Shaping the Future of Music: An Interview with Maureen Hanlon
In a candid and forward-thinking conversation, Maureen Hanlon, CEO of Digital Residency, dives deep into how technology is not just augmenting the music industry but reshaping its very foundation. Drawing on her vast experience, Hanlon reveals the revolution taking place as artists like ABBA and Whitney Houston transcend time and space with digital avatars, bringing their legacies back to life through holograms and virtual performances. She highlights KISS’s boundary-pushing virtual concert and its ability to engage fans in ways never before imagined.
At the heart of this evolution is “artist digital touring,” a concept Digital Residency is spearheading. Imagine your favorite artist not only performing in a sold-out arena but also existing as a fully realized avatar in virtual spaces like Fortnite or Roblox—a format that icons like Travis Scott, Marshmello, and Lil Nas X have already capitalized on, reaching millions of fans through innovative virtual concerts.
According to Hanlon, these immersive experiences are just the beginning. Artists can now step into limitless digital realms, where they blend virtual visuals with real-world live elements, creating hybrid performances that obliterate the boundaries between what’s real and what’s digital.
Hanlon’s enthusiasm for the possibilities of hybrid shows goes beyond novelty. It’s about democratizing access, she notes. Virtual concerts allow fans worldwide to join in, eliminating geographic barriers and offering audiences something both deeply personal and hyper-immersive. ABBA Voyage and the hologram tours of Whitney Houston and KISS are only the start of what Hanlon calls the “next frontier”—one where physical venues and virtual platforms collide to create something entirely new.
Pitching forward, Maureen emphasizes that these digital extensions aren’t just gimmicks or one-off stunts—they’re shaping the future of artistry itself. Artists will be able to create digital versions of themselves, opening up new revenue streams while connecting more deeply with fans through avatar performances, exclusive virtual meet-and-greets, and personalized content.
Avatars bring endless possibilities for creativity. They allow artists to experiment with personas, collaborate beyond geographic limits, and maintain a presence even during global events like pandemics.
Additionally, fans engage with avatars in entirely new ways, enjoying interactive performances and personalized content tailored to their preferences.
As this technology evolves, avatars are becoming a cornerstone of the entertainment industry, merging the physical and digital worlds to redefine the future of show business.
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