"Last Year Was Awesome Because..."

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Hear ye, hear ye!

This year, the team decided we wanted to do something special for the loyal readers of Tunage Magazine. So, we've got a competition called: "Last Year Was Awesome Because..."

Pretty self explanatory, but here's the rules:

You have to, in a comment below, write one amazing music related experience from 2012, it could be absolutely anything music related (a concert, meeting a band member, learning the guitar, a performance, the CD that changed your life, ANYTHING!) 

Add photos, links to Youtube, videos, anything that'll paint the picture of your experience. Tunage wants to hear your voice and we want to know your story!

Then, seeing that it's a new year and all, we want you then to add your goal for the year of 2013 as a music lover.

Add your email so we can contact you if you're the winner!

Simple, yeah?

Due date for all entries is: 28 January 2013
Winner will be announced at the publication of the February issue.


Winner gets a large print of any photo of their choice taken by Tunage, check out the photos in out photo gallery and our Facebook page, and yes, even the original photos from our Tunage banner. 

Good luck you rockstars, you!

- Deanna Trombley


-Tunage

 

The Hype and Hate: The Death if Dubstep

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"Dubstep has reached its post-moment." says Gabe Vodicka of www.clatl.com. Vodicka writes a lengthy article about Borgore and his unique take on dubstep but mentions the new statement that everyone seems to be making-- dubstep is dead. This is an article written in December of 2011. So, doesn't this mean that dubstep is long gone? Not necessarily.

A few years ago, dubstep made its way into just about any genre it could. A popular hardcore band named Enter Shikari regularly incorporates gratuitous yet mind-bending dubstep into most of their breakdowns to add some flair into the genre. Nowadays a person can't even turn on the radio without hearing a wobble; Britney Spears and Flo Rida have had hit songs that include a dubstep drop or two.



          After Skrillex released his chart-topping EP Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites in 2010, dubstep fans all around the world disregarded his fame and popularity and coined his music as brostep. This term seems to classify dubstep artists like Skrillex and even EDM artists like Deadmau5 as mainstream. Justin Janich, 18, remembers the impact that Skrillex had on people around the world. "Remember when everyone was listening to Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites? Like any form of music, it will have its die-hards and the fanboys, but the majority of casual listeners will hunger for something different and I believe that EDM as a genre will continue to evolve and change." Janich compares dubstep to the autotune trend that took the world by storm just a few years ago. "The phase of excessive autotuning hasn't gone away completely, but its prominence has fallen from being featured in whole albums to rare occurrences. The same will hold true for dubstep." It's clear that the epitome of dubstep lies in the hands of fans and haters.

          "I wouldn't call it dead, but definitely dying," says Dylan Rodin, 17, when asked about his opinion on dubstep's fate. "It's like all great music; once money becomes the main factor, the creativity goes down the drain." Rodin believes that underground music and small labels produce music that is not necessarily popular because it is the music that they love to make. "Yes," says Trevor Dodson, 18, "[because] the technology required to produce dubstep is nothing but a computer." Dodson expresses his opinion that people want to hear something that can be played by musicians on a stage with instruments, not a dude with a laptop and a mixing table. (Trevor, check out Pendulum's live set along with The Qemists' live set and you will be surprised by their live dubstep and EDM performances!)

         Is there anyone who believes that dubstep lives? "No, I do not believe that dubstep is dead," says Michael Franke, 17. "I think that the 'old dubstep' is not really being made much anymore because of the immense change in the scene. Although it does not sound the same as the 'old stuff,' it is still alive." Franke believes that dubstep has taken a new form. "Yes, the original dubstep is disappearing, but the new form is growing and becoming more popular. No matter what, clubs and festivals would not be the same without that hardcore dubstep bass stage." You said it, man!

           As Vodicka said, dubstep has reached that post-moment. Wikipedia calls this era's genre "post-dubstep." Although people like myself and others at Tunage don't believe in dubstep being killed, there is no denying that its prime is over. However, as 17-year-old Michael Franke stated, dubstep has taken a new form. It is very alive and completely ever-changing as every genre in the world should be.

Do you agree with the popular opinion or are you on dubstep's side? Voice YOUR opinion in the comments below!


