Going to a “Live” Concert
By Surya Vaidy
Graphic by Adriana Maiella
What does the idea of going to a concert bring to mind? Excitement, anticipation, energy — being in the same room as the artist and other fans fills the air with a palpable feeling. I don’t think there’s anything else like it. However, in the face of the outbreak of coronavirus and in efforts to be safe, many of these concerts have been canceled.
Disappointment is understandable, but, in a positive light, quarantine presents a unique setting for a musician to share their music. Through platforms like Instagram, they are able to post performances and even perform live through streaming features. It’s an extremely personable way to perform, turning bedrooms and living rooms into intimate concert venues in place of public settings. Christine and the Queens, H.E.R, and Frankie Cosmos, among others, are doing weekly performances on their Instagrams. Others like Diplo and even the Metropolitan Opera are using Youtube and their own sites to stream concerts. Syracuse students themselves are getting involved, live streaming and uploading music to share with us while we’re at home.
Posting a stunning remote performance of “I Will Survive,” NONEWFRIENDS. kicked off my look at these unique music-at-home projects with a feel-good message and song. I was snapping my fingers the entire time. Following up, Mnemonic Advice (stage name of Bandier student Josh Carus) hosted an amazing group concert featuring his friends and fellow musicians. Through his concert, I found an incredible set of musicians whom I’ve never heard before. It’s heartwarming, to say the least.
In reality, there aren’t really enough words to express my admiration for these musicians and students. In times of stress, one often finds that music is a calming presence. But what’s even more incredible about seeing these performances is that these musicians themselves are also at home, and they’re making the best of it. Watching them create and do something that makes them happy, inevitably brings a smile to my face.
That’s the power of music, and also the power of seeing others over some medium, even if it’s not in person. The infectious energy of a performance is being channeled differently, but the effect is still the same. Take the time to find live performances of artists you like, or even better, ones you’ve never heard before. This is the time to find new music and connect over these “live” concerts. I recommend checking out NPR, who have taken their popular Tiny Desk Concerts and transformed them into at-home videos of curated artists. You won’t be disappointed. In fact, I think you’ll feel a bit happier too.
Don’t forget to check in with NONEWFRIENDS and Mnemonic Advice on Instagram to see more content and keep up with any info on future live performances. You can find more information on performances at these links: