I love concerts. Any place, anytime, anywhere. From popular music festivals such as Camp Flog Gnaw to tinier venues such as the Blind Pig, I have seen a total of 44 concerts in 2024. Here are my top 10 favorites:

10. Danny Brown

I saw Danny Brown when he performed at Grewal Hall in Lansing, Michigan. He delivered incredible energy to his hometown, playing his hits such as “Ain’t it Funny,” “God Loves You” and “Monopoly.” Brown brought great crowd energy with his entertaining character. He talked to us, yelled ad-libs at us and everything in between. Brown was on tour for his album, ‘Quaranta,’ which was released Nov. 17, 2023. He is this high on my list for a reason, however, as I would have ranked him higher if he was touring for a more well-liked album. Quaranta,” was not nearly as well received as past albums.
9. Wisp

Wisp is a shoegaze band with the leadman –– or rather leadwoman –– being 20-year-old Natalie Lu. She is by far the youngest artist on the list, but her opening energy as the first set I saw at Camp Flog Gnaw was immaculate. She doesn’t have the largest discography, and she didn’t get into the main spotlight until the last two years. She can thank a ton of her fame to social media platforms like TikTok, but after seeing her live, she 100% deserves every ounce of it. Wisp is an incredibly exciting band, and I can’t wait for their next album.

8. Andre 3000

Andre 3000, half of Outkast, performed at Camp Flog Gnaw. It was his first performance there, and to my pleasure and others dismay, it was a flute set such as his album ‘A New Blue Sun.’ Whilst others were leaving the set because it was thought he would rap, I was having the time of my life hearing a one-of-a-kind show. Every single performance is completely spontaneous and unplanned. He was incredibly funny, having an entire bit in a made-up language unknown to the crowd. Andre 3000 is a must-see live experience.

7. Yves Tumor

Going into Yves Tumor’s set, I knew next to nothing about him; on the plane to LA from Ann Arbor, I listened to around three of his songs. I was absolutely blown away by him, especially when he came out in nothing but boxers and put the rest of his attire on in front of the growing crowd. He then came out with a supporting live band. Yves has everything you’d want to see in a live artist: energy, crowd control and passion. He jumped into the crowd and sang every lyric himself, all while still being down-to-earth.

6. Duster

It has been a dream of mine to see Duster for two years. The shoegaze legends have been around since the 90s, with most of their largest hits coming from that era. However, I saw them touring their newest album, “In Dreams.” I remember being pressed against the barricade, blaring guitars distorted to perfection and vocals sounding like being woken up from a dream. Duster was impeccable; I couldn’t find a single complaint on their performance if I tried. I plan on seeing them the next chance I get. I would absolutely recommend experiencing them live.

5. JPEGMAFIA

JPEGMAFIA was my number two most-listened-to artist of 2024. When he announced a tour for his new album “[name of the album]” without a show in Detroit, I knew what I had to do. I and three of my friends drove three and a half hours to Columbus to see him, touring for the release of his 2024 album “I Lay Down My Life For You.” It was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen. I was really hoping he would step outside of songs from that touring album to play songs from early projects, and he did not disappoint. He played countless songs from his other albums, with my personal favorite being a cover of Carly Rae Jepsen’s most popular song, “Call Me Maybe.” JPEGMAFIA’s explosive energy and top-tier production always make the crowd go absolutely wild.

4. Doechii

After blowing up completely out of nowhere, Doechii has been at the top of her game after dropping her third mixtape, “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” Being a Grammy winner this year, I couldn’t miss out when I got the chance to see her. I was in the back grabbing food during her set, but her performance was still that good; it’s still that high up for me on my list. She played almost everything off her newest album and even brought out guest SZA to the crowd’s delight. I hope she announces a solo tour soon, as everyone deserves the chance to see her like I did.

3. Earl Sweatshirt

Earl Sweatshirt, Odd Future affiliate, is one of my favorite artists of all time. He has a production that’s dreamy and dark, with lyrics that make you absolutely miserable with how sad they are. His flow is top-notch in addition to his lyrics, beats and style. He’s a perfect rapper to see live. I caught him at Camp Flog Gnaw and was not disappointed. He performed hit after hit, with some of the highlights being “Molasses,” “Azucar” and “Easter Sunday.” In addition, Earl wasn’t afraid to bring out fellow artists Zeeloperz, El Cousteau, MIKE and Tyler, the Creator. I missed seeing Earl earlier in the year due to being sick, so this was super special to see him for my first time.

2. Tyler, the Creator

Tyler is notorious for putting on great shows, and his first full-length performance of his 2024 album, “Chromakopia,” was nothing short of perfect. His set was performed on a giant green shipping container plastered with his other albums titles and was accompanied by green smoke all over the stage. He came on as the album’s opening song, “St. Chroma,” was playing in the background. The moment the second track, “Rah Tah Tah,” began, the crowd went crazy, and the energy carried through the rest of the performance. He put on a legendary performance with songs from all different albums and eras, going into every corner of his discography. Tyler, additionally, brought out many people featured on his project who were also performing at the festival: Schoolboy Q, Doechii, Daniel Caesar and Sexyy Red. He performed songs from older projects, such as “She,” “Tamale,” “Yonkers” and “Who Dat Boy.” His set was loud, enthusiastic and overall just fun. I loved his set and was beyond impressed. I’m disappointed I won’t catch him on his upcoming tour.

1. Playboi Carti

Playboi Carti is known for being a great live performer. He hit the stage 15 minutes late, but he immediately made up for all of it and beyond. When performing, he comes out with a group of hooligans who yell at the crowd and bring more energy. One is on an electric guitar strumming it out, making his good songs even greater. He plays hit after hit with tons of songs from the album “I AM MUSIC” being performed. Carti also brought out The Weeknd for “Timeless,” and performed his verse of “EARFQUAKE,” a Tyler, the Creator song he is featured on. This is incredibly rare for the artist. The mosh pits for his set were the best I’ve ever experienced. Those pits have not been beaten, and only Carti could top it when he tours for “I AM MUSIC.”

Music is something super important to me that I care deeply about and love supporting in every way, shape and form. I plan to go to shows until I become an old man just outside of the mosh pits, staring on ahead at the stage.