I stood above the crowd at a recent concert, watching its pulse. Every show has one, a collective beat with which the crowd responds to the musicians and the musicians pump back out to the crowd. Thump-thump. This one was one of the most beautiful I’d seen, and effortless back and forth, the crowd surging as one, lifting their voices, the band’s instruments in response.
I’ve watched shows from every plausible angle and above is one of my very favorite, if only because you can see all reactions equally. Often, when I watch from the stage, I am insanely jealous of the musicians, their ability to put energy out there and have it returned like that. It’s a heady feeling, even from the peripheral. Watching from the audience I am jealous as well, though slightly differently. (often simply because I am crushed and I wish I had the performers space to move). But from above I can respect the balance, the fact that it’s hard to say who gets more out of the equation, fan or performer, in the long run. And the simple understanding that no one has to be the winner, that title can be shared.
Musicatalyst: (n) someone or something whose attitude toward music causes others to be excited or entertained.
So here I am, watching from above, mindful of the dual nature of music professional and music fan in my experiences (and in most music professionals' experiences; I’d be sad to know of a music professional who hated music.)
This is an excise for me, and hopefully entertainment for you. An anonymous, insider’s glance into the industry of music, and a fans view of what I think is great there. If you know who I am or figure it out, keep it to yourself. I’d rather be anyone you imagine me to be.
