Features

By Ellie Hales

We should go and support live music artists – they need it and I am going to tell you why.

We go to gigs so artists can get a voice, have a confidence boost and to increase their popularity. The atmosphere at gigs is one of a kind: the rush of excitement as the band starts to play, you are able to just let go of everything for a while whilst you are up-close with the artist, having a blast. Live music is at the heart of the music industry; artists rely on us to turn up to gigs. 

I am a 14-year-old girl, who lives and breathes music, and I could live at gigs! I also play the guitar, so I can understand the dedication musicians put into their music and practicing for gigs. I believe gigs are essential to the music industry because, well, they’re great! Live music also supports the music venues, especially small and local ones. If a band sells out a music venue, the venue would get publicity from it and could financially help them out.

My first experience of a gig was on the 6th June 2015, when I was 12 and I saw One Direction. Even though they’re not my cup of tea now, it meant a lot to me then. The initial rush of excitement was great, and after all the anticipation, finally seeing my favourite band after months was a fab feeling. I remember my mum and I dancing along to all our favourite songs, having great time. After the gig, I realised how much effort bands put in to put on a good show. And from then, I wanted to go to every gig I could.

It is so hard for artists to make a living, as the market is so competitive and everyone is fighting for a record deal. Gigs have become one the biggest money earners for musicians because of the Internet, you can now normally download music for free, so bands are loosing money through music downloads. 

The electric feel as the guitarists strum away, the pounding of the drums and the singer, singing till their voice runs out, is such an immense atmosphere. So we need to all get out – turn up to gigs, have a laugh. Turning up to support the artists will show them that there are people interested in them, and will help the grow. 

Not many see the practice artists put in for one gig, too. On average, bands practice every night, after work as much as they can – so they can put on the best show for you. At the end of the day, these music artists write the music themselves – which takes so much dedication and commitment. It is quite easy to forget how much effort goes into a catchy riff; a crazy beat or that really cool guitar solo. Therefore going to live music events could make you realise how much effort artists put in, and it is additionally, a good time for you! 

Walking out to see a packed crowd is an overwhelming experience for most artists, especially small, independent artists playing intimate venues – a welcoming, supportive audience is an important, meaningful thing for them.

So…go buy yourself some gig tickets!