Do u remember back when you used to be 'totally pumped' 2 see a meaningful buzzband live? You listened to their mp3s/CDs so regularly that you wanted to know how their music would sound 'live.' You could stand in front of the stage and marvel at the buzzband, realizing that they are actually 'human', not just some foreign voice that sings to you in your iPod.

You used to get to the venue early, back before you had to hover at the bar to get 'completely tanked' to enjoy the experience. You'd stand at the front of the stage, watching everything that was happening on stage, even before the opening band came out. You'd search for members of your fave band lingering around the sidestage.

Perhaps you were alone, looking to network with other ppl who must be the same as you because they listen to the same music. Finally, ppl who live in the same world that you do. Maybe you came with friends who all 'mad hyped' the concert for weeks in facebook wall posts. You've been waiting so long to see this buzzband. You are so lucky that they came to your market. FINALLY, your scene is getting some cred, booking some REAL bands that are what music should be all about.

The show is amazing. Emotion. Lights. Movement. Dancing. Sweating. Chaos. Beauty. Losing yourself in the music. They play your favourite song. Then they play your other favorite song. Then you think their show is over, but your hometown crowd chants so loud that they play an encore. Second encore, too? You've been reading reviews from other cities, and there is no way that the band rocked out so hard in other markets. This was a once in a lifetime experience.

Yes. I grabbed the set list. I feel authentic, because I know that this is the ultimate collector's item for a true fan.

The show is over. Wow. Let's go buy some merch. I need a t-shirt to brand myself as 'into this buzzband' when I walk around my high school/college campus.

Could this be the moment where you would actually 'get to meet' your buzzband idols? You couldn't believe they were talking to you. There they were, talking to fans just like you right by the merch booth and/or behind the venue as they loaded their van/bus. So many ppl want their picture taken with the buzzhuman. So do you. Will you ever get your turn?

The buzz artist comes up to you with a smile. Immediately, you compliment them on their latest album. You let them know that their previous discography means a lot to you. You just purchased their vinyl LP although you don't have a record player...yet. But if you get it signed, it will be more authentic than a poster. The entire band comes over. You are standing in an effing circle with a relevant buzzband. They have accepted you. You look like you fit in with them.

Maybe they are going somewhere?
Maybe you can hang out with them?
Are they gonna invite you to a nearby bar where you can have a drink?
Will you get their contact information?
WIll you keep in touch via text, email, or twitter?
When they come back to town, will they remember you?

I have a feeling that I actually connected with the band. They 'accepted' me. I am not just another fan. I am a friend. We even talked about [something random abt their perception of the region that I live in]. He also complimented me on my [something 'fashionable' that I was wearing]. I have their autographs. I will not be putting them on ebay. They mean something to me, even more than the autographed Babe Ruth baseball that I hit over the fence of my neighborhood sandlot one summer before a dog ate it.

What is the 'end game' for being an indie music fan? Does every1 want to 'be friends with a band'? Hit up the 'afterparty' before the buzzband drives away?

I never. Want. This. Night. To. End.

I went to a concert.
But I experienced so much more.

R u jaded by the VIP experience?
Do u have any meaningul stories abt buzzbands?
Do u miss the excitement that came with 'going to shows'?
Do u still get pumped 4 live music, or is the experience 'less special' than it used to be?
Were u ever entry-level enough to get the setlist, have it signed by every member of the band, then purchase a frame 4 it?
Do u miss the days when buzz shows were 'meaningful' and 'special'?
Do u <3 or h8 the spirit of entry-levelers?
Is 'live music' special, or just a sponsored experience now?
Do we live just to broadcast how VIP we are?
If we can't be 'in the band', do we just want to be 'friends with the band'?

Do we authentically respect relevant artists/famous ppl for the art and media that they create, or do they just exist 4 us 2 commodify?
Do we have a warped/misguided perception of our connection with musicians & alt celebs?

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Do u ever miss the days when u used to feel VIP without actually 'being in VIP'?
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U, Me, And Every Concert We Attend: How We Grow Older With Concerts