to remain continuously engaged with supporters.
One benefit to being limited to actually performing in person, is that artists don’t particularly need to wait to be scheduled or invited to perform anywhere. The opportunities are endless! For example, if you’re a fan of K-pop fan like me, these artists/groups pretty much continuously perform “stages” all year long, bringing us a string of ongoing performances often unrelated to any specific concert, awards ceremony, or talk show. I’m glad that US artists are moving in that direction, and I feel like this situation was the push.
The impact of the pandemic was undoubtedly rapid, but scheduled shows still had to go on. I definitely remember the 2020 VMAs being one of the first (if not the first) major US award shows to be impacted. Changes were swiftly made, masks were mandatory, and a handful of artists actually graced a physical red carpet and/or accepted awards. The show managed to book and keep big names like The Weeknd, Post Malone, Maluma, Doja Cat, Lady Gaga, and more. This was the start of something different for live music in 2020, and it felt hopeful.
Not that I know this for certain, but with my own eyeballs I’m going to say that Gaga was definitely the first huge artist to embrace wearing a mask at a major event, both accepting awards and performing, dancers included. In typical Gaga fashion, this was probably most notable in my mind due to the complete and utter extra-ness of her masks of choice. I’m pretty sure the legendary voice-activated Bane-style mask worn during the performances will go down in history.
With Ariana Grande’s appearance adding even more to that historic moment, this also proved that two big artists could still share the same stage with proper planning and health precautions. Somehow they made it possible to bring the biggest song of the summer to the stage. On Planet Chromatica, the duo donned monochromatic latex looks, harnesses, and didn’t miss a step. If Ari can hit whistle notes live while wearing a mask and platforms – you can absolutely wear a mask to the grocery store! #maskup
In addition to award ceremonies, artists’ day time, and late night appearances were also impacted. But the lack of a stage or studio audience didn’t keep sisters Chloe x Halle, for example, from delivering one of my favorite renditions of their single “Do It” on “The Today Show” last summer. A “stage” is what you make of it, and who knew that a tennis court, a cloud-printed drop cloth, lots of ruching, and a touch of lens flare could create such a dynamic performance. It was perfect summer vibes: bright and sunny just like their angelic harmonies. Super cute; could have honestly been a music video. Not to mention the sing-along banner streaming along the bottom for some socially distant karaoke!
Another example of hitting the stage just for the hell of it, Tame Impala bringing 2012’s “Why Won’t They Talk To Me” out of the archives for a really dynamic performance. I feel like he was able to prepare a really unique take on the song, while also projecting a glimpse into his ways of working. The clip features multiple Kevin Parkers progressively incorporating each instrument and vocal layer into the song as it progresses – maxing out at almost 20 versions of himself all working in harmony.
From Dua Lipa levitating in Atelier Versace, to K-pop making it’s way to American late-night TV, “untact” and socially distant performances were honestly what got us through nearly a year of not being able to attend any concerts. So check out this playlist I put together, and I hope you enjoy it. (P.S. if I could have included BTS’ Bang Bang Con or Map Of The Soul ON:E livestreams, they would be listed here, too! IYKYK!) But these are just my faves that appeared on TV last year, so make sure to share with me what performances really stood out to you!