Written by Jordan Mafi


- Tunage
 

Coolest Band Logos

Bright colors, brutal skulls, blood! I'm talking about eye-popping band merch, of course. As a member of a band, I'm constantly trying to think of super sick logos to put on our patches and pins, but I usually fail. We've been using the same logo since day one, so, out of sheer jealousy, I will give a three-count list of my favorite band logos and what puts them above the rest.
#1: The Black Flag logo. 

I know what you're thinking; it's so simple it's almost boring, but what I like so much about IS it's simplicity. It's plain yet bold. It represents the band name exactly with striking definition. It sticks in your mind, and has been an unmistakable icon in the punk scene for decades. When you can slap four rectangles together and have it become a reknown signal of hardcore punk rock brutalness, you're a genius.

#2: The Operation Ivy jumper. 

Okay, maybe I'm a little bias because Operation Ivy happens to be one of my all-time favorite bands, but the first second this shadowy figure introduced itself to my eyeballs, my band-related tattoo plans had instantly expanded. This one, single graphic includes enough vibrance, movement and energy for a full-length action film. Get it? Energy? Anyone? Well, anyway, just looking at this logo makes me want to find the nearest punk show and skank my troubles away. The jumper will forever be a symbol of perpetual classic, raw, punk rock liveliness.

#3: Iron Maiden's Eddie. 

Don't deny it. Eddie is the most fearsome, mind-blowing, majestic band logo you've ever had the privilege to see. Nothing so gruesome, so terrifying, so nightmare-enducing has been so strangely appealing and heart-warming. At least that's how it is for me. When I started to get really into Iron Maiden at about age 13, I used to doodle Eddies all over my school papers and things. I drew a large, very detailed picture of Eddie, the version from the album Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, where his brain was removed. I hung him on my wall next to my bed. He'd stare right at me when I'd fall asleep, and most girls my age would've been mortified by this undead skeleton face staring at them in the night, but I felt comforted. Like I had the metal gods to protect me in my dreams. I guess I'm a little screwed up, but nonetheless, you must agree that this, is absolutely the best band logo in existance. If you disagree I shall strike you. With a stick... That's a lie. I apologize.

This concludes the most awesome, accurate account of the best three band logos ever in the world. Maybe you agree, maybe you don't. Let us know what you think in the comments. Thanks for reading, Tunage loves you!


Written by Laura Sullivan


-Tunage
 

Best & Worst of Music Fests

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Cochella
Every year, music festivals are put on all around the world. Whether you live in California or Europe, there are almost too many choices of where to spend your whole day or your whole weekend. Some of the most popular music fests in California are Coachella, Vans Warped Tour, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Lollapalooza. The music genres vary immensely between each fest. If you're into indie music, head to Coachella and even check out some electronic artists as well. If you're an avid reader of Alternative Press, check out all of the mag's featured bands at Vans Warped Tour and even Lollapalooza. If you want to dance the weekend away, make a trip to Electric Daisy Carnival.


Although every fest is different, each has its ups and downs. You may adore the weather while camping out at Coachella but hate the messy environment. You may even be someone who has never attended a music fest and wants to know which one to go to. With these lists, you will find the good, the bad, and the obvious. Let's analyze these fests one by one.

Coachella: An annual three-day music and arts festival, founded by Paul Tollett, held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, in the Inland Empire's Coachella Valley. The event features many genres of music, including rock, indie, hip hop and electronic music as well as large sculptural art. Expect good music, tons of hipsters, odd fashion, and drugs-- lots of drugs.

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Vans Warped Tour
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EDC
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Lollapalooza
Vans Warped Tour: A touring music and extreme sports festival that started out as a showcase for punk rock music, but its more recent line-ups have featured a diversity of genres. Expect lots of moshing, a plethora of scene kids, hot asphalt, and a lot of screaming.

Electric Daisy Carnival: An annual electronic dance music festival held in the summertime. Originally a one day Southern California event, the EDC spread to multiple venues in multiple states from June through August. Expect nonstop electronic music, girls wearing close to no clothes, infinite lighting, and even more drugs than you would expect at Coachella.

Lollapalooza: An annual music festival featuring popular alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock and hip hop bands, dance and comedy performances, and craft booths. It has also provided a platform for non-profit and political groups. Expect nothing but music and vendors. Oh, and kids who argue over music genres.

