Live Music Problems: Why I Don't Want To Listen

Hey everyone!

So, I need to rant for a minute, guys. It's about live music... or rather, unwanted live music. Don't get me wrong, I love a good gig. There's nothing quite like the energy of a band killing it on stage, the crowd vibing, and the whole atmosphere just buzzing. But lately, it feels like live music is everywhere, and not always in a good way. It's like, I walk into a restaurant for a quiet dinner, and BAM! There's a dude with an acoustic guitar playing covers at ear-splitting volume. Or I pop into a coffee shop to get some work done, and suddenly I'm in the middle of an open mic night. And while I appreciate the effort and passion these musicians put in, sometimes, I just don't want to listen to it!

The Ubiquitous Live Music Scene: A Blessing and a Curse

Let’s dive deeper into this ubiquitous live music scene and why it can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, the prevalence of live music is fantastic for musicians. It provides more opportunities to perform, hone their skills, and connect with potential fans. It enriches the cultural landscape of our communities, adding vibrancy and spontaneity to everyday life. Imagine a world without live music – it would be a much duller place, wouldn't it? We’d miss out on the thrill of discovering new talent, the shared experience of a captivating performance, and the sheer joy of music filling the air. The availability of live music also supports local businesses. Restaurants, bars, and cafes that host live acts often attract more customers, creating a lively atmosphere and boosting their revenue. This symbiotic relationship between musicians and venues is crucial for a thriving music ecosystem. It allows artists to earn a living while providing entertainment and cultural experiences for the community. Moreover, live music fosters a sense of community. It brings people together, creates shared memories, and sparks conversations. A great live performance can be a powerful bonding experience, uniting strangers through their appreciation of music. Think about the times you’ve been at a concert or a small gig and felt a connection with the people around you – that’s the magic of live music at work. It's an experience that streamed music simply can't replicate.

However, the overabundance of live music can be problematic. Sometimes, it feels like venues are booking live acts simply to fill space or draw in crowds, without considering whether the music actually fits the ambiance or the preferences of their patrons. This can lead to situations where the music is intrusive or unwelcome, detracting from the overall experience rather than enhancing it. For example, imagine trying to have a conversation at a restaurant while a loud band is playing right next to your table. Or attempting to focus on work in a coffee shop while an enthusiastic but amateur musician belts out off-key tunes. In these scenarios, live music becomes a distraction rather than an enjoyment. It disrupts the intended atmosphere of the space and can leave customers feeling frustrated and annoyed. This is particularly true for people who are sensitive to noise or who simply prefer a quieter environment. It’s important to remember that not everyone is in the mood for live music all the time. Sometimes, people just want to relax, chat with friends, or concentrate on their tasks without being bombarded by sound.

My Personal Pet Peeves with Live Music

Okay, let me get into some of my personal pet peeves when it comes to this overabundance of live music. First off, the volume levels. Seriously, why does everything have to be so LOUD? I get it, it's a live performance, but do we really need to feel the bass drum in our chest cavity while we're trying to eat a salad? It's like the musicians (or the sound engineers) think louder equals better, but that's just not the case. There's a difference between energetic and deafening, guys. Good music can be enjoyed at a reasonable volume, and sometimes, lower volume actually allows for more nuance and detail to be heard. When the sound is cranked up to eleven, it just becomes a wall of noise, and any subtleties in the performance are lost. I've been to gigs where I've had to leave early because the volume was physically painful. And it's not just about personal discomfort; excessive noise levels can also be damaging to hearing over time. So, for the sake of everyone's ears, let's turn it down a notch, please!

Another pet peeve is the repertoire. I swear, if I hear another acoustic cover of