Most bands pick between a live show or a stream. These guys did both—and owned every second of it.
When The Barbarians of California dropped their debut album, And Now I'm Just Gnashing, they didn’t just play a release show—they turned it into something bigger.
They played to a packed venue while livestreaming the event straight to fans through the Single app for Shopify. Fans at home paid $3 to watch, shop merch, and be part of the moment—all without leaving the band’s own site.
Living Room Mosh Pits
Fans who couldn’t make it to the venue weren’t just watching passively—they were moshing from their couches. Seriously.
Instagram lit up with videos of fans going wild at home, and the band leaned in, reposting those moments to connect with fans in real time. They even kept the livestream replay available for 24 hours, giving more fans the chance to experience the show.
Why It Worked
The Barbarians nailed the trifecta of what we talk a lot about at Single:
- Social Media for Reach: Instagram posts drove traffic to their Shopify store.
- Physical Venue for Energy: The live crowd brought the buzz.
- Direct-to-Fan Streaming for Reach: Fans at home felt included, and every click stayed under the band’s control.
Plus, by owning the entire experience, the band turned what would be a one-night event into lasting fan connections and direct revenue.
The Takeaway
- In-person fans got the full experience.
- Virtual fans felt just as involved.
- The band captured everything—fan data, revenue, and momentum for their next move.
It’s a simple idea: own your moments, and you own your future.
Feeling Inspired?
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