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[Ask the Professionals] A Must-See for Those Who Want to Stream Videos at a Live House! Visual Kei Rock Band Makuhari Opera Will Teach You.
Creator stories
I've been curious about online events, but where should I start...? How much would it cost? What kind of equipment do I need? Where should I even ask for help?
There are probably more people than you expect who have such questions. When in doubt, ask a professional!
So, this time, we spoke with the visual kei rock band Metre Opera's En (Vo) and Ayame (Key) who are using ZAIKO to perform live streams!
Deeply connected with fans watching online
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
First of all, could you please introduce yourselves, Metre Opera?
En:
We are a four-member visual kei band that formed 14 years ago this year. Our unique feature is that we have strong elements of classical and heavy metal within our visual kei style.
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
When did you start live streaming using ZAIKO?
Ayame:
We started using ZAIKO last August, but actually, we had done a few live streams on Nico Nico Douga before that. However, back then, we didn’t show the entire live performance; we showed part of it for free, and those who were premium members on Nico Nico Douga could watch from midway. At that time, the live houses didn't have internet connections capable of supporting live streaming, so we were doing our best with the support of many staff members.
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
What have you learned from the live streams you have done so far?
En:
The feedback was much more significant than I expected regarding how fans who usually can’t come to live shows due to living in remote areas or overseas could now watch the live performances online.
Ayame:
Last year, we streamed from another platform just once that wasn’t ZAIKO. However, because that platform didn’t support overseas viewers, our overseas fans couldn't watch it. Because of that, we received requests from overseas fans asking, "Please find a way for us to watch the live!" Subsequently, we streamed on-demand using ZAIKO, and at that time, I realized that our live streams were indeed needed by fans worldwide.
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
It has been a year since you started live streaming with ZAIKO. Has your perspective on live streaming changed?
Ayame:
As I mentioned earlier, we had been experienced in live streaming for some time, and I also have had several instances where we set up cameras at venues for DVD live visual works. However, back then, I tended to think of the fans present as the main focus, which made the idea of fans watching the performance through streaming or video feel more like an add-on.
En:
However, since we were performing without an audience from August to December last year, I’ve come to feel more closely connected not only with the fans at the venue but also with those who are watching the stream.
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
During live streaming without an audience, the absence of fans affects the MC and other interactions, right?
En:
When there are no fans in front of you, it can look like you’re talking to yourself from an outsider's viewpoint, and you can’t engage with the fans during the MC. Therefore, I have to complete my sentences in my mind, which was quite difficult in the beginning. However, I've gradually gotten used to it as we’ve done more streams.
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
In the current COVID-19 situation, online activities have become more important. How are you interacting with fans in this context?
Ayame:
In the current situation, we can’t have direct interactions like we did during CD signing and handshake events, so we’re also conducting fan club events online. However, thanks to the COVID-19 situation, we've realized that we can reach fans who are not at the venue, so even after we can have full-capacity audiences at live houses, we plan to continue our online activities alongside our live activities.
En:
There are people who could only come to local shows before COVID, and there are also those who can participate now because it’s online, so I hope that we can continue for those people as well.
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
What kind of online events have you planned for fans so far?
Ayame:
When we released a single last February, we held a Zoom event exclusive to fan club members. In that event, it felt like a lot of fans were able to enjoy chatting online with us. We also did live streaming for fans who purchased the CD.
What equipment and budget are needed for live streaming?
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
What kind of preparations are necessary for setting up equipment and the number of cameras for live streaming?
Ayame:
Currently, we choose venues that have the necessary equipment for live streaming and generally leave the streaming-related aspects to the live house. In our case, we have experience with live streams, so we take the approach of entrusting it to trusted live houses and streaming staff.
En:
For streaming cameras, we usually have about four provided by the live house. If the number of cameras at the live house isn’t enough, we sometimes bring additional ones ourselves. However, as long as we can get footage from both far and close-up shots, I feel that having two cameras should suffice. Of course, it varies depending on how much the cameramen move around during the shoot and the kinds of footage we want to stream.
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
The visuals of drums filmed from above and drummer Hibiki's actions where the camera is aimed directly at him have left a strong impression at Metre Opera's live streams. Have you had a commitment to those visuals since you started streaming?
En:
In the past, there were times when we didn’t have a camera to film the drummer. However, with only two cameras, it’s tough to capture the drummer effectively. That makes it difficult to convey the world and charm of the band to the fans, so we started setting up specific cameras for capturing the drums.
Ayame:
Recently, drummer Hibiki mentioned how he feels delighted that he can be seen from angles that are not visible in regular live performances, saying, "I feel really happy to be seen from angles I usually wouldn’t see" (laughs).
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
By the way, how much additional budget is needed to hold a live streaming event at a live house?
En:
For a typical live streaming event, it's sufficient to prepare the fee for the live house’s streaming option plan. However, that can vary depending on the scale of the live house; if you keep it to a minimum, it might start from several tens of thousands of yen. Also, whether the live house outsources staff for the live streaming can significantly impact the budget.
