What was your first concert?
It was Lilith Fair back in 1998. I was basically 17 years old and so excited I could barely contain it. Missy Elliot, Liz Phair, Natalie Merchant, Sarah McLachlin. Laugh all you want, it was amazing.
Do you have a job?
Uh, duh! I work five days a week and many times bring work home with me going beyond the work day. I do have off in the summer. Going to concerts is something I enjoy and it serves (at times) as an escape from my job or crap that we are faced with in everyday life.
How do you afford all these shows?
Most of the concerts I attend range from $10-$30. I dislike huge festivals or bigger venues. I like seeing bands in smaller venues. It's more intimate. Also I a) have no kids or am not married b) barely have any debt c) do whatever I want within my means / budget. Garbage and PJ Harvey are my most expensive summer concerts but guess what? They are WORTH IT.
Do you buy albums of bands you see after every show?
Almost! Most of the time I own them ahead of seeing the band live. Tee shirts it depends too.
What is your post-concert aesthetic?
Going straight to Wawa for a fruit punch and Rice Krispie bar (so healthy I know), printing out a Poloroid picture from my phone, uploading my top favorite pictures to Instagram, and spinning the album the following day.
What is your record for most shows in a week?
Six. I don't know if I could do that again AND I worked 4 days that week which is bat-shit crazy. I'm at the point now where going to so many can be very overwhelming for me. Sometimes I get what I call "concert anxiety" where the crowd becomes too much or I feel I won't have the energy for the entire show. I've bailed on a few shows because of this but not major shows. I'm learning that going for just the opening band isn't always a good idea. It's more of a reason to back out. Also always listen to your body or your gut.
Band you've seen the most times in concert?
PJ Harvey is rounding out to four times in August. Liz Phair is another four. Sleater-Kinney is three in a row which was really cool.
Worst concert?
Puddle of Mudd. My friend had an extra ticket and they were so cheap. The result was me bombing my psych final the next day. Not worth it. Also The Vines. The lead singer Craig was so blatantly drunk he stumbled over equipment and just smashed everything to shit in the end.
Best concert?
Sleater-Kinney, the three nights in NY which was my first time seeing them. Every night was different and you didn't know what they were going to bring. That was the catalyst which started up going to more shows. I felt like I was really missing out on life feeling like I constantly had to have someone to go with me to concerts and that's not even true. I went to a Le Butcherettes show in March by myself. I met two really amazing ladies that are now my concert pals for life, one I go to all of the concerts with and consider a good friend. In such a small span of time I've made a group of Philly friends and they are all wonderful. Anytime I see them at a show it's a lot of fun.
Why so many now?
Everyone is touring it feels like or coming out with a new album! Please stop! ;P
Favorite venue?
I love Johnny Brendas and Everybody Hits. Underground Arts is pretty neat too. Boot and Saddle has great sound as well. In New York I really like the Bowery Ballroom. King's Theater was nice too.
Least favorite venue?
Electric Factory. I don't know I just don't like the set-up and I think the sound isn't that great. The Troc. Even though I have only attended one show the stage is so high up from the barrier. Also Terminal 5. Shitty sound.
Most exciting concert(s) this summer?
Definitely The Julie Ruin because this will be the first time I see Kathleen Hanna and she's an icon. Plus I'm going to two of the JR's shows. PJ Harvey, Garbage, Stone Roses, Fear of Men, The Hotelier, Amanda Palmer, Laura Gibson, etc.
Do you have your fall concerts planned?
Kind of. It's looking like Angel Olsen, Lush / Tamaryn, Tegan and Sara / Torres, Bad Canoes / PS Eliot, Skinny Lister, Sunflower Bean, and Rasputina. Not as many as summer but still good bands.
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