The concept of virtual reality is not a new one. It’s been one of entertainment’s holy grails since the 80s.

With each passing decade, technology takes another step towards making virtual reality a…well…reality.

In 2016, it seems that VR is slowly but surely coming of age. Its sensorially immersive experience goes beyond what was traditionally thought of as “music.” Let’s get into some details.

Artists like Bjork and Ash Koosha have already given us sounds futuristic sounds, their music being always one step ahead of the present trends. Adding VR to their pallet was a natural fit.

But now more traditional artists are slowly joining them in getting on the VR spaceship. Bands like U2, Muse and Kasabian have become interested in this new world. VR is indeed uniquely cool. And it could help artists reach a new level of communication with their audience.

Creating a VR presentation is not cheap. It can cost a small fortune for just a few minutes of high-tech footage. Artists that have backing from large corporate structures are truly fortunate because the companies themselves want to explore this new territory.

How expensive can one minute of VR get? The New York Times spent up to $100,000 a minute on its recent VR film, “The Displaced.” Because VR is still considered to be in its infancy, most cannot afford such adventures.

If we take a closer look, we see that artists are not seeking to involve themselves in the VR exploration solely for the high-tech gimmick factor. They consider VR a new tool, a new instrument, an experimental leap in expanding their artistic creativity, and a way to link closer with their audience. We now have 4K and 3D experiences in our living room. Why shouldn’t we experience music on another level as well?

Eventually, the term “music” may not even be adequate in defining this alternate cosmos. The music/VR connection may spawn a new word to describe what it is. Read more about this emerging and fascinating new galaxy here.

In a world where technology accelerates with every passing year…who knows what the future holds?