Musicians have been experimenting with virtual reality (VR) and 360-degree video for the last couple of years now with the latest to utilise the technology being ex-frontman for Smashing Pumpkins, two-time GRAMMY Award winning artist William Patrick Corgan (aka Billy Corgan).
Corgan collaborated with teams from Isobar and Viacom NEXT alongside San Francisco based filmmaker and VR artist Danny Bittman to create an immersive VR experience for his new single Aeronaut off the recently released solo album Ogilala.
The teams created a hologram of Corgan using Microsoft Mixed Reality Capture technology, capturing his three-and-a-half-minute performance in volumetric video at Microsoft’s Mixed Reality Capture Studios. They then used Unity and Google Tilt Brush to create a world around him.
“Aeronaut was a thrilling collaboration, bringing together innovators from across the VR industry to realize an incredible artistic vision. We’re honoured to bring this experience to life, and help connect audiences to Mr. Corgan’s music unlike ever before,” said Chaki Ng, Senior Vice President and Head of Viacom NEXT in a statement.
“Orchestrating this entire venture has been nothing short of inspiring,” commented Dave Meeker, VP, Isobar US. “This project allowed us the opportunity to bring together some of the most technical and creative minds in the industry to help us realize Corgan’s vision. When we first sat down with Billy over a year ago, we had only imagined an experience where we could bring all these players to the table. The collaborative spirit that has driven the making of this video is a testament to the excitement we all have for the future of immersive experiences.”
To begin with BMG Records, Isobar and Viacom NEXT have released a 2D version of the music video (seen below) for Corgan fans to watch right away. The actual VR version will initially be made publicly available in early 2018 for Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality headsets, with additional versions for other systems to follow.
Viacom NEXT has created a few music videos in its time, having collaborated with musician Hot Sugar on The Melody of Dust or how about premiering music experience Withdrawal by Atlantic Records recording artist Max Frost at Microsoft Build earlier this year.
As more musicians delve into the world of VR music videos, VRFocus will let you know.