Which one should you attend? 

         We can start by talking about the things you might hate. If you're not into being around an insane amount of drugs and alcohol, stay away from Coachella and EDC. If you'd rather not die of overheating, Vans Warped Tour and Lollapalooza may not be the best places to go. If you're only going to a music festival to dance, Vans Warped Tour is not it. If you're into rock and ONLY rock, then none of these fests are for you! Almost every music festival in the past three years has been taken over by artists such as Skrillex, Deadmau5, and other electronic acts.

          If you're in love with the great outdoors, stay the whole duration of Coachella and camp out. It's pricey, but totally worth it. If you want to spend an ideal amount of money and have a good time with your friends all day long, go to Vans Warped Tour. There's plenty of different bands and artists there and you're bound to like at least ten of them. Are you into a mix of everything when it comes to art, music, and interesting vendors? Lollapalooza is your place. Finally, if you're ready to party all day and all night under the electric sky, make your way to the Electric Daisy Carnival. It's an experience you will never forget.

Which fest are you interested in going to or which ones have you gone to? Let us know in the comments! Visit these sites below to get more details about each event. Happy festival hunting!

http://www.vanswarpedtour.com/
http://www.coachella.com/
http://www.electricdaisycarnival.com/
http://www.lollapalooza.com/

Written by Jordan Mafi

-Tunage
 

Well That Blows...

          So there I was, out on the open road. The windows were down and the wind was forcefully, yet elegantly whipping through my hair. My road trip had begun, the only thing missing was some good down home rock and roll. However, I switch on the radio and what do I find? Disappointment.

        I recently went on an 800 mile road trip, mainly travelling through Ohio. I said to myself, “Laura, how about you write an article on the local rock radio stations you pass through on your trip? BRILLIANT.” There is something I didn’t know about Ohio, though. They don’t have rock radio stations... At all. When I turned on my car stereo, I got six stations. They went something like this: static, country, hip hop, country, country, static. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have anything against country. I quite enjoy it sometimes, but I enjoy modern hip hop about as much as I enjoy empty static noises. So, instead of writing about what I had planned to, I’m going to write about a list of bands I ended up listening to that all came from my personal music collection that saved my road trip from a horrible fate of becoming boring nothingness.

          Old Crow Medicine Show- I listened to their self-titled, Big Iron World, Eutaw, and Tennessee Pusher. There is nothing like rolling down the highway and letting some good old bluegrass pick away your stress with banjos and mandolins.

          Koffin Kats- I popped in Straying from the Pack and, I’m going to be honest, I don’t know if listening to them on the interstate is a good idea. I don’t condone speeding in the slightest, but I had a hell of a good time!

         Joan Jett & the Black Hearts- I Love Rock-n-Roll made me feel like I was a woman warrior drifting through obscure towns like I was on the run… Like I was a straight-up badass.

          Circle Jerks- I put in my all-time favorite, Group Sex, and again, not something I’d suggest listening to if you want to follow laws, but hey, a high speed car chase sounds hypothetically very tempting…

Last, but certainly not least-

         Credence Clearwater Revival- Listening to their greatest hits on a country road with the breeze blowing and the sun shining is one of the most wonderful feelings I’ve ever felt. Just that alone is a good enough reason to take a trip somewhere. I’d do it over and over if I had more places to visit.

          So, my dear friends, as much as I had hoped to inform you about some small town rock radio stations, I’m glad to at least provide you with a little list of awesomely unforgettable tunes to consider next time you head out on the road. Each one of these will make you feel unstoppable, if not a little bit reckless. Drive carefully, fellow vagabonds, and keep the tunes cranked!

Written by Laura Sullivan

- Tunage
 

The Great Debate: Music or Lyrics?

         Have you ever had one of those moments where you realize that you’re losing yourself to the music? You’re sitting in your bedroom and listening to your favorite band when you suddenly notice your foot tapping or you hear yourself singing without even consciously trying to and you realize that you love this song. Do you find yourself constantly drumming beats with your fingers or belting out those high notes?

