As a musician who's been doing a lot of live streaming and video content creation, I want to share three essential tools that have dramatically improved my live stream concert performances, especially during these pandemic times. While many musicians are simply setting up cameras in their living rooms or bedrooms - which I understand is quick and convenient - there are some simple ways to make your streams more visually appealing.
First and most important are my studio lights, commonly known as "cowboy lights." I use a set of two umbrella lights on stands that come in a convenient carrying case. They cost around $60, but they're worth every penny because they dramatically increase the crispness of your appearance. While people often obsess about camera quality, lighting is actually more crucial - even the best camera won't help much without proper lighting.
Second, I use backdrop curtains. I have several different ones for various purposes - one for my music business videos, another for my guitar instructional videos, and I've just ordered another one for a new project. These backdrops run anywhere from $15 to $35 on Amazon, and they're fantastic for eliminating distracting background clutter that might take viewers' focus away from your performance.
The third element is my backdrop stand, which I recently acquired. It extends to about six and a half feet high and can be adjusted wider with an additional pole. Currently, I have it set at about seven feet wide, but it's fully adjustable. The stand costs around $30, making the total investment for all three items about $120.
What I love about this setup is its versatility. When my band Power Slave needed to shoot promo photos, I was able to pack up these lights in their carrying case, set them up in minutes, and create an instant professional photo studio. These tools aren't just for live streaming - they're great for promo photos, social media content, and YouTube videos.
By investing in these three simple elements, you can transform your live streaming presence from casual to professional, helping to engage your audience and potentially increase your virtual tip jar earnings. It creates more of a concert vibe rather than just looking like someone strumming on their couch.
