The lights dim as the background music fades, and the crowd’s chatter erupts into cheers. The stage glows softly as band members step on, instruments ready to come alive. Restlessness shifts into a buzz of excitement, and the first note cuts through the air. The concert has begun.
What makes live performances so special? Concerts offer something far beyond what digital streaming can provide: a deeper insight and connection to the artist and their music.
Take alternative pop artist Weyes Blood, for example. Blood’s albums are typically conceptual, with strong visual components. During her recent And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow tour, she brought the glowing heart from her album cover to life, creating an ethereal and immersive atmosphere.
Each song was transformed through lighting, projections, and even a short film, turning the album into an experience you can’t replicate by simply pressing “play” on Spotify.
Concerts also provide a vital way to support artists. While streaming platforms have made music more accessible, smaller or more independent artists are often unfairly compensated, needing over a million streams per month to earn a U.S. monthly minimum wage, according to Royalty Exchange.
Touring has become essential, not just as a source of income, but as a way to build an audience and express their creative intent–your ticket purchase is a tangible way to support the art you love.
Personally, concerts hold a special place in my life. They’ve opened the door to discovery, allowing me to listen to new artists, which has grown my love for music. Opening acts, co-headlined tours like the Charli XCX and Troye Sivan’s SWEAT tour, and even pre-and post-show playlists have also expanded my taste. Artists don’t only promote themselves, they shine a spotlight on others.
Concerts also create unforgettable memories and offer a sense of community that streaming alone can’t replicate. One of my favorite memories was seeing Suki Waterhouse for the first time with someone I barely knew. We had such an incredible experience that we’ve made it a tradition to see her on every tour. That night set the foundation for a long-lasting friendship I will forever cherish.
In the end, concerts aren’t just an event, they’re an experience.
They’re about stepping into a moment that feels bigger than yourself, knowing you’re part of something fleeting and beautiful. And when the show ends, you leave with more than just a ticket stub or a piece of merch. You leave with that one song you’ll never hear the same way again because of how the artist performed it live. You leave with stories to tell your friends and feelings you’ll carry with you for days, weeks, or even years.
That is why I keep going back.