          The real question could possibly be one of the hardest you’ll ever have to answer. What is the most important foundation in a song: music or lyrics? It’s a tough choice. A song could be beautifully composed with perfect guitar work, rhythmic drum patterns, and even a captivating voice. However, we’ve all heard those great songs with stupid lyrics. Jake Shelton, guitarist and vocalist of a thrash metal band named Lathyus, speaks his mind about lyrics in a song. “I've heard a lot of really good songs that had stupid lyrics, so I’m going to say [that] music [is more important.]” I sympathize with Jake—have you ever listened to Dance Gavin Dance’s latest album? The music is sweet but those lyrics have got to go!

          The importance of the music in a song is to embrace the listener with instruments. No voices to sing to you, no words to tell you, and no vocal outbursts to distract you. Even though lyrics are a very important element in a song, a lot of people believe that music is the best part.

          Do lyrics ever win in this debate? Dante Mallard, 18, believes so. “Lyrics are what speak to you; it’s what gets you hooked. ‘Music’ can only get you so far.” Lyrics seem to always win in one circumstance—hip hop. Many over-hyped rappers have been known to write idiotic lyrics about girls, drugs, and being a thug.  Although this is spewed out of radio stations across the nation, there are many hip hop artists who are passionate about what they say, like Tupac, Eminem, NaS, and Kid Cudi. Listening to endless stories about growing up, overcoming struggles, and even just crazy adventures in music is a pretty cool way to listen to a story. Many people could say that hip hop is storytelling.

          Although people have great points about why music or lyrics are better than the other, almost every person who was asked about their opinion had to say that both are essential to a great song. Karsen Trull, a local high-schooler, gives her opinion. “It really is the two that complete each other. The sound of the music makes you feel something internally, and the lyrics make you think. That’s why people love it so much. Music is an art that says what they can’t.” Dylan Rodin, 16, agreed with Karsen by saying that music and lyrics are like yin and yang. “They keep each other balanced. If it’s all lyrics, it’s just a poem. If it’s all music, it’s an instrumental. The combination of both lead to the beautiful thing we call music.”

          An artist previously interviewed in Tunage, Alex Skinwalker, had to say something about the topic as well. “Music needs good progression and pace and lyrics have to have heart in them, or at least be catchy; otherwise you're just listening to dubstep.” To tell the truth, I’m a die-hard EDM fan, especially a fan of dubstep!

          As you may have guessed, the results are tied. It’s almost impossible to pinpoint the most important element of a song. Although I can agree with the opinions of Jake and Dante, I totally stand in between. Rather than this being an undecided debate, it is simply safe to say that both music and lyrics are equally important to a song. Case closed.

Where do you stand? Let Tunage know in the comments!

- Tunage

Written by Jordan Mafi
 

Good Old Rock n' Roll: The Fruit of Our Looms

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Greetings, bretheren of music! I'm glad you're all here, there is something I've been meaning to talk to you about; Something very important to me and even to you,  although you may not  realize it. I'm here to talk to you about the fruits of my loom: Classic rock. Classic rock is a huge part of the basis of most, if not all, rock musicians these days. Whether it's punk, alternative, hardcore, thrash/speed/black or death metal, I'm sure you'll find your favorite artisits likely have someone like Led Zeppelin or Aerosmith amongst their list of influences. Even if you aren't a fan of that raw, revolutionary, powerful genre known as classic rock, imagine if your favorite band never had that in their musical background? Who knows what rock would be like today?


          I've got a few big influences myself, without which I would have a completely different take on music. Queen has made an incredibly huge impact on me. That was a dream team of musicians. Freddie Mercury's amazingly versitile voice accompanied by Brian May's distinct and elegant guitar playing was a pair unmatched by any other in musical history. Queen greatly influenced multiple members of Guns n' Roses as stated by Axl Rose and Slash in interviews in mid 1980's. Guns n' Roses was an amazing addition to 80's and 90's rock and metal and I don't want to know what they'd be like without the influence of classic rock.

