I write about music all the time. When I”m not writing about it, I”m talking about it to anyone who will listen. And when there”s no one to talk to, I am undoubtedly listening to it.
And yet, with all this time writing about music and talking about it and listening to it under my belt, I still haven”t found a way to accurately convey what live music feels like.
Buy the tickets. Take the time off. Find a ride there. Whatever it takes, get your dose of soul-cleansing live music. Monthly, tri-monthly, yearly – it doesn”t matter, just make it a priority. Here”s why.
Nothing is so alleviating as sharing with other humans, and live music is the most intimate thing I”ve found anyone can share with a crowd. Concerts are where connections are made between artists and fans. No, an interaction on Twitter or Instagram does not count.
Live shows include facial expressions, untouched vocals and personality traits untapped by even music videos. It”s always neat when someone says, “Wow, they sound just like they do on the album,” but it”s even more exciting when someone says, “Wow, that was way better than the album.”
I”ve had a hard time finding an escape from reality better than a live music performance. I”ve felt bass in my chest and seen groups of people lose themselves entirely in three and four minute segments of time. Anyone struggling with the day-to-day grind should seriously consider a concert getaway – whether to Seattle or even just Mikey”s Gyros – to immerse themselves in a way only music can provide.
And more than anything, the memories made when live music is a factor are some of the best memories – most definitely in my experience.
No matter the venue, the artist or the people I bring along, live music has prompted mindfulness in my life. When I”m at a concert I have nowhere else to be, no one to please, no deadlines to meet. I am completely at the mercy of the artists onstage, dancing and singing along. It”s a celebration of vulnerability and absolute humanness.
But heed this warning – live shows are often followed by concert withdrawals. Symptoms may include unannounced sobs, repetition of music by the artist most recently seen, and increased desire to browse Ticketweb.com. The good news? This sickness can be cured easily by attending another show soon.
Lyndsie Kiebert can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @lyndsie_kiebert
Lyndsie Kiebert
RawrSo rather than trying to capture the feeling with words, I”ll say this: Go experience it yourself.