#Beychella 2018

[doll444luv]

the people i would slaughter to have been at beychella

[365sylviaplath]

happy 6th birthday to Sweetener by Ariana Grande x my alchemical emotional journey

the masterpiece she is. one of my favorite albums of all time. telling my Sweetener Story.

brief astro moment- midnight chart for sweetener. i could say a lot here but mostly living for the moon jupiter conjunction in scorpio harshly squaring mercury in leo while also trining neptune in pisces. i think everything i'm about to say is a testament to that- expressing pain, sharing feelings hard to process, transmuting/alchemizing, romanticizing, hyperbole. plus libra venus for pretty packaging.

i enter the space first and foremost as a top 0.1% fan of ariana grande (as of 2023, we'll see how i fare this year). i stand here firmly. i also believe that some may say she has some "more influential" albums, some songs might be ""better"" (whatever that may mean), so on and so forth. this isn't the point. this is strictly a love letter to sweetener. not an album review, not lyrical analysis, just from the spirit.

summer 2018. summer of In My Feelings - Drake, Nobody - Mitski, The Middle - Zedd, I Like It - Cardi B/J Balvin, One Kiss - Calvin Harris/Dua Lipa, Make Me Feel - Janelle Monáe etc etc. grounding us all in collective memory. other notables: Meghan and Harry royal wedding, Anthony Bourdain's passing, Aretha Franklin's passing, Black Panther, A Star Is Born, Crazy Rich Asians, netflix Queer Eye reboot, Beychella, i googled an article of 2018 pop culture moments so i am surely forgetting essential lore but we will have to move on

the story truly begins with the release of sweetener's first single "no tears left to cry" on april 20, 2018. hours into taurus season 2018, if anyone was counting. a little about me and where i was on april 20th, 2018.....

finishing the spring semester of my 3rd year of college

preparing to start my 2nd of 3 co-ops (akin to an internship, for the uninitiated) for the 6 months of late summer/fall 2018

feeling an enormous internal pressure to have a substantial creative outlet

Sad (multiple reasons)

spring 2018 semester, i went a bit rogue with my coursework and i created one mega final project that connected every class i took that had a fairly open-ended final paper/project. i did a geographical, sociological, historical, and political analysis of graffiti vs street art (what's permitted, what belongs to each, styles, criminalization, media representation) in new york city. i explored so many angles and talked about so much material and learned and created on repeat for WEEKS and then april 20th hit and i had to turn everything in in the next few days. it would all be over. peak of my creative agony and i was also engaged in an emotional cold war that would go on to affect me for Years after. i certainly had several tears left to cry. as i had not cried any of them just yet and wouldn't for a while.

while coping with this creative blockage, i turned my attention toward having more agency in my dating life. i was distinctly unhappy with how my romantic affairs had been going, deep in shame and insecurity, and wanted to meet people and figure out what my deal was. i saw a tiktok a few months ago that posited that many of our crushes/situationships are actually people who should've been our creative partners, we just don't always have the language to express this (or even identify ourselves as artists). this framing opened the world to me - not just this statement itself, but drawing this link between flirty/sexual energy and creativity really opened my eyes. i could tell there was a distinct connection. spring/summer of 2018, it was emotional agony, but i was exploring and creating as i could. some painting first dates, always punctuated with "i'm not really an artist but this could be fun!" it was humble, but it was hugely liberating, in its own way.

Other important Sweetener dates:

"the light is coming", ft. Nicki Minaj, was released on June 20, 2018 as promo with pre-orders - released following my yearly emotional cold war of a family vacation (you may be sensing a theme here...... repression....).

"god is a woman", the album's second single, released on July 13, 2018 - the end of one of my first weeks of co-op. i was such a professional mess, i had too many managers in that role, lots of personalities to learn, lots of material to synthesize quickly. would later become The female empowerment work experience of my young life. outside of work, i was bravely embarking on a new relationship while the emotional cold war was at its peak. multi-layer mess.

the full album was released Friday August 17, 2018 - the week before that year's fall RA training (yearly ego death), i was also moving in to what would be my absolute favorite apartment of college

"breathin" was the third and final radio single from the album, released on September 18, 2018 (post album release) - right after my philly trip. for some reason, every trip i've ever taken to philadelphia has taken me down on some emotional and physical level. even my 8th grade class trip. philly and i seem to have some sort of spiritual beef. astrocartography hasn't shown me anything relating to philly but i know something must be off. emotional pain so profound and unnamed that i had stomachaches so bad i couldn't stand. certainly did need to keep breathin and breathin and breathin

late summer 2018, i was very close to getting a tattoo which would have involved both The Fool tarot card and the Queen of Swords tarot card. spontaneity, new beginnings, and adventure meet logic, balance, and rationality - definitely speaks to the inner conflict i was in at the time. i was on perpetual pursuit of the new and fun while overly worried about presenting fairly and without too much emotion. i knew i was capable of feeling very deeply, but i was pretty shut off to this part of myself. it always felt like a detractor in my life. only stood to hurt me. i think i had convinced myself that i was able to shut this out, but certainly not many people believed it. many witnessed my "subtle" loss of the idgaf war. even the people i only very briefly dated! i think my most common feedback from people i met was that i seemed very disconnected. worth noting that the tarot tattoo i actually ended up getting years later is the death card.

