I've never wanted my blog to be solely about running. And since I'm currently not running (I'm saving that discussion for my next post), it seems appropriate to write about something else right now. Music is a huge part of my life. No, I cannot play an instrument, and I can guarantee that you don't want to hear me "sing." But, I like to think that I have pretty darn good taste in tunes. I also enjoy being surrounded by people who are musically gifted, which is what this weekend was like.
I had the honor of attending Music Midtown in Atlanta. My anticipation for this weekend grew with every $20 bill (and there were plenty of those) that I stuck in my savings jar next to my bed (because I'm still 8 years old, apparently.) There were acts that I wanted to see that I wouldn't normally pay to see (I'm looking at you, Eminem), people who I've been wanting to see but haven't been in the area, and acts that I've already seen but wanted to see again.
The punchline: This festival was great! If that's all you need to hear, then you don't need to continue reading. But if you're curious about the performers, or how badly I'm going to butcher the rest of this post…read away!
Friday September 19th
My friend and I decided we would splurge on VIP tickets (I'll get more in depth about that a little later) which meant we didn't have to wait in line all day.
First show we went to was Banks. I've mentioned her a while back and how much I love her and her music. Her debut album "Goddess" (you should definitely buy it) just came out earlier this month and is great. Though she seemed slightly off her first song (how do artists ever not sound off?), she killed the rest of her performance. She worked the stage effortlessly and it seemed like everyone else was loving it. Highlight: "Beggin' for Thread"
I stayed at the same stage to catch Lorde, because who wouldn't? Besides, I was still in the very front. I didn't know quite what to expect with her. I knew she was going to be good, but I also knew she was probably going to be very weird (i.e her 2014 Grammy performance.) Well, she proved me wrong, and she was incredible! She's such a joy to watch. Not over the top, not boring, just a joy. And I personally thought she sounded better live. If you get a chance to see Lorde, DO IT! Highlight: "Glory and Gore"
(The Queen Bee)
After Lorde, I, with thousands of others, rushed over to the neighboring stage to see John Mayer. He was one of the three I was most excited to see (Banks and Bastille being the other two.) John is one of my favorite guitarists. I will say though, I like the sound of some of his older stuff more than the newer, but I think I like the content in his new album the most (with the exception of "Battle Studies," because that album is his best!) He also did not disappoint as he and his band got thousands to groove along with them. I would see him again in a heartbeat. Highlight: Toughie because there wasn't a song I didn't like…but let's go with his cover of Beyonce's "XO."
(John Mayer)
Saturday September 20th
Well, waking up was a little bit difficult the morning after. I think I made the correct call when I suggested that we use UBER to get to the park.
First up, Magic Man. I just started (as in two weeks ago) listening to this group. Their album, "Before the Waves"has some catchy tunes on it. They reminded me of Passion Pit and Wolfgang. They're a younger group but they played like they've been together for years. Loved their energy on stage. Highlight: "Everyday"
We grabbed food and then caught half of The Strypes. I didn't know how young these guys were until we got up to the stage. They barely look old enough to drive, but they performed like they've been around longer than me. I have no words to describe how well their guitarist played. I'm pretty sure my, and other, jaws dropped at least a half-dozen times as he melted our faces off (or was that the sun?). I hope these guys stay grounded and go far. I'd hate to see all of that talented get swept away in fame and fortune. Highlight: Whenever the guitarist had solos.
Twenty One Pilots followed on the same stage. I've seen these guys perform on TV, and always thought they looked like they put on a fun show. The band consists of two members, one on the drums, and the other on the piano, when he isn't jumping around onstage. The crowd was definitely a big part of their performance, which was refreshing. They're also pretty insane!
For example...
…and this…
…and finally this.
( I nearly vomited and then had a heart attack.)
