Concerts 2024

In 2024, concerts and live music were a big source of catharsis for me. Here's a recap.

Martin Garrix, Brooklyn Navy Yard

I went with a coworker. I really appreciated the sensory stimulation -- the house tracks, lights, fire, and chaos gave me a chance to let loose in a way that I rather needed at the time.

Top track: Animals

PinkPantheress, Brooklyn Paramount

I went with another coworker. We were both surprised that more people hadn't heard of her. Delightful Y2K vibes in an alternative crowd. This concert had the best mosh pit of the year -- lively, energetic, and it caught me a bit off guard when it started, which just made it better.

Top track: Capable of love

Miku Expo, Prudential Center

I went with some friends and somehow ran into seven coworkers over the evening. My workplace is absolutely crawling with weebs and it's lovely. We bought glowsticks from a questionable vendor outside, brought them in, and passed them around like a joint.

Top track: Gimme×Gimme

Otakubaloo, Toronto

I went with some friends to this outdoor rave attached to Anime North. I distinctly remember stumbling around the convention centre to search for some procedurally generated water coolers to stay hydrated.

Gov Ball, Flushing Meadows Corona Park

I went with some friends. Sabrina Carpenter, The Killers, and Carly Rae Jepsen all made an appearance. It made me realize that despite recognizing all of them, I wasn't too familiar with their discography apart from the biggest hits. Call Me Maybe was a nostalgic, somewhat ironic throwback.

I noticed that a song like Espresso has power. As you listen to it, you begin to believe in the words, doing whatever gender-flipping is necessary to relate the lyrics to your own situation.

Top tracks: Espresso, Human, Call Me Maybe

Porter Robinson (1), Forest Hills Stadium

I went by myself, right after getting back from a family trip to Banff. This was a spiritual reset, a return from quiet nature back to energetic city life.

I had followed Porter during his Worlds days, but hadn't kept up with his work since. Going to this concert gave me a great appreciation for Nurture and Smile! :D. And for Porter's fans -- the energy felt especially wholesome and genuine compared to other concerts.

I do remember I took a risk wearing some new sneakers that I hadn't broken in yet and they were very uncomfortable. My feet felt like they were on fire. Would not recommend.

Top tracks: Shelter, Look at the Sky, Cheerleader

Kikuo, Toronto

I went with my sister.

I've followed Kikuo since 2014, a time when his unsettling lyrics and subject matter resonated with internet kids like me. He was an niche artist with barely 10k subs.

Over COVID, this edgy little Vocaloid producer blew up. He was everywhere. A pop up store in East Village, and a world tour. It was surreal.

Top track: Aishite Aishite Aishite

Illenium, Brooklyn Mirage

This was at the Brooklyn Mirage. I went by myself at a time when folks were worried about a serial killer specifically targeting solo guys in the area.

I was okay.

Top track: Good Things Fall Apart

Porter Robinson (2), Brooklyn Navy Yard

Went with some friends. We came full circle to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Porter Robinson returned to New York for a New Years DJ set — there's no way I was missing it.

Top track: Everything Goes On