this album and i were moving in such stunning parallel and i couldn't even recognize it then. i was so out of touch with myself. to continue on for a bit as an Ariana historian - there was a lot of pain in her life at this time! her relationships (there is a whole song on this album named after pete davidson), fame, even a bombing at one of her concerts the year prior, all while having to put on a smile and a show for the public. i do not envy celebrities. i could not fake a smile to save my life. and those are just the things the public knows about! who knows what else was occurring. she could not slow down and digest it all (she talks about this in interviews as well, not just my own speculation) and i think this comes out in the music. there is something alchemical to me about sweetener. if i was big into music production, i'm sure i could go into analysis about how she layered so much (sonically) in the songs on this album. or vocal techniques. or who knows. i was so frazzled at the time, i don't think i could've evaluated any of this. i was barely literate, to be honest with the class. the grander theme through the album, however, is this alchemy for the self. through anxiety and relationships and disaster and heartbreak and pain you haven't even fully felt yet, you keep yourself going. listening to this album kept me going! i could not put into words how much it kept me afloat through the worst of it. now, 6 years later, i make my best attempt to put it into words. journal excerpts below -

there is a sentiment sometimes, that the feelings you feel and cannot express will be enough to kill you. as they say - is it better to speak or to die? and sometimes the speaking kills you too. everyone says what they observe and deduce would be true, but i can never fake a feeling. painfully honest, despite my best wishes to prove myself otherwise, i knew what i knew. and what i knew was so divinely painful because it comforted me with the same familiar gut-wrenching story. your concept of falling in love vs. just repeating a pattern can be indistinguishable to you. especially when you’re so adept at shutting down your emotions. you show up, you play your part, you define love in the same way you always had. and it never actually was love. any of those times. it was so easy to induce the agony and call it what you wanted it to be. and it would never make it so. it always felt like lying. like you could tell yourself it was love, but if anyone asked you, you would obscure the answer and hope they wouldn’t notice. you knew it would be lying to say it was love. love would never do this to me. but telling the truth would be worse! never been in love would be an excruciating defeat. i would know nothing of the world if this were true. i would be a bag of flesh and bones with nothing to give, nothing to tell, nothing to offer. doomed. unknowing. separate. alone. i had to feel like i understood, best case, i had to prove it. work hard and that would make it so. turns out, no matter how hard you work, you cannot create what you won't let yourself feel. so you listen to people you have no doubt in your mind knew about love.

all i wanted was to be swept off my feet. for everyone to know it, too. girl who was and had been in love. wha a romantic title! i would prove my worthiness of writing dramatic lines about the depths of the human heart. anyone could relate to me, because they too had participated in the delicious agony and ecstasy of romantic love. i would be seen and heard and in no way alone. ever forward into time and space as one who was part of the lover's world. the lover's world shouldn't have felt so far. i was anxious, i was avoidant, i was whatever kept me out. and at the end of the day, it all felt the same and i admitted to none of it. if you always ask for something in the place you know it will never exist, at what point do you recognize that you'll have to leave to get it? and if you really wanted it, why wouldn't you go where they actually offered it?

when you use powerful and descriptive words, you'll never have to convince anyone of the depth of your feelings. even though talking about your feelings is certainly not the same as feeling those things. speaking in hyperbole does not excuse your actions and certainly does not make you feel better about your path. but sometimes, it's the only thing you can think of to get you through. to verbalize such a pitiful misery that it becomes a performance and vents off some of the subterranean steam. i do not have to recognize the depths of the pain if i speak incredibly dramatically of my inner world (which i had no contact with at that time) to my audience of zero while listening to the alchemist's album. maybe i could get out. maybe it would be fine and no one needed to worry. maybe all love would be true and mutual and if it was really there, it could never escape me. maybe i could create the world where love was a beautiful fantasy that just happened upon me and swept me up and held me above the surface and i would never come down. the pain and the grief were gone when i spoke their name, and now i was fully enveloped in the world of What Can Be. the world where i love the glamorous merely for being glamorous, i feel what i name, i move with respect for who i am. i am not afraid and i am not forcing anything. if the show is beautiful enough, it will be believable and that will make it true.

at the end of the day, happy birthday sweetener, and thank you for saying and expressing what i couldn't.

