Growing up, music has always held a special place in my heart. Whether I was playing or making it myself or listening to other people, it was one of the most important aspects of my life. I always thought that when I “grew up” I would become a professional musician of some sort (it has been my ultimate dream to be in a rock band since middle school). Based on this information, it would make sense that concerts would be important to me right?

Whenever I was little, most of my music taste was based on what my parents listened to or wanted me to listen to. Up until about middle school, most of the music I listened to was either kid’s music or religious music. As I transitioned to a new stage in my life and met new people, I evolved in many ways- music was just one of them (thanks YouTube!). Suddenly, I had new life experience and music was largely how I got through it. It may not have been an absolute perfect fit, but to know that other people were going through the same types of things helped in more ways than I can describe.

Going to a concert to me is like going to see an old friend. I know what you’re thinking- it’s not like we actually know the artists, but after spending so much time listening to them it feels like you do. Most songs are based on their lives and with the increase in internet popularity many artists will reach out to their fans or post videos to connect to them on a more personal level. Also, many people will argue that you already know all the songs, why not just listen to them at home? I would say that many artists sound different live (not always a bad thing), and concerts aren’t just nonstop music- the bands will often times interact with the fans in almost a hangout sort of fashion. Even then, in the era of “free” music it’s nice to be able to give back and support the artists in a way even if you can’t or don’t buy their music.

Music is a force that brings people together- it forms bonds that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. Some of my best friends I met through shared music tastes and I’ve gotten to know people based on their favorite artists. Some my favorite memories are of my friends and I all sitting around sharing our music, and many of my favorite artists are bands that someone shared with me because when they listened to them they thought of me. Concerts are a great place to connect with these people (whether you knew them before you went or not).

There’s nothing like standing in the audience at your favorite band’s concert- the excitement, the energy, the incredible feeling of everyone singing (or sometimes off key screaming, but hey I don’t judge) together as one. To all the bands out there- thank you for giving up your time to go on tour to meet all of us crazy fans, your effort doesn’t go unnoticed and we greatly appreciate you.