Battle to the Death

CortlanSouders

The Advocate

Going to a concert is a mystical experience that everyone should go through at least once in their life. Waiting in anticipation for your favorite artist to play in front of you, feeling the music pump through your veins, and becoming one with hundreds of fans as you harmoniously dance to the beat are key components to the event.

But is there a drastic difference when it comes to the location and venue where the artist plays? Is there a definitive best way to enjoy live music, or can you embrace the variation that different venues offer? This is what was running through my mind as I experienced two wildly different local concerts in the same month. 

The first concert was at the Moda Center, with the headliner being Tyler, the Creator. I was immediately enveloped with hundreds of people once I stepped inside the arena, who ranged from around age 18 to 30, besides a few parents with their kids. Seeing people in get-ups that were themed to Tyler’s previous albums and concerts was a joy.

It was a bit stressful trying to find our designated seats with so many others crowding us, either looking for their own seats, trying to buy $30 chicken strips from the food court, or searching for the end of the thousand-mile line that led to the merch shop.

 Once my friends and I pushed our way to our small seats, we were antsy with excitement for what would ensue. A large stage loomed in front of the mosh pit with an elaborate setting of green cargo crates, with the center displaying the word “Chromakopia.” An ominous bridge hung over the thousands of fans who were curious about its role in the show. Finally, a small B-stage stood right in front of our spot, which proved to be a blessing.

Two openers performed their sets before Tyler: the duo Paris Texas and Lil Yachty. It was fun to see an up-and-coming rap duo be given this opportunity to play for thousands; they gave it their all, and I loved the punk energy they unleashed. I was also excited for Lil Yachty, who I had listened to for years. Hearing his classics live and being able to see him from a relatively close distance was such a connecting experience that rejuvenated in my mindto the power of live music.

 Still, my anticipation soared once I heard the intro for Tyler. My heart thumped at Mach speed, and I was hooting and hollering once the lights dimmed for the main attraction, while others waited with bated breath. He appeared with a flash, wearing his full get-up relating to his recent album. The crowd roared, and my friends screamed like schoolgirls at the sight (I think one of them even briefly fainted).

Everything you expect from such a gigantic artist performing was there. A spectacle of lasers and lights beamed from above, powerful gusts of heat flushed over the us from the pyrotechnics, and ear-splitting music that left us deaf for half a week. It was fantastic!

Oh, and that ominous bridge? It slowly lowered halfway through the show, linking the main stage to the B-stage, right ahead of me. Tyler danced his way down to the mini-stage, which was dressed in a homey room that was plastered with references to his career and life. He would flip through a discography of albums, projected on a large TV screen for all to see. Each time he would reach from an album that progressed from his earliest work to the newest. The crowd cheered him on and we collectively sang each song with him throughout the night.

This was my first trip inside the Moda Center in half a decade, and the first time I went as an adult with friends. And the whole performance fueled a brand-new desire to see music live, much higher now. It’s an urge that will have to be handled with care, for similar Moda concerts can be costly, especially for the level of artist and seats we got this time. 

Just two weeks later, I went with another friend to the illustrious Crystal Ballroom in downtown Portland, where the heavy metal artist Poppy performed.

The Crystal is an entirely different world from the Moda. First of all, tickets are way cheaper, with each being $50 for the main floor. When we entered the historic venue, it brought to mind so many fond memories from the decades of performers who have played there. Another big plus over the Moda experience was that buying merchandise was way cheaper and took two minutes, rather than waiting in line for an hour. As we bought T-shirts downstairs the opener was already playing above us, and we could feel the building shake and shift. 

Entering the main room, we saw an array of metal heads, from those my age ranging to others attending concerts since the 1990s, and even the ‘70s. This demographic showed me that metal fans would show up no matter how new the artist was, as long as the act packed a memorable punch with hard-hitting music.

Our opener was Kumo 99, a Japanese electronic dance duo that brought punky vibes to the mix. We instantly were in tune with the music and were able to get a closer view of them with the Ballroom becoming one big mosh pit. Despite so jammed, it was more comfortable and freeing to dance and mosh with one another, with us all feeling the music. Once they finished, Poppy and her crew took the stage, and the crowd simply erupted.

What came next was probably one of the best experiences I’ve had so far this year. Heavy drums reverberated straight through my body and into my soul, Poppy’s emotional and visceral vocals rang out, and savage guitar riffs tore through the venue. People were moshing and raving, crowd surfs raged through, and bras went flying across the room. It was such an energetic and raw happening that left me and my friend craving more of this fiery performance. I hadn’t followed Poppy before, but I am now a gigantic fan because of how memorable the event was. 

 Deciding on what’s the better venue is ultimately up to the individual. The Moda Center, while being pretty expensive, offers a worthy theatrical stage for jaw-dropping performances. The smaller Crystal Ballroom brings an equally heavy-hitting performance for a cheaper price, along with showcasing newer and emerging artists who flash a unique style. Drawing from both of my concerts, I strongly suggest going to the Moda at least once to take in a grand spectacle, while also taking a chance at the Crystal to see upcoming artists if you want a fun, more economical outing.