Concerts: Building Community and Well-Being

Would you believe that your mental well-being is directly connected to your community's?

It's the truth! In the same way, boosting your community can help mend aspects of your life. Most of all, including your community in events and activities can bring together diverse people and destigmatise mental health issues, giving more ways to support.

Since 'tis the concert season, Kofuku is here to impart the sacred knowledge of how good it is to just simply exist outdoors in a concert.

Music, the famously universal language, has the power to literally shrug off boundaries, tease out emotions, and bring people together. Concerts, in particular, offer a unique opportunity to experience the magic of live music, connect with like-minded individuals, and immerse oneself in a shared experience.

In one of RED's interviews with Lisa Badanes, PhD, chair of the Department of Psychological Sciences at Metropolitan State University of Denver, talks about how just being among people who share the same interests as you can increase your liking of others around you. It's a sense of connection and understanding.

Beyond the sheer joy of listening to your favourite artists perform, community concerts significantly impact our well-being and our communities' overall health.

Subjective well-being is basically how happy you feel about your life. It's a personal thing that can be influenced by many factors, like your relationships, job, or even just your general outlook on life. While things like money and health can play a role, they're not the only things that matter. Strong connections with others, feeling fulfilled in your work, and maintaining a positive attitude can significantly boost your happiness.

Surprise, surprise, a study explored how habitually engaging with music in any form, such as dancing, singing, or going to musical events (cough concert cough), increases a person's subjective well-being.

Given that our well-being is intricately linked to the well-being of our communities, it's better to ensure both cogwheels run smoothly. Because having strong social connections, a sense of belonging, and a supportive network are essential for our mental and emotional health. When we feel connected to others, we experience greater happiness, reduced stress, and improved overall quality of life. Community concerts are one of the easiest ways to achieve this.

• Social Connection: As we said earlier, being around people with the same likes has an effect on you. Concerts provide a nifty little open space for people to connect with others who share their love for music. Whether you're attending with friends and family or meeting new people, the shared experience of a live concert is unmatched and will stay in your memory.

• Emotional Release: Music has the power to evoke strong emotions. Listening to your favourite songs live can be truly a cathartic experience, allowing you to release stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that listening to music can reduce stress hormones like cortisol. Attending a concert can be a much-needed escape from the daily grind, allowing you to relax and unwind.

• Improved Mood: Music has a huge impact on our mood. When you make a main character Spotify playlist or crying in the shower playlist, it really does bring that energy in you. Upbeat, energetic music can boost your mood and energy levels, while slower, more melodic music can promote relaxation and calmness. In fact, a 2020 study about music therapy shows that it decreases your cortisol level and reduces stress symptoms by distracting you.

• Enhanced Cognitive Function: Listening to music has been linked to improved cognitive function, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

• Karaoke Effect: Singing along at a concert releases endorphins, natural mood elevators that reduce stress and anxiety. This euphoric effect is called Social flow, and a study proves that it is induced in people when they sing in groups.

A great example of community concerts is the annual 'Echoes of Earth' music festival. It's more a celebration of music, art, and sustainability and is lauded as India's greenest music festival. It has gained crazy recognition for its steadfast commitment to environmental consciousness and community building. Both of which we absolutely need in these trying times!

The yearly festival brings together people from diverse backgrounds, creating a space for connection, shared experiences, and cultural exchange. The atmosphere, along with the diverse lineup of artists ranging from international acts to local talent, ensures a wide range of genres. It encourages attendees to let loose, dance, and have fun in one another's presence, boosting community morale.

The festival uses sustainable materials, minimises waste, and promotes responsible consumption among concert-goers. This approach reduces the festival's environmental impact and inspires attendees to adopt more sustainable lifestyles, much like how Coldplay, who are due to come to India in 2025, is making their world tour 'Music of Sphere' a sustainable and environmentally friendly one.

By combining music, art, and sustainability, Echoes of Earth strives to give a memorable experience to concert-goers without harming the environment.

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in concerts and live music events among Indians. With a growing middle class and a thriving entertainment industry, more and more people are attending concerts and music festivals. More international artists are booking venues here, and more local artists are being signed as well.

It contributes to the well-being of young people more than ever. The energy and excitement of a live performance can boost their mood, reducing stress and anxiety, which has become a growing problem affecting about 51% of youth. Introducing them to diverse cultures, genres, and artists through a fun environment can also help create a positive sense of global citizenship.

Community concerts go beyond entertainment. They bring us together as one and help us explore new ideologies fairly safely. They expose us to a world that requires everyone to coexist and boost our communities as we move forward. Outdoor concerts, in particular, can have a significant positive impact on our lives. So, the next time you can attend a concert, don't hesitate to embrace the experience. It's the best chance to connect with the people you share this earth with!