I know what some of you are thinking.

"Going to concerts is for the enjoyment of seeing a band/performer you already know and love."

And this is true... to an extent.

What I discovered recently is that going to a concert where you don’t know the band is an eye- opening and invigorating experience that opens you up to a whole new world of music. Here are 5 reasons why everyone needs to see a band you aren’t familiar with.

1. You're Expanding Your Music Horizons

We all have different tastes in music, different artists and songs that earn the title of being our “favorites”, but what about the other genres that we don’t pay as much attention to? If you prefer pop music, try a techno concert, or if you’re an R&B fan try to see a rock band. Let a friend show you music that they’re into. You may discover you had no idea what you were missing out on.

2. It Helps Not to Know Every Lyric

Yes, I’m completely guilty of going to a concert, knowing every lyric, and scream-singing it at the top of my lungs. While that’s one way to spend a concert, I discovered there’s a beauty in not knowing a single lyric. When you don’t know the words to every song, your sense of sound is amplified. Suddenly your fixation of reciting with the band turns into a fixation on the music, and the guitar chords and drum beats become that much louder and resonant.

3. To Discover New Artists and Songs

Coming across new music you enjoy is like opening a new present you didn’t ask for but still loving it regardless. Hearing the pure voice of an artist is a refreshing change from the majority of songs played on the radio where everything is severely auto tuned. Even if you don’t fall in love with every song, there’s a good chance you may really like what you hear. Also, prepare to suddenly feel the compulsive need to look up several songs after the concert before going to bed. I may or may not be guilty of doing this.

For a song I heard live for the first time by MS MR. It’s insanely catchy. Check out:

And:

Seriously, I can't get this one out of my head either and don't want to.

4. To Feel Something

Since you have no idea who the artist is, you can just focus on the music, and how it makes you feel. You're able to move freely and dance not because you know the beat, but because you are naturally being moved by what your ears are hearing for the very first time. Get as close to the stage as you can and allow yourself to feel the vibration of the bass. Experience the sounds for the first time and pay attention to how it makes you feel.

5. It's Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

So many of us are stuck in our everyday routines. We hang out with the same people, frequent the same places and listen to the same music because it’s familiar and comfortable. Staying in your comfort zone means that you are holding yourself back from growing as a person. To experience things not because you know the outcome, but because you are trying something new, is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. There is a whole world of music out there to experience and you will have no idea what moves you unless you go out and try something new.