Their poor tour manager had no idea that this was going to happen. All in all, this group had everyone singing and dancing around, some adults were even showing the younger ones up in singing along. Highlight: "Trees" and their cover of Lana Del Rey's "Summertime Sadness"
Next up onstage was Fitz and The Tantrums. I've loved this group for a while now. They have a slightly different sound that I think appeals to different age groups. The crowd for their performance was definitely on the more mature-side, but it was still just as fun as the previous set. Fitz and The Tantrums put on a show that you can't help but dance along to, which is exactly what they wanted us to do. After not knowing many of the songs in the last set, it felt nice to be able to sing along to 80% of their songs. I've been wanting to catch their show for the last few months, so I'm so happy I finally got to see them. Highlight: "Break the Walls"
Bastille (who is my current favorite band) was finally up. The average age of the crowd dropped as the pitch of the screams rose. I've seen them twice already, once in Raleigh and Charlotte. And for the record, I'm three-for-three at being front row at their shows, it's a hidden talent of mine. My review of them is probably biased, but whatever, they killed it. I think they were better this time than the other two times. Funny story, the girl I went with (who he spotted and remembered!!) had given him a t-shirt at the Raleigh show. She had another one for him and so during their last song ("Pompeii," obviously) I held the t-shirt out and he motioned for me to throw it to him (yeah, the 13 year old in me died.) From me to the stage, which was higher up, was about 15 feet, give or take. I played softball for 8 years, and have a strong arm, I've been told, but somehow threw the shirt so it landed between the sub and stage…going to the ground. Good one Annie. That action almost got me thrown out (thank goodness I friended all of the security guards around me, because they covered for me.) Highlight: Their cover of TLC's "No Scrubs"
And here's my favorite song of theirs, "Oblivion."
(How about that fancy iPhone camera action?!)
Last, but certainly not least…Eminem closed the festival. Let's get this straight, I'm not a big rap fan, though I can rap myself (another hidden talent), and I certainly do not condone the words that leave his mouth, but that guy can perform! There was a reason why more than half of the festival was there watching him. The only problem I had with his performance, aside from the cursing, was the gunshots. The first one, I expected….the second, not so much. My opinion, when there's a crowd that large and concentrated, gun noises should not be played. It was one of those things that when it went off, people stopped and stared at each other as if we were saying, "She would we start running?" Other than that, I loved it. To balance out the harshness of his rhymes, I decided to drink wine.
Shameful selfie in 3…2…
...1
(Pinkies up!)
Acts that I didn't get to see but wanted to:
Need To Breathe - I saw them when they first got signed about 10 years ago, and they were great. I read somewhere that they were the most underrated band there. Probably right. They were on the stage that was opposite of where I was most of them time, which was a very long walk (uphill too.)
Lana Del Rey - I missed her to keep my front row spot. Honestly, I wanted to see her more out of curiosity than anything else. I've heard mixed reviews of her live performances. I mean, SNL anyone? If you don't know what I'm referring to, you are allowed to YouTube "Lana Del Rey SNL" right now…you're welcome.
About VIP and the rest:
Like I said earlier, my friend and I splurged on VIP. It was 100% worth it! Two words: "real bathrooms."Yes, no porta potties for this girl! Also, we had a huge (multiple level) shaded lounge with couches, food trucks, and bars. Everything (food, water, soda, beer, and wine) is included with the package, which was nice not having to carry money around. We also had a VIP viewing area at every stage (each area had another bar so you didn't have to leave), which meant we didn't have to queue for very long, major plus when you want to see other shows. Seeing 9 acts, we basically paid $55 per show, not including the food, beer, or wine (which I may or may not have enjoyed a lot.)
With the exception of when we first were let into the park, the festival felt very organized. I definitely recommend friending the bartenders and the security. They throw in extra perks and they look out for you. Also, bring an external charger for your phone. With all of the people around, cellphone service is the worst. I sent someone 16 messages (not intentionally) because every third would go through…but then they got bombarded once service came back.
If next year's lineup is as good as this year's, then I will definitely return.
Now excuse me while I try to find my voice…which may still be in Atlanta.
-A
Currently listening to: John Mayer "Battle Studies"
Planned Run: none
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