It’s no secret that music festivals have been receiving a lot of attention in the past few years as they grow exponentially in number and size, but they’re not really getting the right kind of attention they deserve. From the outfits, to the drugs, to the people and their phones, everyone seems to forget what it’s all really about: the music.

Yes, dressing up for festivals is fun, and it’s cool that there are certain stores specializing in “festival style," but when it comes down to it, that’s not what it’s about. If you’re only going so you can wear these outfits and post Instagram pictures, then save yourself the $300 and just pose in your backyard. I love dressing up, don’t get me wrong, but I love the music more. There’s nothing better than dancing around with hundreds of other people who share the same affinity for bass making their heart race as you do. If you’re lucky enough to have a friend, or even a stranger, willing to put you on their shoulders so you can see better, take a second to look around you instead of straight ahead and see everyone else, smiling and dancing with their closest friends. It’s almost as if time slows while you’re up there.

The best moment I’ve ever had at a concert, and I’ve been to my fair share, was at a Panic! at the Disco concert in Philadelphia. Brendon Urie started “This is Gospel” and my entire body covered with goosebumps. I went up on someone’s shoulders and was the only one in the air, with a clear view of the stage straight ahead of me with hundreds of heads below me. I swear he looked at me and smiled as he started the chorus and I have never felt a deeper connection to a song or moment before. I honestly felt as if I was in my own little world. It was just me and that stage.

It’s a shame that not everyone gets to have experiences like this because they decided to take a pill or smoke something before (or during) the festival/concert. Even drinking can ruin what could’ve been the best time of your life. Now I know that being completely sober isn’t for everyone, and I respect that and people’s abilities to make their own choices, but from personal experience being sober allows you to have the best possible time, and lets you remember every second of it. I’ve seen countless people spend hundreds of dollars on tickets to events, only to be throwing up, pissed off, or passed out during it. What kind of life is that? You’re not able to soak up all the energy around you when you’ve already drowned yourself in other substances. Don’t be afraid of letting yourself be free - free of the drugs and alcohol and pressure to do these things. Let the music course through your veins instead and then try to tell me that you still need something.

I’m not trying to be preachy or say that I’ve never done stereotypical “festival things,” because I have; like I said, I love getting dressed up and taking pictures and being that crazy chick in the crowd who whips her hair in people’s faces, but I’m just trying to say to be mindful of the experiences you’re missing out on when you’re caught up in other things. Photos are great and Snapchat is amazing, I use it basically 24/7, but if you don’t get to snap every second of your festival experience, don’t be upset. To be honest, if your story is 700 seconds long, no one's going to watch it anyway. Take some videos of your absolute favorite songs or of yourself and your group on your downtime, but be sure to enjoy the moment as well. I wish I had a video of “This is Gospel” from that experience I just described, but not having to worry about holding my phone steady during that moment is what allowed me to enjoy it. I can’t relive it through video and show it to other people, but I can feel the energy myself every time I think about it and that’s more than enough for me.

Who you surround yourself with also impacts your ability to have a good time. Huge groups of people are fun, but trying to organize everyone is not. Sticking with a smaller group will be better in the long run, with less bathroom breaks and more chances to get to the front of the crowd. Having to check your texts the entire time because someone got lost or in a fight isn’t how you should be spending your time, so just take it into consideration before making your plans. Surround yourself with people who feel the music as deeply as you do.

Lyrics speak from the soul and beats vibrate through it, so don’t take this opportunity to embrace live music for granted. These artists are reaching out to you on the deepest level possible. They are doing what they love the most in this world so that you can enjoy it and feel what they feel every day. If you’re lucky enough to get to attend a festival, don’t ruin it for yourself. Not everyone is as fortunate; there are a lot of people who crave the experience you’re being handed. Festivals unite us, with each other in the crowd and with the artists on stage, but you have to be present in the moment to experience that. Don’t throw away the opportunity that is in front of you.