Music is one of the most popular forms of entertainment around the world. Its many genres and styles cater to each individual’s personal preference. But with technology allowing simply listen from home, live performances are becoming less convenient to attend. Some wonder if attending live concerts worth the price.
Some believe it is. Freshmen Giacomo D’oria, a freshman, talks about his experience attending the Weekend concert. “To be honest, it was worth the price for sure… It was one of the first concerts I’ve been to. I went with most of my friends, so it was really fun.” he said. Being in the same building as your favorite artist, and watching them perform right in front of you is very powerful and emotional for many, including Giacomo.
Although you can still get just as much enjoyment from listening to the same songs at home for much cheaper, concerts offer many other perks. Some artists have merchandise made specifically for that city or tour. However, you can still show off your love for an artist without paying the expensive price of a ticket.
Freshman Lal Ozturan demonstrates this point, explaining that she owns merchandise from bands whose concerts she’s never attended. “I have a Sublime shirt… and then I also have a Pixies shirt,” she said. Though she has never seen them live, the merchandise serves the same purpose: showing off her love for music through her clothes.
One thing about concerts that simply cannot be replicated—unlike artist merchandise or listening at home—is the crowd. Nothing creates the same powerful feeling as standing shoulder-to-shoulder with countless others who share a common interest with you, dancing and singing along together.
But for some people the energy of a concert’s crowd is overwhelming and too much for them. The crowd can get aggressive and very loud. “When I’m listening to music I can turn down or turn up the volume.” Freshman Gabriela Galor says. Even though they love the artist, the audience’s behavior may lead them to decide that it’s best to stay home, where they can control the environment to their liking.
There are others who want to attend but can’t because many music artists skip South Florida altogether. Located at the end of a peninsula, the region is too out of the way for most artists to add to their tours. As a result, concertgoers are forced to either miss the show or travel far to where it’s being held.
Ozturan wanted to attend a Big Thief concert, but was unable to since they weren’t coming to Florida. “Even though it was something that I really, really want to see, I also have a family and they don’t really listen to that kind of music. It would kind of be just for me.” The expense of the tickets combined with the inconvenience of travel would be too much for her and her family to justify for just one show.
For the people who are willing to make the trip, something about the concert must make the expense worth it. Galor explains how she saw a concert in New York. “It was worth it to travel because seeing your favorite artists and listening to your favorite songs makes for such an unforgettable experience,” she said,
Whether students at MAST prefer listening to their favorite artists at home, cozy in bed, or seeing them live in concerts, it’s evident they all share the same love for music.