After a long week of the last of college lectures, labs and finals, what better way to destress and relax in Nashville than to attend a concert? I’m not much for the indie-rock genre of music; one will usually find me jamming to The Weeknd’s new album or Carrie Underwood’s throwback songs. But when your best friend drags you out to go see The Districts, then you might as well enjoy the show – and I did. Plus, getting dolled up is always fun when you’re going out for once.
The concert was held at The Basement East in east Nashville and let me tell you – this venue is insanely cool, for lack of a better term. It’s a little on the smaller side, but features a bar, bright lights, a picture wall and X’s on hands. The Tangiers and Ranch Ghost opened for The Districts, in which all the bands can absolutely shred on the bass guitar - something that I know I will never be able to do, so I just watched in awe and astonishment. The best things about attending concerts is having the ability to sing so loudly with the band, jumping to the beat of the drums, throwing hands up to the most popular song and being surrounded by people doing the exact same thing. What’s even better is feeling the floor vibrate beneath the crowd and knowing that the ear damage is 100 percent inevitable because the front row is where the party is found, but you’ll regret the ringing later.
The worst things about attending concerts is the dreaded feeling when the artist yells out “Thank y’all so much for being here. It means the world to us. This last song is for you, Nashville!” Note the emphasis on the word “last.” This means that the concert is almost over and being graced with the presence of the band you’ve only heard and seen on Spotify will come to an end. Then the post-concert depression sets in. This is a chronic disorder that will last the rest of your lifetime because listening the band’s songs on your phone or in your car will literally never be the same. It brings back a rush of adrenaline and emotion from the night that you watched them live and it just makes you sad, but gives you bragging rights at the same time.
I remember when I went to the Kanye West concert earlier in the semester, and my 8th grade self was absolutely elated when I rapped “Heartless” with him on a floating stage. I know my fellow Bonnaroo people may not forgive him for being hours late to the festival, but hey – he was still great in person. Nashville gives any concert-goer such a wondrous, fun experience, regardless if it’s at Bridgestone Arena, Mercy Lounge, The Basement East, The Ryman Auditorium, or The Grand Ole’ Opry (this list could go on forever). I honestly can’t say “no” when given the opportunity – even in the midst of finals and knowing that I have to be at work at 6:45 in the morning. I know I’m not the only one who sometimes chooses fun over responsibility.
