Blast Box allows musicians to stream performances that are only available for 24 hours

Live concerts are common during the pandemic, but what if a musician wants to broadcast a jam session without saving its age? They now have a relatively simple choice. Blast Radio launched a service of the same name that allows artists, podcasters and other creators to play lossless quality audio performances that disappear after 24 hours, just like social media stories. They can share ongoing songs or DJ episodes without the pressure of permanent recording or competing with someone’s Instagram feed.

They won't even have to use a computer. The company's Blast Box takes audio from a mixer, mic or any other RCA-capable gear and starts broadcasting with a button push. An artist can stream from the studio without having to lug a laptop into the room. They just need a WiFi connection.

And yes, creators can make money from it. A built-in tipping system lets you support your favorite performer directly. Blast pitches it as potentially more rewarding than streaming finished albums. A $2 tip is equivalent to 500 plays on "certain streaming platforms," one unnamed artist was keen to point out.

There's no mention of a fee for the service itself, which is available worldwide as of today. Artists can pre-order the Blast Box for $199 ahead of its release in mid-July.

Blast already has some early adopters, including electronic music legends such as Carl Craig, Matthew Dear and The Juan McLean. Of course, the question is whether Blast Radio will gain momentum. It's being launched because musicians want to tour again, and after many of them have built live broadcast settings for services such as Twitch. However, Blast clearly hopes that artists will be able to use its service in those moments between concerts-the platform may be useful after it is safe to see the band in person.