[danielsiegelalonso]

A Real-time Change: The Evolution of Live Performances in the Digital Age | Daniel Siegel Alonso

There was a time when attending a live concert meant buying a ticket, standing in line, and squeezing into a crowded venue, all for the chance to see your favorite artist perform. While that experience still has charm, the digital age has transformed how we experience live performances, expanding the stage beyond the physical venue. Today, live music is no longer confined to stadiums and arenas — it’s beamed directly into our homes, streamed on our devices, and sometimes even enjoyed in virtual reality. Daniel Siegel Alonso explores how live performances have evolved in this digital era.

From Stage to Screen

Siegel Alonso notes that the first momentous shift in live performances paralleled the advancement of televised concerts and live recordings. Suddenly, music lovers who couldn’t attend a gig could still experience it from the comfort of their living rooms. But this was only the beginning. As the internet matured, so did the possibilities for live music experiences.

Enter the age of streaming. YouTube and, later, dedicated services like Twitch brought live performances to an international audience. Artists no longer needed to be in the same space as their fans — they could broadcast their shows to millions of viewers around the world. This democratization of live music meant that artists could connect with fans in remote locations, while fans who couldn’t attend in person could still be a part of the experience.

One of the most iconic examples of this shift was Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella performance, which was livestreamed to millions of fans globally. Dubbed “Beychella,” the performance was a pop culture moment that transcended the festival grounds, thanks to the power of streaming. Fans who couldn’t make it to the California desert could still witness Queen Bey’s epic show in real-time, complete with all the choreography and costume changes they’d expect from a live performance.

The Best of Both Worlds

As the world reopened and live events returned, a new fad emerged: the hybrid event. These performances combine the best physical and digital experiences, letting fans attend in person or watch from home. Hybrid events cater to a broader audience, allowing everyone to participate in the action, regardless of location.

For example, Siegel Alonso cites Billie Eilish’s 2021 “Happier Than Ever” global live-stream event. While some fans watched the show from a traditional concert setting, millions more tuned in online. Eilish’s team created a visually spectacular production that worked just as well on a screen as in the arena, with intricate stage design, cinematic camera work, and interactive elements that made viewers feel like they were part of the experience, even from thousands of miles away.

The Future of Live Performances

So, what’s next for live performances in the digital age? The possibilities are endless. With the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), we’re entering a new frontier where live shows can be experienced in entirely new ways. Imagine putting on a VR headset and finding yourself in the first row at a concert, surrounded by fellow fans, with the artist seemingly inches away. Or you are attending a gig where AR technology enhances the performance with digital visuals that interact with the real world.

Artists are already experimenting with these technologies. Swedish hitmakers ABBA launched their “ABBA Voyage” concert, featuring digital avatars of the group performing alongside a live band in a purpose-built arena. The show mixes physical and digital elements, producing a unique live experience that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.

Here to Stay

The development of live performances in the digital age has unlocked new avenues for creativity and camaraderie. While nothing can truly replace the energy of a live crowd, digital platforms have expanded the stage, making live music more accessible, interactive, and imaginative than ever before.

Whether you’re attending a performance in person, tuning in from home, or strapping on a VR headset, Daniel Siegel Alonso notes that one thing is clear: the future of live performances is promising, and it’s only going to get more thrilling from here.

[thedemostop]

Top 10 Female Singers Known for Their Live Performances

Regarding live performances, some female singers stand out due to their extraordinary talent, energy, and stage presence. These artists have captivated audiences worldwide with their powerful voices and mesmerizing shows.

 Here, we explore the top 10 female singers known for their live performances. These performers not only sing but also create unforgettable experiences for their fans.

Beyoncé

The Queen of Live Performances

Beyoncé, often called Queen Bey, is renowned for her live performances. Her shows perfectly blend powerful vocals, intricate choreography, and stunning visual effects.

Memorable Performances

Coachella 2018: Beyoncé made history with her iconic Coachella performance, often dubbed "Beychella." She was the first Black woman to headline the festival, delivering a two-hour set filled with hits, intricate dance routines, and a reunion with Destiny's Child.

Super Bowl 2013: Beyoncé's Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most talked-about performances. Her powerful voice and high-energy dance moves captivated the audience, ending with a surprise Destiny's Child reunion.

Lady Gaga

A Theatrical Experience

Lady Gaga is known for her theatrical live performances that push the boundaries of creativity and artistry. Her concerts are a spectacle, combining elaborate costumes, intricate choreography, and her unique style.

Memorable Performances

Super Bowl 2017: Lady Gaga's Super Bowl halftime show was a visual and vocal masterpiece. Starting with a dive from the stadium roof, she delivered a high-energy performance featuring some of her biggest hits.