Ayame:
If we use four cameras, as we do, and we arrange for camera operators, switchers, and sound engineers who are experienced in streaming, a considerable budget will inevitably arise.
Using Air Microphones to Capture the Live House Atmosphere
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
Having held multiple live streaming events, what advice would you give if another band asked you for tips on how to do live streams?
En:
Some sound staff complete the process just with line recording from the PA, but you can’t capture the atmosphere of a live house without setting up air microphones. Therefore, I want to convey that it’s better to prepare air microphones.
Ayame:
We always request our sound staff to set up air microphones specifically for streaming. They mix the sound they pick up with our performance sound for the stream, and that, I believe, is essential for conveying the live atmosphere.
Ayame:
Additionally, I want to emphasize that even if you’re not captured on camera, keep trying even if it takes ten tries to get it right (laughs).
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
Do the actions during streaming performances differ from those during normal live performances?
En:
In normal live performances, even if the execution is a bit rough, there are elements to the live experience that feel cool and get the audience hyped. However, with live streams, I feel that those aspects are more difficult to convey. Because of that, I have consciously focused more on making the performance easier to listen to than before, which is why I believe my vocal pitch has improved significantly over the past year.
Ayame:
In streaming performances, fans often listen repeatedly through the archives and provide comments like, "That part was different this time, and it was really good!" after the show. It makes me happy to know they listen carefully to even the fine details of the performance that I don’t specifically focus on myself.
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
How does the setlist for a streaming performance differ from that of a regular live performance?
En:
Some of our songs rely on the fans making noise during the live performance to work. For example, there are songs where after the fans sing in acapella, I sing solo in acapella and then the band comes in. Those types of songs can’t be done without an audience. Therefore, there are songs that have been left dormant for over a year.
Ayame:
Since this year, we have been performing to actual audiences, but the live in May unexpectedly turned into a no-audience performance. We had composed the setlist for an audience, so that was definitely a moment of panic.
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
Currently, you are performing hybrid live streams with an audience, but what benefits do you think there are to conducting hybrid live performances even after the COVID-19 crisis is resolved?
Ayame:
The biggest advantage is that fans who cannot participate in real live shows due to reasons related to the live house's capacity limitations or because they live in remote or overseas locations can still watch the live show.
The Strength of International Compatibility and the Flexible Ticket Management System is the Charm of ZAIKO
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
What do you think is the appeal of ZAIKO for Metre Opera?
Ayame:
Being able to accept and sell tickets in foreign currencies makes it very internationally compatible. For example, it's a fascinating aspect of ZAIKO that we can create events targeted at overseas fans from the beginning with a streaming time that differs from Japan's.
En:
Moreover, we have been streaming live events on ZAIKO for about a year, and we have not had a major streaming accident even once. This has been a great help to us.
Ayame:
Additionally, when there are many live shows, fans may find it hard to know where to buy tickets for the dates they want, which can cause confusion. In that regard, ZAIKO allows us to set up our profile page to summarize each event’s dates and display them together. As artists, we can guide fans to our profile page. The ease of managing tickets and the clear purchasing process offered by the flexible ticket management system is attractive for both us and our fans.
Metre Opera's profile page on ZAIKO
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
ZAIKO has a high-quality service called "+HD Audio" for those particular about sound quality. What are your thoughts on the sound quality of live streaming for Metre Opera?
En:
Regardless of whether it’s live streaming or live performances, from the stage, I always pay attention to the finer details, so I am delighted to see an increase in the sound quality of live streaming.
Ayame:
However, regarding live streaming, while issues like bitrate and audio information quality are important, the earlier mention of using air microphones to convey a live house's atmosphere is also crucial to create an experience for viewers as if they were actually there.
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
When we observed your hybrid rehearsal with an audience and streaming, you were discussing camera shots with the cameramen, and you were not only checking the audio but also the lighting thoroughly. Despite being a long-established band, it was impressive to see how you were adjusting the finer points even right before the start.
Ayame:
In these tough times, considering the fans who come to the venue and those who watch online, we really can’t compromise, which makes it natural to continue with such an approach. I am always grateful to the live house staff and streaming staff who support us.
En:
Even before COVID, we were dedicated to our live performances, but I feel that our attitude and commitment to each live performance and the desire to deliver to our fans have become stronger since last year.
ZAIKO Editorial Team:
Finally, please tell us about your future activities for Metre Opera.
En:
We will release our latest single "In the Sea of Endless Tears" on August 25.
Ayame:
From September, we will go on a short circuit tour featuring that single with a one-man show. This short circuit tour will also be hybrid with live and streaming, so please look forward to it!
＜Profile＞
Metre Opera
Visual kei rock band
Formed in 2007, active in a new formation since 2021
Vo. En / Key. Ayame / Ba. Yo / Dr. Hibiki
https://www.matenrou-opera.net
