on live music

lately i've been feeling lonely, and though this blog should be dedicated to artistic endeavors, i feel it important to focus on other realms of life too.

music is a very important element in my day-to-day life. in fact, i'd say it could be the single most important aspect of my life aside from the people i have the privilege of spending my time with. i listen to music anywhere, anytime, i get to sing with my incredibly talented band on a very regular basis, and occasionally i have the pleasure of attending a concert or two of bands that i have tremendous respect for.

this semester may be my busiest since freshman year of college, in terms of seeing live music. i recently saw two lady gaga shows (on opposite sides of the country), and between now and the end of the semester i'll be seeing at least four more shows (including bands like muse and the dave matthews band, two live experiences i consider transcendent). i have always had the notion that a live show defines how talented a band/artist really is. producers can work a tremendous amount of magic in the studio, but the translation of that production to the live stage is the true test of ability.

most people i know, including my family, and many of my friends, have always lacked understanding of my obsession for spending so much of my money (leisure funds or living funds) to see bands perform, and when i try to explain my reasoning to them, i get crazy looks, and disapproving words. my life, from middle school on, has been defined by the music in my car's CD player, my turntable, my ipod, and on the stage in front of me. for me, concerts aren't solely about the experience, or being able to say that i saw so-and-so live. i love the intimate connection i make with all of the other fans in the venue, the connection and love between the artist and the fan, the overwhelming sense of stage presence that most of these bands radiate, and the rich, full sound of music enveloping every aspect of my being for two hours during a live concert.

in the last three months, i've developed a deep desire to be on the other side of the spectrum. i want to be the artist. i want to make something that people can connect with, be entertained by, and enjoy in the same way i have enjoyed bands like radiohead, the dave matthews band, and artists like lady gaga and tori amos.

as i've seen more and more shows, my perspective and understanding of concerts have changed dramatically. while in the beginning one of the best parts of a concert was the rush of adrenaline as the band took the stage and started to play, i have come to appreciate the nuances of performance. the subtle changes and improvisations musicians construct within their shows, the attitude, voice, and mood of the artists, and even the handling of mistakes and mishaps that go hand in hand with every show. now that i have performed a few shows of my own, i feel now more than ever i am focused on the stage presence of those in the band, and observing and understanding the connection that happens between a musician and the music he or she creates, and then plays.

when i stop and i think about these things, when i go to a concert, when i listen to vocals, drums, guitar, etc., no longer am i thinking solely over the music itself. i am focusing on the inner reaction i'm having. and ultimately, i think i want to be the one creating these reactions within other individuals.

this is all i have to say on this topic for now. i wish you all a wonderful day.