As my first Warped Tour comes to an end, I would say it is a must see! The crowds are unique and full of life, while also blending their love for music with each other. It is quite a spectacle to see how a music festival can have its own culture and community.
First of all, it was hot! Did anyone care that we were sweating like crazy? No. Were there people walking around with hardly anything on? Yes. But did anyone care? No! It was honestly the most accepting experience I have ever had. Personally, when I stood in line in the morning I thought, "I am going to be so hot!" But within a couple hours and after several runs through the misters, I realized I was comfortable running around in my sports bra because nobody cared. We were all there for one reason and one reason only: the music.
That moment of freedom from any and all anxiety might have been the highlight of the day if the music had not been so good! I was surprised so many times by unexpected artists and signings that I felt like a kid in a candy store. My mom and sister were waiting in line to get autographs from Set It Off when I noticed this killer female voice from behind. I ended up watching the whole set of The Interrupters. It was not my intention, but I was happy I did. They are now added to every streaming playlist I have. Later while waiting for our favorites, we heard from Tonight Alive. I would have never expected to be so in love! (I also own every song now.) The lead singer, Jenna McDougall, is so talented. I found myself just taking in her voice and getting lost in the words before realizing I had stopped dancing.
The cool thing about music festivals is that you can not only see a bunch of artists, but there is tons to do. While looking for specific tents, I noticed a line starting to form at the Sleeping With Sirens tent. Grabbing my family I told them we had to move. I had seen cuties with sunglasses on under that tent. Low and behold it was two of the lead guitarists, and my sister's face was incredible! She was so overwhelmed she just smiled so big, and I am so glad we caught them.
Then, of course, the whole reason we came was to see We The Kings, Sleeping With Sirens and Sum 41 perform. We ended our night listening to our favorites and were left completely satisfied after jumping and yelling all the lyrics. All of our favorite songs were played and to just be in that atmosphere with them was so memorable.
So whether you are 12, 23 or a mom, you can enjoy Warped Tour for what it is; a loving culture like no other! It is a place where bands ask if you are personally satisfied and tell you it is OK if you aren't. It is a place to make new friends that love the same art as you. After all, music is the greatest expression of art, especially for those of us that are stuck in our own heads. Warped Tour is a place to connect through the lyrics that heal, the beats that make you dance and the loving culture that brings you back for more. Now I finally know what it feels like to be a part of something bigger and why Warped Tour has been around so long. If you have not been before, please consider trying something new and being weird with the rest of us!
