“Beatstream” is a digital service from Manchester, launched in 2014 by Helen Fish and Matthew Walsh. The platform was designed to enable people to listen to live music online without needing to attend concerts in person. It broke down physical barriers, allowing artists and fans worldwide to connect and enjoy music in real time. Next on manchester-future.
A Brief History
In 2014, Matthew Walsh and Helen Fish from Tameside created the Beatstream service, allowing artists and venues to stream live performances across the country. Since its launch, music enthusiasts have been able to enjoy concerts and discover new artists through their smartphones. Soon after the project began, legendary Manchester musician and DJ Clint Boon from the band “Inspiral Carpets” joined Matthew Walsh and Helen Fish, becoming a director of the streaming platform.
The idea for such a platform arose from a prevalent issue of the time: the inaccessibility of live music for fans unable to attend concerts physically. The creators’ primary mission was to provide an opportunity to experience the magic of live music from anywhere.
What set “Beatstream” apart from other streaming services was its focus on exclusive live performances rather than traditional audio streaming. Fans from across the country could purchase tickets to exclusive shows, leave tips or donations, and watch their favourite artists live. This not only made concerts more accessible but also boosted the income of the artists.
The Role of “Beatstream” During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Since its inception in 2014, “Beatstream” has not only been an innovative and technological product but also a vital tool for supporting the British music community. Its revenue-sharing model allows venues, artists, and promoters to retain a significant portion of the earnings, proving invaluable for the live music industry during challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, when venues were closed to live performances, “Beatstream” helped artists and fans stay connected. The platform regularly streamed concerts from iconic locations such as “The Cavern Club” in Liverpool. Additionally, during the lockdown, the “Beatstream” team organised online broadcasts featuring local Manchester musicians like Clint Boon and Graeme Park.
However, with the near-total absence of live music during COVID-19, the “Beatstream” team decided to diversify its programme.
Expanding the Boundaries of Musical Performance in Manchester
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant threat to the music industry, with hundreds of artists at risk of losing their livelihoods. The “Beatstream” platform not only enabled live performances during this challenging time but also expanded opportunities for artists and their fans by launching a technology that allowed stars to stream ticketed performances directly from their homes or studios.
This technology introduced a completely new format for creativity. Thanks to these innovations, “Beatstream” allowed musicians to stay connected with their fans, expand their audiences, offer exclusive shows, and interact in real time, replicating the live concert experience. Additionally, it provided a safe way for artists to generate extra income or even establish a new, stable revenue stream.
Event organisation via “Beatstream” required no additional expenses, ensuring that both event organisers and performers could profit. The more concerts hosted, the stronger the support for the music industry, creating favourable conditions for its survival during the pandemic. This enabled creativity to persist until concert venues reopened and life in Manchester returned to normal.
Thanks to “Beatstream,” the internet was filled with live streams and online festivals during the quarantine. While no digital format can replicate the feeling of a live audience or the visceral energy of bass vibrations, “Beatstream” was the best available platform during the challenging quarantine years, providing vital support to the music industry.
The platform quickly garnered attention for its innovative approach to music and live performances. In 2017, the “Beatstream” team won the Best Startup Award at “Venturefest Manchester,” earning recognition for its potential to transform how live music is consumed.
By the 2020s, “Beatstream” broadcasts have reached over 50,000 listeners in various countries, building a loyal international audience. Moreover, the platform continues to evolve, aiming to expand its reach and diversify its genres, ensuring live music remains accessible to all.