September 21st, 2022

As I begin to appreciate more forms of art as I continue my studies but also become more mature, I have begun to seek out artists that evoke an authentic personality and practice. In the modern age, technology and social media have given artists and everyday individuals a tool to mask their real identity and elevate a curated persona to heighten skills or awareness. In music, in particular, synthesizers, autotune, and electronic sounds have blurred the lines between what is a true talent. Of course, one can be a fan of music that is solely based on tools, however, it is the authenticity of a voice and instruments that captivate my enjoyment and leave me fulfilled. 

Recently, I have come across the country and alternative artist Zach Bryan. Bryan came into the music industry in 2018 after serving in the United States Navy for the majority of his life. It is due to his humble and common upbringing that his music involves relatable topics such as emotions, family, friends, and a comprehensive outlook on everyday life. This is unique in the genre of country or any modern form of music due to the artists idealizing and capturing a false reality. In fact, Bryan infuses other creative liberties such as storytelling when creating his music. Often in his albums, Bryan will carefully curate the lyrics of a track to create a linear story that progresses through the set. In other words, Bryan is not only a relatable musician but a believable storyteller as well. 

It was my fondness and appreciation for his approach to his craft that I decided to see him perform at the roadrunner in Boston on September 21st. With only, the ability to house 3,000 fans, Zach Bryan and the roadrunner performed a show that not only delivered an unforgettable show but a personable experience. With only limited capacity and fairly high admission prices, only the greatest fans attended the concert. Because of this, Bryan was able to successfully connect with his audience and elevate the experience to new heights. Of course, Bryan couldn’t formally meet every fan, but he did make it a point to talk to the crowd in between performances and even alter his well-known songs to speak to the Boston audience. In addition to his personable persona and approach, Zach Bryan is dedicated to providing his audience with an authentic experience. This meant no alterations to his voice, instruments, or any other opportunity where weaknesses could arise. In fact, if one was listening closely, numerous imperfections occurred with Bryan’s band and himself. However, this choice promotes authenticity and is able to ground him in the same reality as his fans. Ultimately, attending Zach Bryan’s concert was both an unforgettable experience due to the authenticity and relatability of his performance and product, and also stood as a model for how music should be presented and enjoyed.