On January 13, 2023, internationally renowned producer, songwriter and DJ Calvin Harris stepped into the metaverse for the first time to play a virtual reality set to music fans around the world. The Calvin Harris Experience was a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Wave and leading VR brand PICO that merged music, technology and artistry in a uniquely entertaining and immersive VR experience. The concert was produced exclusively for PICO VR users in Europe and Asia (where PICO headsets are currently available) and simulcast to a global audience on TikTok LIVE.
During the 50-minute epic virtual rave, fans partied front-row with Calvin through his nature inspired luminous world, filled with audio-reactive visuals. While Calvin performed as an avatar, the crowd experienced an arsenal of exhilarating dance music, including the DJ’s chart-topping worldwide hits such as “One Kiss” with Dua Lippa and “This Is What You Came For” with Rihanna.
A key element of the Calvin Harris Experience was the use of cutting-edge technology to create an immersive VR experience designed by Wave’s team of world-class visual artists and technologists. Powered by Unreal Engine, a game engine developed by Epic Games, the show had realtime interactivity between the artist and fans during the live broadcast. The experience utilized live broadcasting, real time motion capture technology, and a dozen virtual cameras to bring Calvin’s virtual world to life. The result was a uniquely immersive metaverse experience that made fans feel like they were right there on stage with Calvin Harris in real time.
The best part about the Calvin Harris Experience was that fans played a central role in shaping the concert and bringing the party energy. Throughout the VR experience, attendees could actively participate and express themselves. Fans could dance with one another and add live visual elements to the show such as constellations and fireworks in the sky. They could also send messages to Calvin through various expressions such as painting with the music and give energy to activate Calvin into “power-up” mode.
The global premiere of The Calvin Harris Experience occurred on January 13, 2023 on PICO and was simultaneously broadcast to TikTok LIVE. Check out key highlights from the experience here:
About Wave
Wave’s mission is to bring people together through virtual entertainment. We create the world’s most interactive virtual concerts – performed live by artists, influenced by fans, and experienced together in real time. Our shows offer a front row seat to the future of live music performance in the metaverse.
Waves are live, interactive and immersive music experiences set in virtual worlds. We combine the best of live music, gaming, and broadcast technology to transform the virtual live music experience – giving fans a futuristic look into the metaverse. Through real time motion capture and gaming graphics, artists are transformed into a digital avatar and perform a fully live show set in their own virtual universe. Wave’s technology also enables fans to interact live with their favorite artists and shape what happens in the concert.
Waves are live streamed globally on wave.watch and across popular social and gaming platforms including YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, TikTok, Facebook and Roblox. To date, Waves have been attended by millions of fans worldwide and the company has hosted more than 50 Waves for a number of popstars, DJs and artists including Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, John Legend, Dillon Francis, Pentakill, Alison Wonderland, Tinashe, Imogen Heap, REZZ, Galantis, Jean-Michel Jarre and Lindsey Stirling.
To learn more, visit www.wavexr.com
About TikTok
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.TikTok’s global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.
About PICO
Founded in March 2015, PICO is a leading VR company with independent innovation and R&D capabilities, focusing on VR all-in-one technology. Embracing a mission to bridge connections, enrich life, and release infinity, PICO is committed to building an integrated XR platform that inspires the community and empowers developers, creators, and businesses.
To learn more, visit picoxr.com