The Magic of Live Music: Why Authentic Performances Outshine AI in 2024
Rediscovering the Power of Live Performance
Nothing trumps a live performance. Period. This is what I rediscovered while visiting Ms. Lauryn Hill & The Fugees live at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. As a performing artist, I’ve always known this, but most of the time when I attend a live show, I’m on the stage myself. Sometimes life gets too busy to go to concerts… So this time, my daughter suggested we go to this one.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Lauryn Hill & The Fugees are not unknown to me; this is music I listened to when I was younger. So, I had a pretty good picture in my mind (or so I thought) of what the concert would be like. I was looking forward to this! However, the buildup to the concert was somewhat underwhelming…
Underwhelming Opening DJs
It started with two DJs. The first (two guys behind the DJ desk, one MC) did little more than play middle-of-the-road auto-tuned music with repetitive beats and uninspiring lyrics. It was the kind of music you hear a million times a day, with the same standard chord progressions (I-IV-V or I-II-V for those familiar with music theory). While some great songs are written with these chord changes, hearing the same formula for at least an hour gets boring. On top of that, the MC kept shouting clichés like, “Are you happy?”, “How are you doing?”, and “Here we go!” It was far from inspiring, and luckily, my daughter agreed.
A Glimmer of Hope
About half an hour before the main show, the official support act for Lauryn Hill took the stage. Soul, hip hop, reggaeton—finally, something better! She was clearly more musical and skilled. Since we were in Amsterdam, she announced she’d fit in some Dutch music. I wish she hadn’t though—this is where the energy dropped back to what we had endured with the first DJs. Thankfully, it didn’t last long.
Lauryn Hill Takes the Stage
Then the main act began. Talk about getting straight to the point! A full band, live. No prerecorded tracks, no auto-tune. Great backing singers. And Lauryn Hill? She can still perform—this is an understatement. Her voice has only gotten better over the years. The energy from the stage was infectious, and it wasn’t about flashy production or scantily clad dancers. This was seasoned musicians, completely on top of their game, playing tricky, intricate music with so much ease and dedication that you couldn’t stop moving.
A Minor Dip
At one point, Lauryn Hill’s sons joined her on stage. I want to be careful here because I know what it takes to perform on such a massive stage, especially following such a great act, but let’s just say the energy dipped a little. And, of course, auto-tune made another appearance. But again don’t take my word for it—my 17-year-old daughter felt the same way.
The Fugees Steal the Show
Thankfully, this was just a brief moment before The Fugees took over. And wow, do they know how to party! From start to finish, together with Mr. Lauren Hill they performed with so much power, musicality, passion, and skill. It was one of the best concerts I’ve attended in years.
A Call to Keep Live Music Alive
So, what am I trying to say? Real live performance must and can never die. The craft of live music, which takes years of blood, sweat, and tears to perfect, should be a shining example for aspiring musicians, performers, and music producers. Please, please, please—drop the AI-generated stuff, start practicing, and dive deep into music. It’s so rewarding, not just for the audience but for the creators themselves.
A Note to Self
And a note to myself: I need to visit these kinds of concerts more often!
