I’ve been a music lover my whole life. When I was growing up, I would wake up on weekend mornings to my mom’s Mexican oldies accompanied by her intense singing at full volume. My dad was no different. He didn’t (and still doesn’t) understand the concept of silence, boldly playing traditional Spanish ballads during any occasion. Washing his cars, mowing the lawn, and drinking with his friends are only a few examples. Needless to say, we were never a favorite among our neighbors.

After growing up in undoubtedly a musical household, I am no different. Music has always been the one thing that never fails me. I have many other interests outside of music, of course. All of them have caused me some sort of stress or anxiety, one way or another, but I can’t say the same for music. The most stressful situation music has put me in is definitely the crippling disappointment after finding out a show you had your heart set on is sold out, or maybe post-concert depression because, yes, it does exist.

Music has always been the one thing I could count on to be there. When I’m sad, it fills the empty spaces in my heart, reminding me that things will be OK again, despite the pain I feel. When I’m angry, it mellows me out, calming my nerves and providing an escape from negativity. When I’m happy it fuels my joy more than I thought humanly possible, as I sing and dance along. Music gives me an outlet, a way to say things that I can’t vocalize or even put into words because sometimes in this life there are things that strike you in such a way.

With Spotify and Apple Music only getting bigger, it’s easier than ever for the masses to gain access to music. While I am happy we live in a world where we all have billions of records at our fingertips, it also saddens me that so many people have never and will never experience live music. People don’t really see the point in going to shows when they can get the same experience without leaving the comfort of their homes. Make no mistake: it is not the same.

Because music is such an important and driving force in my life, I am baffled by the amount of people I meet that scoff at the idea of concerts. I can’t even begin to explain how many people I’ve met who’ve never seen one of their favorite musicians live, and even scarier: have no desire to. I can say from experience that live shows are probably one of the most magical things a human can experience.

My friends like to joke that I have a problem, that I can’t stop buying concert tickets. I probably do, but seeing one of my favorite bands live stirs up something within me I can’t really explain. Standing in front of a stage with so many other people who feel what I feel, while singing these words to these songs that I love at the top of my lungs, is truly one of the only places I’ve ever felt at home. Music is powerful in this way. Within the span of three hours, music can heal you; it can bring strangers together.

So I don’t really care if people think I’m ridiculous for spending paycheck after paycheck on concert tickets or waiting outside venues all day just to be in the front row. However, I do care that some people will never experience the magic of a live show. So I urge everyone out there to just go. Go to shows; see your favorite acts perform the songs you’ve loved for so long in person, and never stop. Music is life changing and we must do everything we can to keep its spirit alive.