Like many girls, my first concert was Taylor Swift. She puts on a great show with many sparkly costumes and songs you can sing along to in front of your mom. Since then, I have had the concert bug. I love going to concerts and experiencing my favorite bands and artists live. The atmosphere is something I crave and all my favorite songs are transformed when performed live.

Because I love concerts so much, I have a few tips for your next live music experience.

If you ever get the chance to go to a concert for a band you don’t know, please go. I went to Zack Brown Band on a whim when my friend was offered free tickets. It was the best decision because, despite not knowing the words to most songs, I had a blast. I met new people and my eyes were opened to a whole new genre of music. Be spontaneous and take any opportunity you can.

(Zack Brown Band at Fenway).

Keep your phone away. Sure, I take a few snapchat stories and a few pictures, but then I put it away. I want to make memories through my own eyes, not a lense. Besides, the audio on your phone will never compare to what is right in front of you. Take pictures in your mind and focus on what is happening in front of you. There’s nothing worse than the guy in front of you, blocking your view because of his phone. And if you are one of those people who put the entire show on your snapchat, just know I and everyone else just skip through it.

(Paramore at the Citi Wang Theater)

This next tip is going to be contradictory. Dress up and feel good, but make sure you are comfortable. I would probably never wear heels to a concert because I’m the type to stand the entire time. But I do like dressing up because, why not? You are paying a lot for a ticket and if you want to dress up and take pictures with your friends, I am all for it. If someone thinks it is odd you got dress up for the occasion, then that is his or her loss.

Buy the merch. I know it is ridiculously expensive, but it is a nice memento of the experience. Even if it’s a silly wristband, it’s nice to be able to look at it and think of the show you went to. If you get a T-shirt, wear it to school or out the next day and people will bond over the fact that they went to the show too! Then you get some new music buddies.

Try to make friends with the people around you! Whether you go alone or are with a group of your own friends, it doesn’t hurt to reach out and start a conversation with other concertgoers. When you think about it, you already have something in common. Why not make new connections and add to the concert experience?

(Free concert in the Boston Commons)

I am not an expert, but these are just things I have realized from going to concerts. I love seeing live music and having the experience in my arsenal of memories when it comes to talking about shows. So go buy some tickets and create some memories!