BeatPort live stream had its first ever 34-hour virtual music festival called ReConnect on Friday March 27 through Sunday March 29. The event was curated as a way to raise money for the electronic music community who are now facing a huge loss financially with gig cancellations due to COVID-19. 8.5 million viewers tuned in to watch some of the biggest names in the electronic/techno music scene. There were 34 artists on the lineup all playing from the comfort and safety of their own home. The lineup featured big name artists including Carl Cox, Tokimonsta, A-Trak, Nicole Moudaber, Gorgon City and Duke Dumont. The streaming event was hosted on Twitch, Facebook, YouTube and Periscope.

ReConnect Raises Thousands for Coronavirus Relief Funds

BeatPort announced on Tuesday that the ReConnect event raised over $180,000 in donations over the weekend. The event was in collaboration with AFEM (Association For Electronic Music). Viewers could donate to the organization using TIPS collected through Twitch and other streaming services. Other proceeds were donated to COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and COVID-19 Hardship Fund, an effort to help to raise money for supplies and protective equipment for healthcare workers on the field during the pandemic. BeatPort was also in collaboration with Pioneer DJ, Native Instruments and Denon. The music tech companies offered prizes to anyone who donated. 

Keep The House Party Going With Friends

There were many other ways to enjoy the event with friends while social distancing. Apps such as House Party allow people to come together and group chat with one another. You can keep the party going as the app allows up to seven people to live chat among each other. Twitch and YouTube offer group chats as well in which viewers could make shout outs to the their favorite artists while streaming, creating a more personal experience to the online rave. BeatPort also kept the party going by adding an Afterhours segment full of more renowned artists. The Afterhours lineup included sets from DJs Waze & Odyssey, Alan Fitspatrick, and Pete Tong. Virtual sets from artists have taken off in light of the current pandemic. Many sites such as BoilerRoomtv, YouTube, Twitch and Instagram live allow artists to connect with their fans through these streaming services.

Social distancing doesn’t have to ruin the music scene. Live stream some of your favorite artists and enjoy from the comfort of your own living room! If you’d like to catch the sets from over the weekend you can stream them all on YouTube or head over to the BeatPort site.