Australian cover band 4 Wide performed a “silent” sensory rock concert at Emmanuel College Warrnambool using Listen EVERYWHERE. The Warrnambool City Council supported acquiring the technology with funds from their “Activate Warrnambool” campaign, which was designed to bring events back to Warrnambool post-Covid lockdowns.
Challenge
4 Wide wanted to host a free “silent” concert for neurodivergent individuals who may not be able to attend a traditional rock concert due to noise, crowds, and possible overstimulation.
Solution
4 Wide chose an accessible venue with low lighting and Listen EVERYWHERE, an audio over Wi-Fi assistive listening system from Listen Technologies so that individuals could adjust the music experience to their comfort level.
Listen EVERYWHERE broadcasts audio across a wireless network to individual smart devices. Users download the free Listen EVERYWHERE app on their smartphone, select an audio channel, and listen to clear sound via their smartphones. Users can also stream audio from their smartphones to cochlear implants and Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids.
Result
The live audio was broadcast directly to audience members’ headphones via their smartphones. The band had iPads to loan attendees who did not have a smart device.
Concertgoers could choose from two audio channels through the Listen EVERYWHERE app. One channel broadcasted the concert; the other channel played meditation music so attendees could tune into more calming audio if a song or set the band played was too much for them. The band also provided a quiet and dim respite room for attendees who needed a break.
4 Wide posted on its Facebook page: “The main idea of our gig was to let people experience and hopefully enjoy a live rock ‘n’ roll gig that they would not normally have been able to.”
Attendance was around 50 people, including children, attended the concert. One woman in her 50s drove four hours from Melbourne to attend because she had never been able to participate in a rock concert.
