Real-time online music sessions are gaining traction, offering musicians of all levels a new way to collaborate. From lessons to rehearsals and even band reunions, musicians are utilizing technology to create a shared musical experience regardless of distance. The new Lutefish platform is demonstrating the viability of this approach.
More Authentic Online Lessons
Music education is evolving with the aid of internet technology. Murphy Karges, a former Sugar Ray bassist and songwriter, now runs an elite online bass education program. He found that typical video call apps lacked the responsiveness needed for effective real-time instruction.
Karges explains that while platforms like Zoom can be useful, they lack the immediacy required for musical collaboration. He sought a platform designed specifically for music, recognizing that even slight delays can disrupt synchronization. He ultimately chose Lutefish, which utilizes a hardware device to facilitate a faster connection between an instrument and the internet.
Karges favored Lutefish for its simplicity and tangible hardware component, noting that other options appeared less secure. He reports that Lutefish delivers a convincing experience, allowing his students to feel as though he is present in the room with them, providing real-time feedback.
A Busy Band’s Dream
The band Trip To The Morgue, experiencing growth with a new record deal and tour, utilized Lutefish to onboard a new guitarist who lived hundreds of miles away. Within three weeks of remote rehearsals, the new guitarist was able to perform live with the band in Las Vegas.
According to guitarist James Patrick McCosar, Lutefish eliminates the challenges of travel, practice room logistics, and scheduling conflicts, allowing the band to focus solely on their music.
Getting the Band Back Together
Scott Walker reunited his college band for a retirement show, a feat made possible by Lutefish. With band members spread across Florida and the Carolinas, in-person rehearsals were impractical. They were able to rehearse weekly online, and the show was a success.
The Challenges of Remote Music Platforms
The primary obstacle to remote music collaboration has historically been internet latency. For a functional session, musicians need to hear each other within approximately 40 milliseconds. Recent FCC data indicates that fiber internet connections now average around 10 milliseconds of latency, while cable connections average 18 milliseconds, providing sufficient headroom for real-time rehearsals.
The development of Lutefish was spurred by the pandemic and the realization that the technology and market were primed for a remote music collaboration solution. Backed by music manufacturer Wenger Corporation, which has 80 years of experience, Lutefish debuted in November 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lutefish?
Lutefish is a remote music collaboration platform that uses a hardware device to connect a musician’s instrument to the internet, enabling faster and more responsive real-time sessions.
Why is latency a problem for online music collaboration?
Even slight delays in audio transmission can disrupt synchronization and make it difficult for musicians to play together effectively. Musicians ideally need to hear each other’s notes and rhythms within about 40 milliseconds.
Who is Murphy Karges?
Murphy Karges is a current music educator and former bassist and songwriter for the band Sugar Ray, known for the hit song “Fly.” He now runs an elite online bass education program.
As technology continues to bridge the gap between physical distance and creative collaboration, will remote music sessions become the new normal for musicians worldwide?