          Black Sabbath is another band that inspired me in the ways of my musical explorations. They practically single-handedly invented metal. We all know Ozzy Osborne and Tony Iommi are elders in the clan of classic rock, but we mustn't forget Bill Ward and Geezer Butler, the second half of this incredible four-piece. Butler is hands down one of my top 3 favorite bassists of all time, and Ward's drum style dug a pathway for many drummers from then on. Metallica has stated that Black Sabbath is an influence of theirs, and seriously, the formula of inspiration that creates Metallica's music is something of perfection and any difference in that is unthinkable.
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I know, you're probably saying, "Come on, Laura! The only bands influenced by classic rock are 25-year old metal bands!" I say NAY! at age 14 I saw The Dresden Dolls at Soma in San Diego, CA. They covered "War Pigs", by Black Sabbath. Needless to say, I nearly soiled myself with excitement. I got a chance to speak to the lead vocalist and pianist, Amanda Palmer, after the show and I thanked her for covering a Sabbath song and she said, "Of course, they're my favorite band!" Boom.

So, next time you go to a show and get a chance to meet your favorite band ask them, "Who influences you in your music?" You might be surprised by their response. To sum things up, I request that you respect the gods of rock, such as The Who, The Rolling Stones, Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Queen, Sabbath, The Doors, Rainbow, Rush, and so-on, even if you don't listen to them. They're likely a part of the recipe of music that changed your life.


- Tunage

Written by Laura Sullivan
 

Kids These Days...

          If I had to pick one favorite activity ever in exsistance it would have to be going to punk shows. I love everything about them, the music, the crowds, the moshing, the sweat, blood and spit... All of it. There is one thing, however, I see at many shows that I don't like. Something that frustrates me, that grates on my nerves so bad that vains in my forehead begin to pulsate. Kids who don't understand the pit.

          Now this is purely common sense, but if you don't want to partake in the moshing of the pit, do not stand in our around the pit area. PURELY. COMMON. SENSE. Some people don't quite understand this concept, probably because they are simply half-wits who try to open doors on the hinged side and don't look for cars before crossing the street. At a show that my band played once, a nice gentleman was having a good time moshing around tried to get another guy in the pit to join the fun. This guy didn't understand what was happening and in turn put the gentleman in a choke hold. I threw down my microphone to break up the situation. This guy was standing right on the edge of the pit and should have known that he was going to get knocked around, but in stead of responding like a normal human and just backing away, (or not standing near the pit in the first place) he created unnecessary ruckus in the middle of my set. Unsatisfactory.

          Another situation that some don't understand is in the process of the moshing. When a fellow mosher falls, you pick him/her up immediately to avoid any trampling or tripping. This, I thought, was another common sense-type piece of knowledge but, again, I have my doubts about the amount of common sense kids these days have. Some will get in a pit and trample like they're leading a heard of evil elephants. Don't f***in' do that. Don't do it. I don't want to see that. If I see you do it then I'll trample you. With cleats on. And I'll do it in front of your friends as to add embarassment. I hope I'm clear.

          The final thing, yet another piece of common sense: Moshing is for fun, not for pain. Knock people around and have a good time but don't throw fists or bows. If you go into a pit intending to cause someone significant physical pain then I would recommend taking some boxing lessons in place of show-going. At least for a little while until your angst subsides, you little angerball, you. 

           This concludes my segment. Having fun while moshing starts with common sense. Don't be near the pit if you don't want to be involved, always pick up the fallen, and don't cause injuries to others... At least not on purpose. As I said before: PURELY. COMMON. SENSE. Thanks again readers, tune in again for more babble!

- Tunage

Written by Laura Sullivan
 

AWESOME SONGS USED EXCESSIVELY
IN COMMERCIALS AND MOVIES

         We all know that rock and roll is the best, most amazing, perfectly awesome genre of music to ever be discovered. Naturally, it's the most popular music to play when you want people to buy something from you. I mean, when I hear some badass guitar riff come out of the speakers of the TV when a commercial comes on I think, "WHOA, DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS BUT I FREAKIN' WANT IT," and with that thought, I'd have to agree whole-heartedly that their marketing tactic is definitely working. Although, there are songs that are played so often on television that some people just can't take it. Some songs are used so much that whatever product, movie or television show it's playing for is probably continually losing ratings and popularity due to the excessiveness of these songs. Read on and you and I will have a very one-sided discussion about this topic.

