How does a music-obsessed writer narrow down a list of favorite shows to the succinct amount of FIVE?! This task was nearly impossible. But, my process here became quite simple – I started with the shows that made me cry, and simply added on from there!
#5. The 1975
Imagine a large male with bags under his eyes, eagerly taking notes while standing in the back row of a teen-populated concert … by himself. I was just graduating from college, fresh out of final testing and assessments, and to make things even more memorable I was missing part of a graduation ceremony to attend this show. Why? Well, it was my first opportunity to do what I am doing right now for Twin Cities Media. This was the first show – the one that started it all – and as much as I enjoyed the music and ambiance, this show will forever be ranked in my mind as it was my first chance to write and to work with TCM. My life has never been the same ever since.
#4. Cherub
So I like (almost) missed this show? We got press coverage about two hours before they took the stage, and I was on the other side of town, but we figured it out (thank you, light rail!) I’m really happy that I didn’t miss this event, well, because here it is at #4. Cherub was an absolute hoot and their opener, Gibbz, was just as talented and hysterical. This DJ duo was just as entertaining as they were impressive musically. I was pleasantly shocked to find myself walking out with a poster, now being a genuine fan after barely knowing them coming in.
#3. Louis the Child
I often like to use new and/or youth-like terms to describe things sarcastically, but honestly – “lit” and or “electric” is the only way I feel like I can describe Louis the Child in concert. Their EDM music is powerful and beyond fun on its own, but their live performance took things to a new level. The crowd was the most energetic and lively one that I have ever been a part of. Minus the ringing in my ears and the slight pain at times from so many flashing lasers and people jumping on top of me, I have only positive things to say whenever I rave about this show. (Ha, Get it? Rave? Okay… anyways!)
#2. The Ghost of Paul Revere
This one is pretty hard not to put first. I have been listening to the Ghost of Paul Revere since 2015. They were the first band I found in college, and I can’t tell you how many times I sat up sipping whiskey at two in the morning with a few buddies (we’re weird, okay?) singing along to hits of theirs like “Andra” and “Ghostland.” They are one of the most well-rounded, not-known-nearly-enough bands that I will always encourage anyone to check out. They are the best folk band (by definition) in the country right now and I will take that to the bank!
#1. Post Malone
Post Malone not only made me cry- he made me cry several times. I did not enter his show as a huge fan, nor did I really know much of his music outside of my exposure during college parties and get-togethers. But, I suppose I should have known that a musician known for “sad boi” vibes combined with the break-up I had no more than a week or so before would be the perfect recipe for shedding tears in my beers – which, at this show, I had quite a few! Post is probably my favorite mainstream artist right now. He’s fun. He’s genuine… and he made me cry. A lot. We love that.
