From opening acts to viral sensations, many new artists have gained popularity across the globe in 2024. Musicians like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter have become breakout artists, with their concert tickets in high demand. On the other hand, long-time artists like Charli XCX and Billie Eilish have continued to influence the music industry with new projects. With music from debut and experienced artists, concert-goers have had many events to look forward to this year.
For people who have made concerts a regular hobby, the influx of new music has made this year particularly exciting. With Taylor Swift finishing up her Eras Tour, Olivia Rodrigo touring for “GUTS,” and Faye Webster’s “Underdressed at the Symphony,” many people have been able to see some of their favorite artists.
“I really enjoyed the Gracie Abrams concert,” shared senior Madison Lau, who has now been to 29 concerts. “Gracie Abrams is my favorite artist, and that was my first time seeing her live.” Lau has seen a variety of musicians before, such as Harry Styles, the Jonas Brothers, Niall Horan, Taylor Swift, and Ed Sheeran.
“My favorite moments are when I get to hear my favorite songs live,” Lau added. Many fans go to concerts for these specific moments. Hearing an artist in person is the main selling point for many concerts, and most artists will play the greatest hits in their discography, along with any new music they’ve released.
“I love seeing my favorite artists in person,” Lau stated. However, seeing artists sing live isn’t the only thing that makes a concert feel like a concert. The unique environment of a concert builds excitement that cannot be experienced while listening alone. Many concerts, especially stadium tours or festivals, have some kind of grandeur around them that causes tickets to sell out fast. People pay for the experience of a concert just as much as they pay to hear a live performance.
“It’s better when you’re around people who really appreciate the artist,” stated junior Adrien Gonzalez. Gonzalez has been to over 5 concerts in the past six months, including artists like The Kid LAROI and LiSA. “Singing along with people helps.”
Many concerts are eagerly anticipated by fans, especially if the artist hasn’t toured in a long time. Some fans spend weeks listening to the set list and picking the perfect outfit prior to a concert.
“When the concert just starts and the artist gets on stage… you get an adrenaline boost knowing that the concert has finally started,” shared senior Olivia Simpson-Castaneda. This year alone, Simpson-Castaneda has seen Faye Webster, Clairo, Omar Apollo, and Mac DeMarco.
With a surge of pop superstars comes a surge in new concert-goers. The term “concert etiquette” has been used to describe common courtesy when seeing an artist live. Just like any public space, a lack of proper etiquette can make the concert experience unexciting or, at worst, unenjoyable for other people.
“If you’re at a really intense concert, people will bump into you and try to go to the front; it’s happened multiple times,” described Gonzalez. Gonzalez cited these factors, along with people recording the concert on their phones for a long time, as examples of bad etiquette that can be disruptive to others.
Despite this, concert-goers can avoid making these mistakes by keeping others in mind. Like any other crowd, pushing is discouraged, and people should be aware of their surroundings. Being able to live in the moment and put the phone away is also an important strategy for experienced concert-goers.
However, for many, the aspect that makes concerts the most enjoyable is going with other people. Concerts are an excuse to spend more time with your friends and family.
“My favorite concert I went to this year was Omar Apollo because I really like his music, he’s a really great performer, and I went with people that I really like,” added Simpson-Castaneda. “It’s nice to go with people who share a common interest or passion; it makes the concert more fun.”
“Usually my uncle takes me,” stated Gonzalez. Having someone to go to a concert with can be a deal breaker for many people; someone to consistently attend concerts with can make the hobby much easier to pursue.
Whether it’s someone’s first concert or fiftieth, the experience can be unlike any other. 2024 has been a great year for the music industry as artists, both new and old, release new music. In the end, those artists and their music are what make concerts unforgettable.
