One thing I’ve been focusing on lately has been to spend money on experiences rather than things, and for me that means going to more concerts. There is just something so intoxicating about going to a live show and seeing the music you love come to life. The excitement and energy you find at a live show is magical and is something that you can never quite get used to. Nothing can compare to the moment when the artist walks out on stage and the first note rings out. As the artist performs live what you’ve listened to over and over again on your iPod, the true relationship between a fan and a band begins.
So in case you need some persuasion to attend more concerts, I’ve created a list of 5 reasons why I believe you should.
Live Experience
One of the most important aspects of going to a concert is the live experience. Most people listen to music through ear buds, on laptops, on the radio, etc, but actually being in the presence of the raw energy of a live performace vastly outdoes listening to music secondhand. Whether it’s a rock, pop, country, alternative, or anything in between, concerts bring out a different energy and excitement in the sound. You’re able to see the songs come to life through the performance- whether it’s backup dancers, an acoustic version of a song, props, or just the atmosphere. Along with that, you get to see the true talent of the artist. Many artists have phenomenal voices that will blow you away and many others have an incredible stage presence. No studio recording of a song will ever compare to the live version.
Don’t expect perfection; expect imperfection, because that’s the whole point of seeing a performance live. You can’t go to a concert expecting to hear the record. When a band performs, you get to hear the grit, rasp, and other human imperfections that often make the performance more raw and powerful. You are having an experience with the performers themselves that is truly unique to the specific concert you are attending. That’s part of the fun of it. Live shows are something special that can never be replicated exactly. It’s an in-the-moment experience that you could never get by listening to the record.
Discover New Music
A fun part about attending a concert is discovering new music. And let’s be honest, people love discovering new music and sharing their discoveries with their friends- there’s something oddly satisfying about being the one to recommend a new artist before they make it big. Most bands have an opening act or two to get the crowed pumped up and excited before they come on stage. Attending a concert gives you a chance to experience their music live first and discover new sounds that you may not have listened to otherwise. These acts are often bands or artists who you have never heard of which can give you an open-mind when listening to their music for the first time. The opening acts are typically released prior to the concert and some people prefer to look them up, get a sense of their music, be able to sing along, and enjoy the live quality in comparison to the record.
All your favorite artists were most likely opening acts at some point so there’s a pretty good chance that at least one opening act you see is on their way to superstardom. There is always a possibility that you will see the next Coldplay or Jay-Z, still waiting to be discovered, and then you’ll be able to say you saw them when they were just an opening act!
Escape Reality
Concerts offer the perfect escape from reality. You get to lose yourself in the music for hours. The outside world can wait; use this opportunity to enjoy the moment. I’ve made the conscious decision to not spend the entire concert taking pictures and videos on my phone: now I just take a couple pictures and videos every few songs. Concerts used to be a sea of rock-on signs, fist pumping, and lighters, but now it’s just a mess of phones thrust in the air. You should be living in the moment and the experience will live on in your memory. When you are absorbed in the show, it’s the best feeling in the world.
Another thing to remember is to not be afraid to dance. All music was made for moving. Regardless of the type of concert you’re attending, you should stand up and enjoy yourself. If there is ever a time to not care if you look uncool then it’s at a concert. If you let yourself get into the music you’ll have way more fun and it will make the entire experience worth it. All it takes is some courage and a free-spirited attitude to create an amazing and memorable night.
Community Experience
People go to concerts for the communal experience. You’re essentially surrounded by people who are interested in the same music as you and have come for the same reason. Everyone is participating together with the singer and the band and everyone in the audience. It’s unlike any other event because you are all there singing along, dancing, and enjoying yourselves in a large crowd. Regardless of the fact that you are clearly strangers, you already have something in common with one another.
Most people go to concerts with their friends and generally have a great time dancing and hanging out in the amazing atmosphere. If you don’t live in a city where musicians typically perform, then rounding up your friends who like the same music as you and having a road trip is always a fun idea. The drive offers the perfect time to blast some music and pump yourselves up for the concert! When attending concerts with friends it’s still a great time to meet new people together and share in your mutual music interest and develop fun friendships that can either last a night or a lifetime. Music unites and provides a sense of belonging within a crowd of strangers.
Create Memories
Whether they are before, during, or after, the memories you take away from the concert are one of the best parts. At concerts, you have free reign on how you want to spend you time. You can jump around and scream out the words at the top of your lungs, or focus on the emotions of the lyrics and develop a deeper connection to the music. Whatever you choose to do, embrace it! The most important and exciting part about attending a live show is having fun- the artists are up on stage having fun themselves and hoping you’re doing the same. Live shows offer an intimate atmosphere that occupies all the senses, something you won’t get from listening to the records, so make the most of it. The hoarse throat, sore muscles, and the drawn-out ringing in your ears after the show should be worn as a badge of honor. Material things don’t last forever, so spend money on an experience. You can’t put a value on good memories. Even the bad experiences can turn into some of the best stories long after the music has stopped. Some of my favorite memories are from concerts and I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.
The moral of the story is: go to more concerts! Experience new music, experience old music in a new way, and experience the raw energy, the new friends, the exclusive merchandise, the special guests, and the surprise song premieres. Going to a concert can be an exciting and exhilarating thing; all you have to do is buy a ticket.
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