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“Be It Resolved That in 2018, I Will Get More Out My Live Music Experiences”

[I’m going to bet that you’ve at least thought about making some New Year’s Resolutions and they probably include the usual twaddle. Eating and drinking less. Exercising more. Being kinder to others. A commitment to mindfulness. That long-overdue colonic detox. 

Jess Walter has another suggestion: Learn to get more out of your live music experiences. – AC]

There are some fears about the future of live music. With terrorist attacks occurring at concerts everywhere from Paris and Manchester to Sudan and Mexico, the live music scene seems to be in a precarious position. However, despite the fears, live music sales are increasing. While an album can be on in the background at a party, a live concert is an immersive experience. It should be a chance to forget the dark things going on in the world and escape to a safe and fun environment. For this, though, you need to really live in the moment.

Put Your Phone Down

Country music star Kip Moore has a reputation of calling out cell phone users at his gigs. It has now become a normal part of live events to record the whole thing on a smartphone before uploading it to social media. However, if you do this, you won’t get the full experience.

Sure, take a photo or two, but then put your phone away and enjoy the music. Your texts can wait until the concert is over, but for now it is time to really experience the event. If the whole audience puts their phone away, there will be an energy and focus on the performer. This boosts the whole atmosphere and encourages artists to play more gigs.

Go to Smaller Venues

There is a time and place for large gigs; however, there are drawbacks to these kind of events. They sell out fast due to their popularity and ticket prices become inflated. Google are tackling online ticket resellers, but this is still a problem for larger concerts.

Instead, check if any local bars have cheap or free events. Small venues allow you to connect with the performer, creating more of a two-way dialogue between artist and audience. You’ll find some incredible, undiscovered talent and can do something productive for the music industry by buying their merch and promoting them to your friends.

Dance

People dance less than they used to, possibly because the nightclub is in decline. The live music venue is, therefore, the last hope to keep people dancing. Friedrich Nietzsche once said “We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.” When you dance without feeling self-conscious, you enter a state of pure joy. Concerts may be the only chance you get to experience this, so take it while you can.

The live music scene is still alive and well, but only because fans have made it so. Maintain the joyous atmosphere by putting away your phone and really engaging in the moment. Seek out smaller venues hosting bands you’ve never heard of and – most importantly – dance.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38035 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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