Professional Fangirl- Katelyn Benschoter
Smartphones along with many other forms of technology have become an integral part of how we as humans live our lives. It is deemed “crazy” to go anywhere without your cell phone, or to not be taking photos or videos of everything that you do. If you can not post it online, did it even happen? Indie-rock singer Phoebe Bridgers is challenging this narrative on her current Lost Weekend tour. Fans are instructed to put all of their electronic devices in a Yondr pouch which stays locked until after the show immediately upon stepping foot inside the venue, and I mean immediately. It is entirely a phone free show, and this was one of many reasons this was the best concert I have ever attended.
Going into the concert, I was intrigued to see how the no phones rule would change the concert experience but I did not dwell on this too much. However, seconds upon having my phone locked in a bag I realized how dependent we have grown to be. We were unable to use Apple Pay, unable to check the time, and unable to play silly phone games while standing in the outrageous merchandise lines. Additionally, I kept freaking out when I noticed I could not feel my phone in my backpocket, fearing I had lost it. Realizing how a small electronic device runs my life was an uncomfortable feeling to grapple with. But it is a realization I am thankful for.
The no phones environment reminded me just how fun human connection can be. My friends and I found ourselves playing old childhood games like “concentration” seeing how long we could name different fruits. Once we got seated in between the opener and Bridgers, the crowd did the wave, over and over. I even saw groups of friends bring books to read while we waited for Bridgers to come out. It was so refreshing to look around and see people genuinely connecting together. Meeting other fans of the same artist is already one of my favorite aspects of concerts, but the no phones really heightened this experience.
Normally the wait between the opener and main act can feel like an eternity, mostly due to the fact that I am constantly checking the time on my phone. But this time, between all the fun we were having, the thirty minutes flew by! Then it was finally time for Bridgers to come out, and the coolest concert of my life began. Bridgers first sang “The Outside” with most of the lights still dark which built the anticipation for the concert to really begin. Then we see what looks like an igloo lift up and turn into a UFO revealing Bridgers as she sings one her top hits, “Motion Sickness.” I feel as though I sound crazy when I describe this concert and its stage design. It has been so long since I have gone to a concert and truly had no idea what to expect from it. We live in a world where there are a million posts about every song, stage design, outfit singers wear on their tours. And I am one of those people who dive in and know exactly what the artist is going to do. But honestly the not knowing made every moment that much more special.
It was so amazing to look around and see everyone’s live reactions to what was happening before them in real time. Additionally the no phones environment means no recordings on the internet, no “proof” certain songs were played. It makes what happened in that venue that much more special. What happened is only a memory that the people in that venue get to understand and to remember. It makes the experience of live music so much more special and connective with those who were there. For this reason especially, I hope more artists follow Bridgers path and host no phones concerts.
Back to the music, Bridgers sounded just like she does in my headphones when I am walking around campus. It was impressive. She has such a great stage presence and had me crying many times throughout the hour and a half long set. She has such a great energy she brought to the arena. My friends and I were lucky our seats were very close to the B-stage, so we got to see her close up. You can tell when she sings these songs, they mean so much to her, and as you look around the venue you can tell they meant so much to everyone else there. I will never quite forget hugging my best friends as Bridgers sang “Graceland Too” on the B-stage. If we are talking about memories, that will be one I never quite forget. Every audience member was swaying, singing along, a lot with tears in their eyes and not a single phone recording was in sight.
If I had a single complaint about the experience, and in particular the no phones experience, it would simply be the aftermath of the concert and having to get every phone out of the Yondr pouches. Though, I must say that for how many people there were, the line moved quite quickly. But do keep in mind that compared to other concerts I have attended it did add at least ten minutes to leaving the venue. But for the experience that was had it was well worth it. Bridgers has raised the bar for every single other artist I see in concert. It was an unforgettable experience, and I find myself having a hard time to find the words to describe it. Shoutout to my two best friends, I loved singing and swaying, and crying during the ending of “Scott Street” with you. Please don’t be a stranger, and let’s ditch our phones at all concerts.