Battle of the broadbands

Walking on stage this time was surreal. This was the first time the entire audience was remote. I could remember when the avatar companies would only sell out a portion of the mezzanine. Seeing their LCD eyes follow my movements was creepy. I know they appear to clap, but the sounds were replicated for our experience. It wasn't the same. But to play to a full house, that was worth it. Some of the audience was local people, but most were in Europe. There was a stagnant silence cut only by computer rack cooling fans. The three of us looked at each other, the only flesh and blood except for the other bands behind the curtain. It was a great set. Our 2 best songs. The sound of replicated clapping and servo motors filled the room. Some of the avatars actually stood up. Must have been a new feature. We enjoyed the cardboard arms and hands waving wildly.

When the other bands played, we got to see the companies creations up close. Cheaply made, cardboard and PCBs made up the "bodies". It looked like they were designed to fold flat, only to be unfurled and connected to the show via the internet. I knew the avatar company was trying to make the performer connected to his remote audience, but it still felt strange. And the online voting was strange too. No more crowd noise to determine winner. Now it was a precise tally. We didn't win that night. No, one of the other bands played better to the digital crowd.