As creators, artists, and humans, do you ever find yourself feeling guilty for not working? In the sense that you plan a night out with friends, have a wonderful time, and then it hits you: I could be at home writing right now. I can be creating new songs, finishing lyrics, ordering more merch, and doing anything related to the pursuit of artistry. It can often feel like you're not allowed to take time off or go out and enjoy yourself without the looming of “what can be done for my art” lingering in the back of your brain. 

I fear that sometimes it can take me out of an event or an evening more often than I anticipate. I do find myself spending time with people I haven't seen in a while. I haven't seen them because I've been working or creating so much, which in and of itself is a good problem to have, but can turn into almost beating myself up over being out while there are things that I'm trying to speed up or assist myself with behind the scenes. To a point where I find myself working while out and about. Passing out stickers and business cards, getting people involved online, or seeking out who I can talk to about venues I enjoy being at.

I do believe there is some beauty and enjoyment in that kind of work. I am always grateful to be exhausted from a life I've wanted for myself. As well as oftentimes in those interactions, even if they start business, have turned into the opportunity to talk to some really awesome people striving for the same goal, highlighting their community, bringing up the people around them, and making new friends who are like-minded in goals. 

Whenever that guilt starts to put a cloud over whatever evening I'm trying to have, I do note to myself that taking time off to enjoy yourself makes better art. An evening with my girlfriends out on the town could help to inspire the lyrics to the next song I write. Sharing a drink with a stranger outside of the bar could inspire your next move. Conversing with one of the staff members to see how their night is going or any crazy things they've seen that evening, you'd be surprised what they'll tell you. Dancing the night away and screaming your lungs out to songs you love is like free therapy. Putting yourself in new environments helps you grow both as a person and as an artist. 

So in reality, I think we are all due for a little fun. With the world feeling so heavy, the guilt can loom harder, but only if we let it. Take the night off. Go out with friends. Go out by yourself even. Get those plans out of the group chat. Eat at the new restaurant. Talk to the people at the merch table or the bartender. Have an extra drink, share the smoke, make new friends, and remember to live a lil bit. Trying to help myself with that too. Hopefully this can be the reminder that we both need. 

It is truly difficult to capture the kind of electric punk rock energy that Warped Tour can create. With hefty lineups of heavy-hitting bands, plenty of mosh pits and crowdsurfing, and camaraderie and community, there is truly no place like home. Where everybody is welcome, encouraged to get rowdy, get sweaty, and get in the MF PIT! With intense performances from bands such as “The Story So Far”, “Joyce Manor”, “Third Eye Blind”, “Jimmy Eat World”, “Yellowcard”, “Honey Revenge”, “The Wrecks”, "New Found Glory”, and an endless sea of phenomenal music, there was nothing short of some incredible music playing all the time. Warped Tour is home to screaming your lungs out with your favorite band, discovering your new favorite bands, pushing to get to the barricade and getting something in return, and memories you can’t forget even if you tried.

The community alone of an event like this is something Warped Tour should be proud of. Several bands throughout the event acknowledged that they were either attendees when they were younger or have dreamed of playing the Warped Tour stage since they were little. It is so inspiring to the next generation of punk rockers that it truly could be them up on that stage next. One can only hope.

The artists I had the pleasure of meeting were so kind and down to earth. I got to meet Nick Anderson of “The Wrecks” and Elijah from his solo project. First time seeing both of them live, and I just got lucky to meet them the same day. Nick was so nice as I stopped him as he was heading for the merch booth for the meet and greet, chatted with my group and me alongside some other fans, took some pics, and even leaked some show dates for us. Elijah was very nice as well; it was my first time listening to his music, but the pit for his set was INSANE. The majority of the pits for each set were intense for sure, but also were different per band. It was special to see so many genres and communities blending because of all of our shared love and passion for music. Even artists on stage pointed out and sang and screamed the lyrics with fans, encouraged the pit to get rowdier and to open it up for everyone, and let the crowd sing their songs back to them. 

The online presence of this community is heavily involved regardless of where Warped Tour is stopping next. As the tour is moving along, it is so awesome to see different bands in different locations with different sets from home. Puts you right back in it and yearning for the next time the festival is close to you to get back into the intense energy of an event like this. Even vendors and record labels at the event were repping their favorite bands of the day and itching to see them play. 

Alongside the incredible musicians, the attendees themselves are what make Warped Tour what it truly is. First time in the pit? Someone will show you the ropes. Get knocked over in there? Someone is there to pick you right back up and get you on your feet. Want to get to the barricade to see your favorite band? You’ve made new friends at the back of the crowd to help you get to the front. Need to crowdsurf to “Bleed American”? People have your back, literally, and won’t let you fall. A huge shoutout as well to the Staff of the DC Warped Tour, who sat out in the hot sun with us all day and made sure we could surf safely to get right back into the crowd or pit for another round of surfing. As well as helping fans get mementos like picks, setlists, and drumsticks for fans up in the front. 

Safe to say I will be attending for years to come (find me in the DC pit next year)! If you have never been to Warped Tour, new or old. Go. It is the most punk rock thing you can do for yourself. 

If you're new here, welcome to the club.