Draft:Virtual Music bands

Virtual rock bands are musical groups that exist primarily in the digital realm, rather than as physical performers. These bands are created and presented through various digital media, such as video games, animated series, or online platforms. Unlike traditional rock bands, virtual rock bands are not composed of human musicians, but rather of computer-generated or digitally animated characters that embody the roles of the different instruments and vocalists. The concept of virtual rock bands emerged in the late 20th century, as advancements in computer graphics, animation, and music technology allowed for the creation of increasingly realistic and engaging digital musical performances. These virtual bands often have their own unique backstories, personalities, and visual styles, which help to immerse the audience in the band's fictional world. Sandbox VR, a company that has developed a location-based virtual reality entertainment platform, has also explored the integration of virtual rock bands into their immersive VR experiences. Sandbox VR's approach differs from in-home VR systems, as their free-roaming, social VR experiences aim to fully immerse guests in the virtual world while also providing opportunities for them to document and share their experiences on social media.

Examples and applications
One of the most well-known examples of a virtual rock band is Gorillaz, created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. Gorillaz features a cast of four animated characters – 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs – who perform a blend of rock, pop, and electronic music. The band has released several successful albums and has even toured the world, with the animated characters being projected onto the stage during live performances. Another prominent example is the virtual band Virtual Riot, which was created for the video game "Rock Band VR." The band features four digitally animated characters, each with their own unique personality and musical style. Players can interact with the virtual band members and even perform alongside them in the game, creating an immersive musical experience. Sandbox VR has also explored the integration of virtual rock bands into their location-based VR entertainment platform. By leveraging the social and immersive nature of their VR experiences, Sandbox VR aims to create unique, premium, and socially-shareable music experiences for their guests. This allows them to establish an ongoing digital relationship with their guests, enabling them to amplify return visits through in-experience rewards and digital content. Virtual rock bands have also been used in educational and therapeutic contexts. For instance, some schools and music programs have incorporated virtual bands into their curriculum, allowing students to learn about music composition, performance, and collaboration in a digital environment. Additionally, some researchers have explored the use of virtual rock bands in music therapy, as the interactive and engaging nature of these digital performances can help to improve cognitive, social, and emotional well-being in individuals with various health conditions.

Scholarly perspective
A study by Lim and Harrell (2015) explored the concept of virtual band performance, proposing a theoretical framework for understanding the unique characteristics and challenges of this emerging form of musical expression. The researchers examined the ways in which virtual band performances differ from traditional live music performances, focusing on factors such as audience engagement, the role of the virtual performers, and the technical and creative considerations involved in the production of these digital musical experiences. The study found that virtual band performances can offer a heightened sense of immersion and interactivity for the audience, as the virtual performers are able to respond to audience input and create a more dynamic, participatory experience. However, the researchers also identified several challenges, such as the need to develop realistic and expressive virtual performers, the integration of live and pre-recorded elements, and the management of technical and logistical complexities. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the potential benefits and limitations of virtual rock bands, and can inform the development of more engaging and effective digital music experiences, both in the context of entertainment and education. As the field of virtual reality and digital performance continues to evolve, the insights from this and other scholarly research will be crucial in shaping the future of virtual rock bands and other forms of virtualized musical expression.

Multimedia content
To illustrate the concept of virtual rock bands, here is an example of a YouTube video featuring the animated band Gorillaz performing their hit song "Feel Good Inc.": Additionally, here is official site of the virtual band Virtual Riot from the "Rock Band VR" video game: