Growing up, I was exposed to many music genres with the help of my parents and the internet. I started going to concerts at an early age which fueled my love for seeing live music. My earliest concert memory was seeing Beyonce (Destiny's Child era) at the rodeo in 2004. From there on, I would get my parents to take me to the rodeo concerts each year until I was old enough to attend concerts by myself. As my music taste evolved, I started to attend Warped Tour, a one day festival that hosted many rock/ alternative bands, and small warehouse shows for bands early in their career. I've been going to concerts for almost 20 years and I don't plan on stopping any time soon.
I have always been a fan of music for as long as I can remember, but when I started regularly attending concerts, that love grew exponentially. Listening to music is one thing, but attending a concert adds a certain type of flare that you can’t get from streaming music. From the flashing lights to the set designs, the visual effects are the perfect addition to accompany the booming music. There is a wave of euphoria that washes over me being in the atmosphere of a venue. There's also a sense of community being in a room full of people coming together for the same reason, which is great for socializing and meeting new people. I believe everyone should get a chance to go to a concert at least once, especially to see your favorite artist.
One of my major goals for 2023 was to attend at least three concerts that year. By the end of the year, I exceeded that goal by attending five concerts and a festival. One of my favorite concerts I attended in 2023 was Paramore. I have been listening to Paramore since middle school so I have a deep connection to the band and their music. The stage design and production was mindblowing, the lights, flames and confetti perfectly accompanied their set. Hayley Williams has the best stage presence I have witnessed, her live vocals were amazing and I loved seeing her and the rest of the band on stage having fun. Being a long time fan, I have watched them evolve and grow as I was also growing up alongside of them. Finally being able to see the band that I grew up with was a full circle moment. Being a passionate concert enthusiast, having the opportunity to attend these concerts was such a fulfilling experience.
