ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Live PA

Okay kiddo, have you ever been to a music concert where the musicians play instruments like guitars, drums and keyboards to make music? Usually, they practice and play together in a band, but some musicians like to play music by themselves too.

When a musician plays music by themselves, like without a band, they usually use electronic instruments like a computer, a mixer machine, a keyboard or a DJ controller to mix different sounds and create music. And sometimes they do this in front of an audience too, just like a band would play on a stage.

This is called a live pa or live performance act. The musician creates and mixes the music live in front of the audience using their electronic instruments. They can control the tempo and the different sounds they want to use for the music on their machines. They can even make changes and improvise as they play, based on the reaction of the crowd.

You can think of it like a magician who creates different tricks in front of the audience using their magic wand and other tools. Similarly, a live pa performer creates music in front of the crowd using their machines, laptops and other tools. It can be really exciting to watch and listen to.

Does that make sense, kiddo?