Author Archives: Cameron Nielsen

Why Live Music Hits Different

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Concerts aren’t just live music—they’re a whole experience. Each artist brings something unique to the stage, and it’s always more intense than anything you can get from just listening to an album or a playlist. Some performers take the stage like they own it, with confidence and insane energy that connects with the audience instantly. Others are a little more relaxed but still manage to create a vibe that sticks with you long after. No matter the approach, the experience is always memorable.

I’ve only been to two concerts, but they each left such an impact. My first concert was I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME and Joywave. I’d been a fan of IDKHOW for years, so getting to see them live was something I’d been looking forward to. And Joywave was a cool surprise, a band I’d found from a Spotify weekly mix with their song F.E.A.R., which quickly became one of my favorites. That night, I went with two friends, and we were just blown away by the energy. The concert was so stellar that I bought signed vinyls from both bands. I got Razzmatazz from IDKHOW, which is probably my favorite, and Cleanse from Joywave—not quite my top album of theirs, but still awesome to have in my collection.

The Cure Concert 2

Then, last year, I went to see Joji with three close friends, and it was something else entirely. Joji’s stage design was on a different level, with elevated platforms and incredible light displays that made each song feel like its own little world. Singing along with my friends was a blast, and there was this feeling of connection with everyone around us, all just vibing to the same music. It’s that kind of shared energy that makes concerts so different from listening at home.

Looking back, I wish I’d been able to catch even more concerts. This year alone, Mother Mother, Cavetown, and Cigarettes After Sex came through, and last year there was Arctic Monkeys, one of my favorite bands. Missing those shows still gets to me, especially since live music has this way of making you feel like you’re part of something bigger.

In the end, while streaming and playlists are convenient, nothing matches the thrill of a live concert. Feeling the bass, watching the lights, and sharing the moment with people who are just as into the music—it’s an experience worth every moment. Next time one of your favorite artists comes to town, I’d say don’t hesitate to grab a ticket. There’s nothing like it.

How Streaming Has Changed Our Music Listening Habits

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Streaming has completely transformed the way we experience music. With platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, we have access to an endless library of songs right at our fingertips, making it easier than ever to discover new artists and sounds. But with this shift to digital, the way we listen, what we value, and even the music we choose to physically own has changed.

Back in the day, music lovers relied on physical formats like vinyl to enjoy albums—a much more personal, hands-on experience. I’ve always found that vinyl adds a certain depth to listening. There’s something about carefully placing the record, seeing the album art up close, and feeling the weight of it in your hands that makes it special. For me, vinyl isn’t just a way to hear music; it’s a way to appreciate an album as a whole. I collect vinyl not just for the sound but for the art, and it’s a satisfying feeling seeing my collection lined up on the shelf.

With streaming, though, we’re guided by playlists, algorithms, and even mood-based mixes. These features help us explore more music than ever, but they also encourage quick, on-the-go listening rather than taking time to dive into an entire album. It’s easy to skip around and follow whatever the algorithm suggests, which sometimes means we don’t take the time to sit with a full album or absorb an artist’s work as a complete experience. When I listen to a vinyl record, I feel like I’m connecting with the music in a way that streaming can’t quite match.

For artists, streaming platforms provide a huge reach, but they’re often paid fractions of a cent per stream, making it hard to earn a living solely from streams. This shift has influenced how music is released, with singles often taking priority over albums to keep up with listeners’ fast-paced consumption habits. It’s great for fast discovery, but when I buy a vinyl record, it feels like I’m directly supporting the artist and acknowledging the effort they put into crafting an entire album.

In the end, streaming is here to stay, and it’s undeniably convenient for music discovery. But vinyl offers a deeper connection that digital just can’t replicate. I love using streaming to find new music, and when I come across an album that really resonates with me, I grab a vinyl copy to add to my collection. That way, I get the best of both worlds: easy access to endless music and the pleasure of truly experiencing the albums I love.

