With live events mostly still on hold due to the pandemic, American digital media company Genius has been looking for new and innovative ways to fill the void. Enter Genius Live, an experiential platform with a live and fully interactive benefit concert headlined by Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa.
“Not only will fans be able to watch Wiz Khalifa’s performance and connect with each other on chat for free, they can also make special purchases in real-time that will directly shape the concert experience. Fans will be able to control the show by voting on the setlist, getting a shoutout, asking a question, or even appearing on the stream. Wiz will donate all proceeds to the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP).”
The online event will be hosted by Genius’ Rob Markman and featuring a pre-show DJ set by S.WHiT, Genius Live will be available to stream for free on the Genius Live platform, with concert simulcasts set to take place on YouTube Live, Instagram Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch.
Fans can participate by signing up for free at live.genius.com. Voting on the concert’s opening song began earlier today, and purchasing interactions at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT on Wednesday, July 8. Fans have the following opportunities to participate in the concert (all costs in USD):
Vote on the setlist: Free
Join the private watch party: $10
Ask for a shoutout: $100
Ask a question: $200
“From day one, Genius has built new ways for artists and fans to interact, always with a shared love for music knowledge at the center,” said Tom Lehman, Genius’s co-founder and CEO.
“Genius Live will carry that sensibility to the virtual live performance space. Artists make most of their revenue from touring and live performances, and with in-person concerts mostly paused and the industry quickly evolving, we want to provide a unique experience that empowers artists to leverage this revenue stream from anywhere in the world—certainly at this moment, but also beyond. To launch Genius Live with Wiz Khalifa, who has generously chosen to donate all proceeds from this inaugural event to B-PEP in his hometown of Pittsburgh, is a total dream. He’s a singular talent who has always shared a close connection with his fans.”
Genius plans to expand the Genius Live program in the coming months.
You can follow @Genius on Instagram.
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