It's a debate that has raged on ever since the iPhone was a twinkle in Steve Jobs' eye, but now artists are weighing in: should phones be allowed at concerts, specifically in the context of filming?
With over 100k followers online, Sydney-based artist Jack Gray knows all about what it's like to perform, whether it's to the adoring faces of fans or to the lenses of smartphones. Many artists have spoken out against filming at their concerts, with some even enforcing hard bands, but where does Jack Gray sit on the issue?
"I wouldn't want to say, 'You can't have your phone here',” Jack told MUSICbible host Jackson Langford on the latest episode of the podcast.
"I wouldn't want to put that rule there, but it doesn't capture the experience and doesn't do it any justice. It's never the same as when you're in the room."
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He also went on to explain that, from an artist's perspective, there are elements of a show that are meant for the audience, but once those elements are posted on the internet, they become far less special.
"If you're on tour and you have a bit, and people post it online, it ruins it for the next shows. Look, there definitely are downsides, but I don't know what you'd actually do about it — and, ultimately, I wouldn't want to enforce it."
Jack Gray is a guest on the latest episode of MUSICBible. Outside of phones and concerts, Jack opened up about his new music, how he fell in love with Australian music to begin with and how — hot take — The Beatles are the undisputed GOAT boy band.
Watch or stream Jack Gray’s episode of MUSICBible below, or listen to wherever you get your podcasts.
Stay tuned for more episodes of MUSICBible over the coming weeks, with guests like Mansionair, Anna Lunoe and more.
The LADbible Team