It's that time of year again!
MUSIC FESTIVAL SEASON.
While most people are cracking those textbooks open for finals, music lovers all over the country are sitting anxiously at their computers waiting for new lineups to release and scouting for the best deals.
Coachella! Bonnaroo! Firefly! Hangout! Lightning in a Bottle! Outsidelands! Hard Summer! Lollapalooza!?
Where do I begin?
If you've ever been to a music festival, you can relate. If you haven't, here are just a handful of emotions you will go through when experiencing the euphoria and the misery of immersing yourself in the aura of the music spirits.
THE EURPHORIA
1. Live Music.
Seeing your favorite bands/artists live is something you must experience. A song will never sound the same to you after you hear it live. The energy a performer brings to the stage transcends listening to a song through headphones. There's nothing quite like it.
2. Running Into Celebrities.
It is not uncommon to casually run into celebrities and musicians, while you're at a music festival. Lots of artists stick around before or after their set to watch their friends perform, so try to snap a selfie or get a highfive.
3. Being One With the Music Gods.
There's something about being in a sea of people that suddenly makes you feel like you're spiritually connected to every artist you've ever loved.
4. Slumming It Out.
This one goes for all the hardcore music junkies that are willing to campout. There's a certain kind of beauty that comes with not showering for a few days and having dirt stuck under your fingernails. Not only is it a humbling experience, but I think it really makes you a stronger person. I didn't know I could do it, but it was awesome.
5. Killer Vibes.
Everyone goes to a music festival to have a good time. It's harder to find someone in a bad mood than it is to find a man wearing a Aladdin costume, selling balloon animals. Enjoy the good energy. Take it all in.
6. New Friends and Community.
While you're waiting for in line for your favorite performers, you will make friends. You will bond over the lyrics to your favorite songs. You will fangirl over the same musicians! You will scream together when you hear the first chords of that song you both love. Bonding over music is one of the best feelings because someone can love the same song as you and understand exactly how you feel when you listen to it and sometimes, it is for a completely different reason that will open your mind when you hear them talk about it.
7. Priceless Memories.
If you're experiencing the festival with your closest friends, It's a journey you will never forget.
8. Dressing Up
Going to a music festival gives you an opportunity to dress in ways you only ever dreamed. BecomDo keep in mind that it is typically hot.
THE MISERY
1. Hole In Your Wallet.
The experience doesn't come cheap, but I promise you that paying to see such a great number of such great performers live is something that is definitely worth it. Also, remember that you're paying for a lifetime experience, not a good that will go to waste in a couple of years.
2. Sunburn.
It's summertime, and the sun is hot. Pack on the sunscreen and prepare for harsh tanlines.
3. Packing.
Preparing to campout takes an immense amount of preparation. You will need food, water (lots and lots of water), snacks, money, sunscreen, and so MUCH MORE! No sweat though, there are hundreds of music festival preparation guides to help you get through it.
4. Slumming It Out.
Camping out in a dusty field isn't exactly glamorous.
5. Time Commitment.
Festivals last days, and on top of that, there's travel
and planning.
6. Picking One.
So many performers at so many shows, but you can't possibly see them all. You have to prioritize and plan.
7. Post-Concert Withdrawals.
After a concert, do you ever get that feeling of emptiness and yearning to see the band you just watched again? That feeling comes back but 100 times stronger. The countdown to next year will begin as soon as you leave.
8. Lines, Lines, and Lines Everywhere.
Speaks for itself.
