The Music Goes On: Fête de la Musique PH Goes Virtual This Year

There are no live performances and jam-packed physical events as of now — but Fête de la Musique is definitely not closing its doors to a music-loving multitude.

On the 26th installment of Fête de la Musique, the internationally-celebrated event that brings the perennial power of music to the fore, a unique and poignant experience awaits music fans.

The celebration, which goes live today, June 21, 2020 from 6:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. via the Facebook pages of Fête de la Musique PH, Alliance française de Manille, and B-Side Productions, will be hosted by nurse rapper and Fête regular Fatima Loo and will be top-billed by a strong set of French and Filipino music gems — jazz duo NoSax NoClar, avant-garde French-pop singer, DJ Charles-Baptiste, iconic OPM rock band The Itchyworms, folk music legend Cynthia Alexander, and 10-piece band Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas.

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The live music scene

From the stages to our screens, the new normal in the live music industry has swiftly shifted to the virtual realm.

Wilbros Live CEO and President Winston Llamas shared weighed in on the difference between live and virtual events on his recent stint on Wish 107.5’s Facebook Live series, Wish Connect. “Even if you have the best HDTV and you’re very comfortable at home, you know, by yourself, that you wouldn’t trade it to watch a live show with a VIP, front-row seat. Because by watching it live, there’s a difference with the energy the people will have around you,” Llamas expressed.

The same sentiment is further elaborated by Mr. Bogie de Guia, Ovation Productions’ Chief Operating Officer.

“The feeling is different when you enter a venue — when you see the setup, when you feel the audio hitting you, when you see the lights — you know that it’s not only you. You know that it’s your connection with your fellow audience members — you’re enjoying something together and that really makes the experience worthwhile. ”

With numerous festivals, concerts, and gigs held in abeyance, the pandemic has not just drastically affected people’s way of entertainment, but also the livelihood of many — including the passionate people working behind  sought-after live performances.

“We’re projecting almost zero revenues for this year. The industry totals about 284,000 workers — both project-based and regular. Imagine, almost 300,000 people with no jobs this year,” Mr. de Guia disclosed during his Wish Connect interview. 

To recapture the thrill of going to shows and festivals, music fans are resorting to streaming platforms to listen to tracks and watch concert archives of their favorite music acts. 

But despite the boom in music streaming, a report says that musicians’ income from it remain low. This financial challenges trickle down to the music community’s “direly affected members” — the roadies. 

For the roadies

Championing music’s power to ignite the spirit of citizen action in bettering the lives of people in need, this year’s Fête de la Musique PH will give nod —  and financial aid —  to the “most essential yet largely unrecognized figures of the industry” through organizations like Roadie Superstar and Roadies Club PH.

Indie Manila, a local music site which supports gigs and music festivals held  at small bars and music venues in Manila, wrote on Twitter how essential these men are in ensuring that concert-goers will always have the best live show experience. 

As part of today’s celebration of Fête de la Musique, Alliance Française de Manille also commemorates its centennial year in the country. This milestone signifies its continuous commitment to partnerships and collaborations to promote French-Filipino cultural relations. Visit www.alliance.ph to learn more.