The Resurgence Of Vinyl

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In the past few years, vinyl has seen a comeback amidst music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, which are way more portable and, quite frankly, more convenient. But why is it that vinyl has made a resurgence? Well, keep reading because I’ll tell you about it.

Vinyl records were first commercialized back in 1948 by Columbia Records, with the first album being Mendelssohn’s Concerto in E Minor, marking the start of vinyl as we know it. The creation of vinyl was huge back then. Introducing the LP format—otherwise known as “long play”—it was a significant improvement in audio quality for recorded media and demonstrated that LPs could be used for full-length albums. This was groundbreaking because, prior to this, 78 RPM shellac records could only hold 3-5 minutes of music per side. Nowadays, albums can reach up to an hour in length, with LPs holding up to 25 minutes per side, so it was a huge improvement.

Vinyl’s popularity in the ’70s was partly due to the rise of people listening to full-length albums. Another reason was the rise of DJ culture, as turntables allowed DJs to blend vinyl records seamlessly, creating a continuous listening experience without dead air. Vinyl was also popular among artists for sampling; DJs used turntables to “scratch” by moving the vinyl back and forth with the turntable needle, producing a distinctive scratch sound.

However, by the ’80s and ’90s, CDs became more commonplace, offering a digital sound that was more portable and could hold longer playtimes without needing to flip sides. By the early 2000s, vinyl had become a niche product, mostly for collectors or DJs.

In modern times, vinyl is loved for being physically tangible. Handling records feels satisfying to some people, and there’s a sense of nostalgia attached to them. Many people also appreciate the warm audio quality that vinyl provides; because vinyl records are analog, they capture audio waveforms continuously, and many audiophiles say this provides a fuller sound. Personally, I collect vinyl for the art and the collectible aspect—I love seeing my collection stacked on my shelf. One of my favorites is my signed Razzmatazz vinyl by I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME, which I got from a concert two years ago. It was awesome to get that chance.

Overall, vinyl is awesome—from its invention to its comeback from niche status, it’s just so cool.

The Science Behind Catchy Tune

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Ever had a song get stuck in your head? It’s a common experience, and there’s actually a science behind it. Catchy songs have a way of embedding themselves in our minds, often due to a powerful “hook.” For example, take Eventually by Tame Impala; its lush instrumentals and catchy melodies draw you in, making it hard not to hit replay. I love a good beat, and when I hear Violet Crazy by DPR Ian, that smooth rhythm just lingers, creating a vibe that’s hard to shake off. Similarly, Worthless by d4vd hooks you with its relatable lyrics and captivating bassline, turning it into not just a song but an immersive experience.

But what makes these tracks so memorable? One significant factor is nostalgia. A song can transport us back to special moments in our lives, be it a summer road trip or a night out with friends. This emotional connection creates a bond that makes it hard to forget the song, no matter how much time passes. When you hear Spine by Wesghost, for instance, the way it repeats catchy lines and clever lyrics captures your attention and makes you feel something deep inside, locking it into your memory.

Repetition is another critical factor that helps songs stick. A well-crafted chorus or a recurring melody can make a tune more likely to replay in our minds. It’s like when you hear that catchy hook in a song, and before you know it, you’re humming it throughout your day. Tracks that employ strategic repetition can effectively embed themselves into our daily soundtrack. Artists are masters at creating these memorable moments that can loop endlessly in our thoughts.

Emotion also plays a vital role in making music unforgettable. Songs that resonate with us personally are more likely to become earworms. Whether it’s the lyrics that speak to our struggles or the upbeat tempo that lifts our spirits, the crafted nature of today’s music—especially in pop and alternative genres—is designed to be ear-catching. Producers today understand what rhythms and lyrical themes keep listeners engaged and coming back for more.

Moreover, the production quality has dramatically improved, allowing artists to experiment with sounds and styles that create unique auditory experiences. The layering of instruments, mixing of genres, and innovative use of technology make every song a potential hit.

So, the next time a tune won’t leave your mind, remember that it’s a combination of catchy hooks, emotional connections, clever production, and nostalgia that makes music unforgettable!

