Some tips on how to get the most out of your ticket!

1. Do not videotape most of the concert.

We’ve all been there and done that. Most people feel like they won’t remember the concert or can’t accurately describe how amazing it was if they don’t videotape the whole thing. After all, our generation did make the phrase, “if there’s no proof, did it really happen,” popular. BUT, I am here to tell you you are better off only recording 1-2 of your favorite songs rather than filming the whole concert. You spend the whole concert watching the artists from the screen of your phone and the experience is 10 times worse when you're focusing on if your hand is shaking or not. Have fun, dance, and sing your lungs out, but put the phone down if you want to have the best time possible.

2. Set aside a summer-job sized paycheck ($250-$500) for the concert you are attending.

Concerts will always be more expensive than you expect (or want!) them to be. Most merch is now in the $40 range and you know it is not a successful night if you don’t binge eat at least once. You would rather go in with too much money than too little and wish you had more.

3. Buy tons of merch!!!!!

Merch is amazing. It is both the source of memories for the concert but also something you can wear to show the love you have for your favorite bands. I have spent way too much money on merch over the past couple of years and I wouldn’t change it for anything. This is especially true since some bands give out some cool merch every now and then, like drum covers that have been signed by every member of the band or holographic vinyls! Who doesn’t want to spend tons of money on merch?

4. Be there early to watch the opening acts.

Opening acts will be some of the biggest sources of new music you like to listen to! At least half of the bands I currently listen to (ex: State Champs, I Prevail, Issues, Paradise Fears, American Authors, Dustin Lynch, etc.) were all opening acts for concerts I have been to! Everyone thinks that skipping the opening acts is cool because it is not who they are there for, but I promise you that some opening acts are talents that will soon be popular! You better jump into their fan base before they take off because tickets get much more expensive and they may actually know who you are when you meet them for the 18th time.

5. Minimize long outerwear and bring a small bag.

The majority of concerts you go to will get really hot and really sweaty in a matter of no time. Therefore, I always suggest wearing shorts and a t-shirt or just a thin long-layer on top. I understand the weather outside is unpredictable and may be cold, but that is where you will be spending the least amount of your time (unless you're at a festival). Concerts are always hot and there is nothing more uncomfortable than wanting to shed layers but having nowhere to put the layers you want to shed, so just avoid layers in general. Also, you will go home with more things than you ever think you will--confetti, streamers, guitar picks, merch, a half-drunk bottle of Sprite, etc. ALWAYS make sure you have a small drawstring bag of sorts on you so you have a place to put all of these things when you get them instead of having to keep up with them throughout the whole concert!

6. Look for small venue shows, avoid arenas!

I understand there are some artists you just cannot see unless you choose an arena or stadium show. However, if a smaller venue is an option, choose that option! The small venue and club shows are always so intimate and you get up close and personal with your favorite artists! There is a different atmosphere when you are at a smaller venue and you feel as if the artists notice you specifically.

7. Know the music before you attend the show, if you don’t already know it.

Honestly, this one is simple. Shows are only the most fun when you can sing your heart out.

8. Stay late after the shows.

Hang out outside the venue, or even in the venue sometimes, for an hour or so after the show. The artists will usually come out and say hello to the few people that stayed around. Of course, this will not happen at arena shows, but it does at those small venue shows! If you’re willing to put in the time to wait that hour or so, you can get autographs, guitar picks, etc. for free instead of paying for the VIP experience.

9. Get as many setlists as you can!

Artist setlists are amazing to hang on walls and put in scrapbooks. They are great decorations and they bring back memories of the concerts you have been to. Get as many as you can, even if it means being at the front of a mosh pit!

10. Email/Mail you favorite artists.

Okay, this is not something I have much experience with. But I have talked to many artists after their shows and they all say that they do check their fan mail and they think it is ridiculous when people assume they don’t. So, if you have something to say to them, send them mail! They will even keep up with gifts you send them!

11. Go to concerts!!

CONCERTS ARE AMAZING! Live your life, and have fun doing it. Don’t miss out on going to concerts!