A Happy Birthday to my Favorite Artist, Sameer Gadhia

I still remember the first time I heard Young the Giant perform live. It was December 6th, 2014 at Vinoy Park and Slowdive, the band's 40 second intro blared through the speakers. This soft chord melody built in intensity preparing the crowd for the band's entrance onto the stage. When Young the Giant finally appeared the warm ambiance switched to an animated mood and the second song of the night, Anagram began playing.

Though there was a vast crowd between the lead singer Sameer and I, there was no denying the fervor in his performance. The way Sameer moved on stage resembled the dance of an adolescent filled with intensity and affection for life. As he gracefully frolicked I could feel his passion for music beaming off of his skin. His performance infused me with an indescribable energy that I used to sing aloud with him - though my voice was not as angelic. I was empowered by his lyrics and the orgasmic sounds of the instruments playing in the background, but I wasn't alone. I could sense the entire crowd feeding off of the band's ardor.

At the end of the set, I was disappointed to watch them exit the stage and leave me quenched for more. Of course my PCD (Post Concert Depression) kicked in right away: "How could they just leave me like that? I thought we had a connection!" I cried. But I knew this wasn't the end because I promised myself to see them live again. Like any teenage band geek I stalked YTG's social media in hopes that they would announce another tour. So when the band did tour again the following summer, I was front and center in the sea of indie music lovers. At that point I considered myself a Young the Giant devotee. I had every song downloaded on my ipod and every lyric etched into my brain. So standing amongst the crowd in front of Sameer yet again was a religious experience.

"(Young the Giant) is… that youthful ability to have confidence and believe in what you’re doing, even though you’re completely disconnected from other peoples’ expectations." - Sameer

If you haven't heard any of YTG's music, I will be leaving a link to one of my favorite songs at the bottom of the page. Give them a try then let me know what you think!

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