With 2021 in the rear view mirror—good riddance!—I can’t resist taking a few minutes to reflect on the events of the past year and think ahead to what’s in store for 2022. Let me start by saying how proud I am of our team, who showed incredible resilience over the last 2 years adapting to the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID.
2021 started with a massive COVID surge followed by increasing optimism as the vaccine program rolled out. Then came Delta, then came Omicron. Just when we thought it was safe to go out and celebrate, we had to retreat again. And now it’s deja vu all over again.
Call me a pathological optimist (guilty as charged) but I believe this surge is different. There is strong evidence that it will be shorter, allowing live music to come back with a vengeance this spring and summer.
Here’s what we accomplished in 2021:
– Launched Gigmor Tickets, a low fee ($1) ticketing service integrated with our booking platform
– Launched Gigmor Presents, booking Gigmor nights at multiple venues around the US, earning ticketing and promoter fees in addition to subscriptions
– Began a partnership with BMI to promote Gigmor’s booking platform to BMI artists and venues across North America
– Partnered with Bull City Summit to be their exclusive talent submission platform and to offer Gigmor-branded showcases at the festival.
So what’s next?
In 2022, we’re focusing on helping artists promote their music and live shows. Fan engagement is the missing element on current live event promotional platforms (it’s fair to assume Facebook Events is in decline). We want to help artists grow and monetize their fanbases.
Our upcoming artist profiles and event pages will be a global hub for promoting artist’s shows, music, merch, livestreams, NFTs, etc. to new and existing fans. Gigmor profiles will also have social elements to help artists and fans connect, driving engagement and virality.
I strongly believe the most compelling and memorable experiences take place when we’re all physically present in the same space. Livestreams are here to stay but they’re an unfulfilling facsimile of the real thing. At Gigmor, we’re betting on the unique and enduring power of shared experiences. So come join us at our next shows at The Mint and Harvelle’s in February! We’ve got some awesome artists lined up.
Oh, and 2021: don’t let the door hit you on the way out!
Best,
David Baird