Now that I have the front-end part of this site kind of going, I decided to put up this post. Since the new year, I've been thinking about the concerts I've been to in the year past. I was fortunate enough to have attended many concerts on my "Must See Before I Die" List. But one concert out of them all struck me the most...

In February, I saw Maximum the Hormone in Toronto (I traveled 10 hours through a snowstorm to get there, but it was well worth it) and I met them all. In May, I saw Opeth, who were amazing. In November, I saw Dir En Grey, who are unbelievable performers. Lastly, and most important of them all, I saw my hero, Ani DiFranco that same month.

Taken from front "row" ;) I didn't have a camera, so I had to use my cellphone

I hadn't expected this concert to be so monumental to me, I wasn't even sure if I was going to go that day. I hadn't really listened to her newest albums, so I was weary of going. The decision to go was spontaneous and on the day of the concert. It was purely based on the fact that I loved her as an artist, and I just had to witness her in action, even if I haven't seriously heard her latest stuff (latest being oh... the last 4-5 albums? Hah). I considered my history with her music, and decided I had to go.

I've been listening to her music for the last 12 years, since I was 9 years old! I've heard her go from an angry young folksinger, to a maturing, experimenting musician, and finally, to a bright, happy artist, full of life. It was remarkable transition to just bear witness in the form of album covers and musical styles. But on that day, when she entered the stage, everything about her changes suddenly became realized, materializing in front of me. I couldn't help but feel my inner self scream "I LOVE YOU, ANI" the minute I saw her, not because I'm the biggest fan in the world, no, not by a long shot, but because of how she helped shape me. How her music, her words, her prose have been so influential, motivating, helpful, inspirational... everything to me. The level of impact she had on me is incomparable to any other artist I've listened to (yes, including Iron Maiden;) ). I could see it in the crowd as well. Seeing Ani, at least for those like me, isn't like going to an awesome metal show, or a chill jazz jam; it's like reaching a strange musical nirvana. You reach a spiritual point, where you see how all this hard work, love and passion can culminate to something so beautiful; the evolution of both the musician and the listener. I was just very thankful to have been there.

Having said that, I wanted to encourage you all to go to concerts and support artists if you can. Ever since my first concert (Iron Maiden in high school), I realized the power of concerts. It wasn't just to show off musical skill; it was to connect with the audience. Whether they're purely communal adrenaline rushes, or this kind of spiritual highs, it doesn't matter, they're all worth the effort. That's what makes music what it is. It isn't simply what you download, or some constructed series of bleeps and bloops made with FLStudio. It's a creative force that's generated by these individuals, meant to be shared and enjoyed by all who listen. It only gets better live. So go out there and enjoy!!!