My ultimate goal when moving onto campus was to start getting more immersed in the music around me to find inspiration. That means concerts, building bands, and being more present in all of the arts intertwining to connect with people. Within a few days of moving in, some friends and I wanted to look into tickets for some concerts. We ended up buying tickets to see Built to Spill, a legendary indie band, performing for the 30th anniversary of their 1994 album, There’s Nothing Wrong with Love. They played an incredible show, it was an inspiring performance to watch and I am so grateful I jumped on the opportunity to go.
The concert was Sunday night and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had as a concert-goer. We got there around 6:30 p.m., we all wanted to be there on time and see the opening band perform. We got really good spots in the room because of this. If you want to go to a concert, go earlier than later, you won’t regret it.
It’s also super important to note that most of these venues are pretty careful about age and I would suggest bringing an ID of some sort with you. If you are under drinking age they mark you with two exes on your hands and you feel like the venue’s most wanted.
The opener, Kicking Giant, had a serious impact on my friends and I. They were raw and real and showcased a performance of love for their past, their music and for each other, and it was beautiful to watch. The duo, guitar and drums, had such a personal touch on all they were doing. I loved their do-it-yourself attitude and their presence on stage. They are unapologetic about who they are and still thoughtful, actually apologizing to us because it “wasn’t their best.” Behind them was a compilation, which they made themselves, of pictures from their past, which was deeply emotional. It felt like an honor that they were sharing so much with us, it was such a unique experience.
Built to Spill came onto stage and they immediately started playing, they had the entire room moving within seconds. I have to admit that my eyes were closed for half of the show but looking at the lights through my eyelids felt like I was in my own world. It was the kind of experience where everyone present was trapped together in time with nothing to think about except what we were listening to. The band finished playing and left the stage for a few minutes, then started their encore. They played a few more songs, including their most recognizable, “Carry the Zero”. Their encore was like a second show, they jammed and I returned to that moment stuck in time and I wish I could keep it forever.
We also had the opportunity to say hi to the band and bassist, Melanie Radford, gave us a signed pick. I am also a victim of post concert sea-legs and a serious case of vertigo because I danced myself sick. It was totally worth it and I would do it every day if I could. It was a great experience to let loose with friends, even strangers in the room felt close during the show.
Concertgoing isn’t just about the music, of course it helps when the band is good, but the experience you get to share with the people around you is life changing. Experiencing music in its raw pure form is energizing and inspiring especially as an artist myself. Go in a group and try it out because it will not be a mistake. Experiencing music so close to you is so refreshing, I fully endorse getting out there and listening to live music. Take the opportunity to be present in what’s happening around you, be yourself in that moment and enjoy it. From a music lover to another, go see a concert.
