I am an enormous fan of reside music, which is certainly one of many causes that I made a decision to maneuver to Seattle. However the live performance tradition right here will be so annoying, particularly in venues the place there are seats, just like the Paramount, Moore Theatre, or Local weather Pledge Area. I went to a Future Islands live performance on the Paramount the place singer Samuel T. Herring was actually throwing himself throughout the stage, pouring his coronary heart out whereas the band performed enjoyable, upbeat songs, whereas individuals simply sat there and stared. Stand up and dance, you idiots!
I do not care in the event you assume you are too cool to bounce. When you don’t love reside music, then what are you doing right here? This was in distinction to a present the place I noticed Future Islands a few years in the past in a distinct metropolis, the place there have been fairly actually individuals dancing their hearts out with strangers and making new associates (myself included).
I went to the Maggie Rogers live performance on the Local weather Pledge Area, and she or he known as individuals out who have been sitting up shut and begged them to rise up and dance! It is so embarrassing for our metropolis, to be sincere. And I really feel like individuals assume I am an inconvenience for wanting to face at a live performance. It is… a live performance…? You are presupposed to benefit from the music…? I get it if it is a slower tune or not the kind of artist that requires dancing and even standing. However that is not what I am speaking about. And I am clearly not speaking about people who find themselves not in a position to rise up and dance—this isn’t an ableist commentary. This can be a commentary on how everybody right here thinks they’re too cool to be seen having fun with issues.
Information flash: We’re all a bunch of nerds. Let your freak flag fly. I additionally hate how there’s completely no love for the opening acts. At virtually each single present I have been to in Seattle, the place is mainly empty till the headliner begins. Supporting smaller or native artists is so vital! I’ve found a few of my favourite artists by going to the present on time to see the opening act. As somebody who has carried out on a stage earlier than, there’s completely nothing worse than when the viewers is not matching your vitality or when the room is virtually empty. For a metropolis recognized for its music, Seattle does not help musicians the way in which they may and needs to be doing. The live performance tradition wants to alter!
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