The Life of Live Music

BY MALLORY HARMON

“Musicians are there in front of you, and the spectators sense their tension, which is not the case when you’re listening to a record. Your attention is more relaxed. The emotional aspect is more important in live music.”

~Brian Eno

In 1877 the world of music was changed forever; the record was created. After this invention, recorded music took off. In 1962, tapes were introduced to the public and a generation later in 1982, CDs blew the minds of music lovers all over the world. 1997 brought us the now notorious Auto-Tune and a new species of music was birthed. Finally, 2003 brought the timeless digital gift of iTunes. Music morphed from a live-only phenomenon to an entity that can be bought on an app, downloaded into a palm-sized device, and listened to, anytime anywhere. After several millennia of music, it has been quite an eventful 124 years.

Though these inventions have allowed music to be consistently experienced, whether in the car, at work, or 40,000 feet in the air, they will never replace the thrill of live music. Whether you are watching

Coldplay at a sold-out stadium or a guy with a guitar at the corner of Fourth and Trade, there is a certain energy to the communication of live performance. Technological advancements, however, have left live music struggling to keep up. The draw of perfection and convenience has overshadowed the priceless electricity of live entertainment. Human connection is what makes us, well, human, right? Nothing reminds us of this more than the songwriter and his guitar (or her ukulele). Like Brian Eno, the British musician says, “The emotional aspect is more important in live music.” Seeing the performers before you, real talent both in voice and instrument, allows you to recognize the value and the effort that song creation requires.

Unedited, un-Auto-Tuned masterpieces performed with all the soul and energy of an enthralling tale – this is what you can experience if you take the time to appreciate live music. The audience is an important feature in musical production. The energy and excitement shared between a composer and his or her audience is a spectacle that cannot be recreated by any technology known to man. Music is a talent and a calling for numerous individuals in our community. Gifted artists come together to create original works of art here in Forsyth County and the surrounding areas, perhaps even within your own home. Taking the initiative to support local artists is invaluable, not only to the performer but to your own life experiences. It is an unrivaled opportunity to hear songs whose genesis was manufactured and inspired by your own hometown. These artists are seeking to entertain, encourage and enlighten you. Take the time to experience and appreciate them. You can be an important part of revitalizing a sense of value in live music.

In addition to supporting the advancement of the arts, attending local concerts is the perfect way to spend an evening with friends or family. Concerts are being performed all over our community on a nightly basis, whether by a group of retired instrumental experts, a team of passionate teenagers, or a rising star. Think of it as an opportunity to experience emerging talent first hand before it becomes mass-produced. Information on upcoming local band events can be found on Forsyth Magazines’ Facebook page and website. Seek out and attend a live event to experience the comfort of a bluegrass jam, the hidden meaning in a country song, or the excitement generated by rock ‘n’ roll. Whatever style you prefer, there is a way you can enjoy a melodious evening and simultaneously support your community.

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