Moods In Correlation With Music

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Music is one of the best inventions and discoveries we have ever made, and I think a lot of us can’t get through our day without the sound of sweet music in our ears as we go about our day. Whether it’s while working, chilling at home, or even sleeping. It helps us all. But what I find fascinating is how music affects our moods. It’s all over the spectrum, from emotional to chill to energetic. Not only that, but songs have different meanings for people, there’s a lot of nuance. Every mood has been covered, it feels like. Some people have artists that seem to only make a specific kind of music. Chill songs are probably some of the most prevalent, encompassing genres like R&B, classical, jazz, and more. But what really makes songs feel chill?

Well, I’d say that chill songs, or songs in genres that are considered chill, are slower and have a good mix, with classical being very good for studying or doing work. For example, “Etude” by Joep Beving is a beautiful piece that is very calming, or “Piano Sonata No. 14” by Beethoven. With jazz, I like to listen to it while I’m doing nothing in particular and wanting to feel chill. Songs like “Maximum Black” by Bohren & Der Club Of Gore are phenomenal. I discovered them because I wanted to make a jazz song back in the day, and they are really nice.

Genres for energetic music are way more abundant, in my opinion. I find myself listening to energetic tunes while I’m out and about. The genres include hip-hop, electronica, and breakcore, which are all great. One of the reasons I’ve gotten into hip-hop is that my friends encouraged me to explore it. I had a narrow taste in music, only liking indie rock and rock, which I disagree with their opinion on. But I’m glad they got me into hip-hop because it features some of the best artists, like The Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, and Travis Scott. My favorite song from Travis Scott is probably “Til Further Notice”.  I love the latter half of the song.

Electronica has a few great tracks, such as “Earthquake” by Teminite, “Jackpot” by TheFatRat, and “13” by Whitearmor, which a friend recommended to me. Finally, we have the more emotional songs, which can serve multiple purposes beyond just chilling. There is a lot of variety, from alternative to post-rock to blues. One of my favorite alternative artists is d4vd, with one of my favorite songs, “Worthless,” featuring such a nice bassline. For post-rock, I enjoy “Ten-Day Interval” by Tortoise. “I Believe to My Soul” by Ray Charles is also very good.

Overall, music has many different moods and genres that fit multiple moods.

Ways To Be More Productive

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I’ve always been an unorganized person—getting dates wrong, arriving late to school, procrastinating on assignments until a few days before they’re due. Being a night owl doesn’t help; I stay up way too late, which messes with my sleep schedule, and getting up in the morning is a struggle. I set at least five or six alarms, one every 10 minutes, just to make sure I eventually wake up, though even then, it sometimes feels hopeless.

Recently, though, things have been getting better in terms of productivity, and I’m going to tell you how I managed it. With the new school year starting almost two months ago, I decided I needed a new mentality. I committed to improving my productivity, and thanks to a few strategies, I’ve spent the first few months of school feeling a little less stressed than usual.

One of the first things I did was start scheduling things in a calendar. It doesn’t matter if it’s on your phone or a physical one on the fridge—putting events in a calendar is helpful, and I found it relaxing, which is a bonus. Another key change is sleeping earlier. I still struggle with this, but on nights when I manage to sleep around 8 to 10 p.m., I feel much more energized than when I crash at 12 to 4 a.m. and still have to wake up for an 8 a.m. class (which should be a crime!).

Staying ahead of assignments also helps, though it’s something I still work on. But I keep trying, just like I’m working ahead on this article. Another tip is to reduce distractions in your workspace, whether you’re at home, school, or the office. Getting rid of visual distractions, like bright colors, or finding ways to minimize noise—like investing in headphones—can make a big difference. Of course, not everyone can part with certain objects or afford noise-canceling gear, but to each their own.

The baseline is that streamlining our work environment makes working and staying productive easier and simpler. Whether it’s improving sleep, managing time with a calendar, or reducing distractions, there’s something we can all do to keep ourselves productive.