
Multiple artists have begun to implement XR, AR, and VR technology within their art.

Music can be quite soothing and XR tech is one means of introducing new presentation styles that are simultaneously visually awestriking. There is a lot of live music and people all around the world are able to access new technologically enhanced performances, new live performances, as well as new release music videos from some of their favorite or new artists as a means of passing the time. Additionally, Soundazed notes that this is one of multiple artists to collaborate with Vevo to produce original musical performances during 2020 so far. The technology is particularly fitting for this moment in which we are all forced to view live performances from our own homes. Similar technology was also recently deployed in Katy Perry’s American Idol finale performance in May. Related: 5 Of The Best CGI Moments In The MCU (& 5 Of The Worst) Goulding and her team, as well as others that have recently deployed the technology, have set a very high bar. Are the effects live or from post-production? The capabilities are alluring, and one ventures to imagine the possibilities of how diverse artists might apply it in the future, equally so within videos as well as within performance venues perhaps also within the theater. The beauty of the technology is that the videos are uncannily somewhere between ordinary reality and the type of CGI that viewers are accustomed to seeing within heavily edited videos. The aesthetic stands out for its subtlety and excellent, cohesive art direction.

The performances feature Goulding performing on a stage with live off-stage musical accompaniment while surrounded by evocative visual imagery. Goulding’s XR-enhanced performances during the launch of her new album in July 2020 have so far included Brightest Blue and New Heights, which were both directed by Giorgio Testi. Mixed reality combines live performance and computer-generated virtual imagery to augment and enhance the live performances of musicians, dancers, and other performers. Ellie Goulding’s recent YouTube performances of songs from her latest album, Brightest Blue, demonstrates emerging XR “mixed reality” technology in a stunning fashion.
