Ovation Productions boss on future of live concert scene, adjusting to the ‘new normal’

Producer Renen de Guia (left) with Katy Perry

There might be no Coachella Music Festival this year because of the pandemic. What we have instead is a “COUCHella fest,” as we watch artists perform on Facebook Live while we are under quarantine. The party animals in us have turned into couch potatoes.

COVID-19 has disconcerted concert lovers. Live streaming is no match to the live concert experience. Nothing beats the real thing. It’s “eargasm” to the max.

How will the live entertainment scene keep the music playing in the time of COVID-19? I asked top concert producer Renen de Guia (whom I fondly call CP King) of Ovation Productions (OP) to share his thoughts about it.

As Pinoys, we all love to sing our hearts out. Minsan sintunado, laging bigay todo. So for sure, we will rock on, even with masks on. Socially distanced yet musically connected.

Here’s my chat with Renen:

How will OP adapt to the “new normal?”

There is only so much you can do. It’s basically just rolling with the punches and doing what is required until the pro­per time to once again go back to the old normal, which it will.

When the COVID-19 scare is over, who’s the first artist that you would mount a concert for?

It’s hard to say at this time. Presently, we have tentative new dates for the concert of Ala­nis Morissette, which is set on Nov. 28 and 29, although this is still subject to confirmation.

Actually, even before this pandemic, we have one artist scheduled for September and another one for October. The artists doing these dates have been quiet and are probably thinking about moving the concerts, but there’s no formal word yet at this time. Let’s see what happens around July.

With many artists performing for free online, is it viable to produce concerts for live streaming that are pay-per-view?

It is possible through our new app TAPGo. We operate five cable channels TAP Edge, TAP W, TAP Sports, Premier Football and Premier Tennis, all seen on SkyCable, but is also available through mobile phones on a 24/7 live-streaming basis.

Alanis Morissette

We were supposed to have our grand launch last April attended by industry friends, VIPs and various media. The guest performer would have been Swing Out Sister. Our new company is called TAP Digital Media Ventures, whose president is Celinda, my wife. We were so excited for the launch event, but COVID-19 intervened. So, to answer your question, right now, we’re showing mostly sports, but we are open to live-streaming concerts at some point in the future, as well.

What’s your advice to “musikeros” on how to get by, now that they have no gigs?

To use this time to plan, explore new ideas and hone their talents more. Perhaps learn a new craft.

How do you manage to keep a positive outlook about the concert scene amid the pandemic?

It just seems nothing is happening on the surface, but we are constantly talking and planning with artists’ agents. Zoom meetings are nonstop. Our new baby TAPGo keeps us busy as we continue to broadcast. We have a positive outlook about the future.

What did you learn from the pandemic that will come in handy when OP is back in business?

That people need entertainment more than ever, especially during difficult times. We are happy to be part of an industry that people love and sorely miss. INQ