          Car companies love to use rock and roll. Literally! Cadillac used "Rock N' Roll", by Led Zeppelin in one, if not several of their ads. Honda used "Crazy Train", originally by none other than the prince of darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, but the actors in the commercial played the song using horrific noises that came out of their mouths which frankly just slaughtered the song and momentarilly ruined my life. Nike used "Dream On", by Aerosmith. It's a very inspirational song, but I've heard this song used in many sports equipment and car company ads and the inspiration is slowly being sucked away from this wonderful song. Knock it off, marketing department. "I Want to Break Free", by Queen was used in a Coca-Cola C2 commercial. Sweet heaven. As a die-hard Queen fan, I was so excited when I heard this song come on the TV I came running from the other room and then, suddenly, disappointment rushed all over my body. Coca-Cola C2? Seriously? You played a favorite band from my childhood over a diet soda commercial? I'm offended.

         Now that we've gotten over the basics, let's get down to the nitty gritty. "I'm Shipping up to Boston", by Dropkick Murphys, has appeared in The Departed, Brave, The Pirates! Band of Misfits,and has been used in multiple episodes of at least seven different television shows and documentaries. I love this song, but hearing it everwhere, knowing that Boston punk rock is becoming a well-known genre just because one song is being spread so thinly around American pop-culture, makes me want to cry and kill a man all at once. The music in this song straight up fuckin' rocks, and the harmonized yelling gets me all roiled up but this, my friends, is not a song that can sum up Boston punk rock in a nut shell. This sole song, all on its lonesome, cannot carry the weight of the extreme badassness of the perfectly raw, Irish-inspired riffs that reverberate out of that northeastern metropolis. To the studios in Hollywood and to all the television production corporations; EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS FOR THE LOVE OF DIO! That is all.

         Ad companies and the marketing departments of corporations are obviously just lazy theives who steal good ideas until they're no longer good ideas. This must be stopped... Somehow...

PS: When I typed in "Dropkick Murphys Shipping up to boston" on Google Images, this photo came up.
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Leonardo DiCaprio "The Departed"

Thanks for reading! Keep freakin' doin' it!
- Tunage

Written by Laura Sullivan
 

Warped Tour Survival Guide

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         One of the greatest music festivals of all time is approaching this summer. Sun, fun, and music-- perfect, right? Not always! Some things can go wrong your first time at Warped Tour and even after you've been before. I've got tips and tricks up my sleeve for first-timers and also for Warped veterans who want to know some cool and helpful hints.

         First thing's first; get your ticket! If you haven't already, you can buy a ticket at the box office the day of the festival. It's highly doubtful that Warped will sell out, but it is possible. Try to get there early to avoid a long line and get your ticket before anything can go wrong. If you already bought your tickets in advance, do not forget to bring it. You will either have to go all the way home to get it or you'll have to buy a new one. You won't be let in without a ticket!

         There are ways to jump the line. If you give blood or donate some canned food, you are entitled to a Jump the Line Pass and possibly a VIP wristband. Although VIP sounds like a dream, there are normally a lot of restrictions. If you are given any sort of VIP wristband or pass, don’t expect to hang out backstage and meet all the bands and get treated like a rock star. Just chill out and be thankful that you get some more perks than the other concert-goers!

         Now that you’re in the venue, take a look at the big inflatable by the main stage. This is where you will find set times for all the bands playing on every stage. It’s very useful to write your favorite band’s set time somewhere or make a note of it in your cell phone. Sadly, times are subject to change and it could throw off your whole schedule, so keep checking the inflatable to stay up-to-date.

          Once you’re watching a band play their set, there’s always one question that you must ask yourself—“Where should I be standing?” Well, this depends on what kind of person you are. If you enjoy chilling out and watching bands play their music, stick to the back of the crowd and enjoy the performance. If you enjoy getting wrecked and jumping around to the music, you better get yourself in the midst of that wild crowd! Make sure you can handle the heat during sets or else you can get overwhelmed or over-heated.

          Speaking of heat, you must remind yourself to DRINK WATER. Drink lots and lots of water. I know it sounds lame when I say it, but your body will be very grateful. Water bottles are less expensive at every venue this year and each tour stop provides a Kleen Kanteen booth where you can fill up your water bottles or travel cups for free. I was the only person out of all my friends to bring my own travel cup to the festival and many people were begging me for a sip of water! Drinking plenty of water will save you from dehydration and over-heating, so do it!