Diverse representation is an expectation, but as individuals no longer allow themselves to be defined in singular terms, there's mounting pressure on brands to understand and sensitively reflect how the intersections between race, gender, class, and ability impact people's everyday lives.

Virtual band Gorillaz have performed two AR concert experiences in London and New York. As people seek more from live events post-lockdown, they're pushing brands and artists alike to harness the immersive potential of mixed reality technologies to fulfil their expectations.

Snap and Live Nation have teamed up to offer augmented reality experiences for fans at concerts and festivals. With the pandemic-induced rise of virtual events and experiences, brands are harnessing the power of AR to meet people’s tech-related expectations of live moments in the new normal.

Going on holidays, out for meals, and to concerts by oneself has become more socially acceptable, but the heads-down culture created by smartphones can make real-life encounters hard to come by. How is singer Rina Sawayama taking the intimidation out of friend-making for solo gig-goers?

Vaccination efforts and eased lockdowns enabled Americans to once again indulge in live events in 2021. But with COVID-19 stubbornly present, hedonism now comes with vaccination passports, while attitudes toward IRL socializing remain mixed. So what does the nightlife landscape now look like?