Presented by SMART

From cassette tapes to digital streaming, the world has come far in terms of music and technology but we're just getting started.

Making its way around the world is the latest in network technology—5G. It’s not only faster than our current cellular connection, it also enables a new kind of network that virtually connects everything and everyone. 

BTS announced as new ambassadors of Philippine telco

For the music industry, this means an array of improvements for varied aspects of the ecosystem—from our day-to-day listening to grand-scale concerts. In a future of limitless possibilities but in a time of lockdowns, 5G technology is creating immersive ways to experience music, leading to creative innovations for both artists and fans. Here are 5 musical things to do with 5G!

1. Watch Virtual Concerts

In the last year, we’ve witnessed the cancellations of thousands of shows, concerts, and tours, all thanks to COVID-19. Even as we enter 2021, the live entertainment industry has yet to return in full swing.

To keep the live music industry running, artists and the people behind all the glitz and glamour have gone online. Be it a short jam sesh on Instagram Live or a full-blown digital concert, we’ve all caught a few shows online and sung our hearts out in the comfort of our own home. 

LIVE NOW @ #SmartAces5Granted is @shesonlysixteen both in 📍Boracay and 📍Intramuros. Experience the power of #Smart5G through this unique 360 concert experience.

Head on over to https://t.co/oq2DCEtaSi to join in the fun! pic.twitter.com/AdnIV4HP46

— SMART (@LiveSmart) December 9, 2020

As far as we can see, livestreaming is increasingly becoming the norm and even more so in the advent of 5G technology. With faster speeds, we’ll easily make it through an entire concert (in all its high-def goodness) without disconnecting.

2. Stay Connected With Artists

In a time of social distancing and self-isolations, connection is so important. 

Recently, we’ve seen many artists, from K-pop stars to local independent record labels, actively seek online platforms like Instagram, Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok, and even multiplayer games connecting with fans and their community. 5G technology streamlines the process of connecting people all across the globe with increased availability and more uniform user experiences. 

Never have we felt more connected to our favourite artists and musicians.

3. Enhance Your  Concert Experience

Be it online or live, 5G opens a world of possibilities of what artists can do and what viewers can experience. 

In the last couple of months, we’ve seen a myriad of creatively executed online concerts. From music festival islands to a virtual disco party, the pandemic has pushed the industry to innovative and creative solutions. Now more than ever with the dawn of 5G technology.

Most recently, Smart gave a glimpse into the future of online music events with Acces5Granted, a 360 concert experience streamed via 5G.Smart. The groundbreaking concert featured performances of some of the Philippines’ top musical acts like UDD, She’s Only Sixteen, Brigada, and more, against the virtual backdrop of the country’s iconic landmarks. 

These artists were able to seamlessly connect, interact, and collaborate across the country and provide an immersive and riveting experience for the audience. Concerts like Acces5Granted showcase the endless possibilities for music using 5G technology. 

Beyond the digital realm, 5G can also amplify our live concert experience, for when they do return. Whether it’s using phone apps to add digital enhancements to an artist’s live stage or easing the process of buying merch, 5G can change the way we experience live music for the better.

4. Listen To Your Favourite Songs in HD

Nothing is worse than a buffering song right in the middle of a bedroom dance party or a melancholic car ride. 5G unveils a world of potential that allows for an amplified streaming experience, for whatever situation you’re in. 

Beyond smooth listening, 5G technology provides the best quality sound for your streaming pleasure. With higher bandwidths and storage capacities, artists won’t have to compress files to fit online platforms and streaming services. This not only eases the process of sharing music but also increases the quality of streaming your favourite tracks, comparable to physical formats. 

Essentially, think Harry Styles in all his musical glory in your ears.

5. Increase Collaborations With Artists

In the midst of quarantine and nationwide lockdowns, we’ve seen a handful of albums made entirely remotely, like Taylor Swift’s folklore, Zild’s Homework Machine, and The Itchyworms’ Waiting For The End To Start. And while the musical end product has us all singing and dancing in our bedrooms, the process of creating an album remotely is a painstakingly meticulous activity - from back-and-forth emails to huge files of sound recordings moving between people.

However, with 5G speeds and latency, music collaboration has never been easier. Artists and musicians will be able to collaborate and produce music in real-time, across geographical borders. 

Musicians can also gain access to virtual music production tools that can ease the process of recording, songwriting, and more. Even as the world remains at a standstill due to the pandemic, technology will allow musicians to continue their work and create music. 

From high-quality streaming to concert experiences on-the-go, 5G technology is gradually transforming the music scene as we know it. As 5G becomes readily available all over the world, we can only expect great things ahead.

For more details about Smart 5G visit 5G.Smart and follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.