Joanne World Tour: Gaga's Joanne World Tour blended raw emotion and theatrical flair. Her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence made each show a unique experience.

Madonna

The Ultimate Show woman

Madonna, often called the Queen of Pop, has been setting the standard for live performances for decades. Her shows are known for their elaborate stage designs, provocative themes, and high-energy dance routines.

Memorable Performances

Blond Ambition Tour: The Blond Ambition Tour was a groundbreaking tour that showcased Madonna's ability to combine music, dance, and theatrics.

Super Bowl 2012: Madonna's Super Bowl halftime show was a grand spectacle featuring elaborate costumes, massive sets, and a medley of her greatest hits.

Tina Turner

The Rock 'n' Roll Queen

Tina Turner is celebrated for her high-energy performances and powerful voice. Her concerts are known for their raw energy and her ability to connect with the audience.

Memorable Performances

Live Aid 1985: Tina Turner's performance at Live Aid was a standout moment. Her powerful voice and electrifying stage presence captivated the global audience.

Tina!: 50th Anniversary Tour: This tour celebrated Tina Turner's incredible career. Her dynamic performances and powerful vocals made it a memorable experience for fans.

Whitney Houston

The Voice

Whitney Houston was known for her exceptional vocal ability and emotional performances. Her live shows were a testament to her talent and ability to move audiences.

Memorable Performances

The Bodyguard Tour: Whitney Houston's performances during The Bodyguard Tour showcased her powerful voice and emotional depth, leaving audiences in awe.

Super Bowl 1991: Her rendition of the national anthem at the Super Bowl is considered one of the most outstanding performances ever. Her powerful voice and emotional delivery resonated with millions.

Adele

Emotionally Charged Performances

Adele is known for her soulful voice and emotionally charged performances. Her concerts are intimate experiences that showcase her incredible vocal talent and ability to connect with her audience.

Memorable Performances

Adele Live 2016: This tour showcased Adele's vocal prowess and emotional depth. Her ability to connect with the audience made each performance unique.

The Royal Albert Hall: Adele's live performance at The Royal Albert Hall is considered one of her best. Her powerful voice and emotional delivery captivated the audience.

Aretha Franklin

The Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, was known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence. Her live performances blended gospel, soul, and R&B, which left audiences spellbound.

Memorable Performances

Kennedy Center Honors 2015: Aretha Franklin's performance of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" at the Kennedy Center Honors brought the audience to their feet, showcasing her incredible talent.

Live at Fillmore West: This live album captured Aretha Franklin's powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, making it a must-listen for fans.

Cher

The Goddess of Pop

Cher is known for her extravagant live performances, combining elaborate costumes, stunning visuals, and unique voice. Her concerts are a celebration of her long and successful career.

Memorable Performances

Farewell Tour 2002-2005: Cher's Farewell Tour was a spectacular show featuring elaborates costumes, dazzling visuals, and her greatest hits.

Dressed to Kill Tour 2014: This tour showcased Cher's ability to deliver high-energy performances while connecting with her audience.

P!nk

High-Flying Performances

P!nk is known for her acrobatic live performances, combining high-flying stunts and powerful vocals. Her concerts are thrilling experiences that leave audiences in awe.

Memorable Performances

The Truth About Love Tour: P!nk's The Truth About Love Tour featured acrobatic stunts, high-energy dance routines, and her powerful voice, making it a memorable experience.

Beautiful Trauma World Tour: This tour showcased P!NK's ability to combine acrobatics with powerful vocals, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for her fans.

Janis Joplin

The Queen of Psychedelic Soul

Janis Joplin was known for her raw, emotional performances and powerful voice. Her live shows were a blend of rock, blues, and soul that left audiences mesmerized.

Memorable Performances

Monterey Pop Festival 1967: Janis Joplin's performance at the Monterey Pop Festival was a standout moment that showcased her incredible talent and raw energy.

Woodstock 1969: Her performance at Woodstock is considered one of the festival's highlights. Her powerful voice and emotional delivery captivated the massive audience.

Conclusion

These female artists have left an indelible mark on live performances. Their ability to connect with audiences, deliver powerful vocals, and create unforgettable experiences has solidified their place in music history. From Beyoncé's electrifying shows to Janis Joplin's raw energy, these artists have set the standard for being a performer.

FAQs

Who is known as the Queen of Pop?

Madonna is widely known as the Queen of Pop and has been recognized for her groundbreaking live performances and influential career.

Which female singer is famous for acrobatic performances?

P!nk is famous for her acrobatic live performances, combining high-flying stunts and powerful vocals.

What was Beyoncé's most iconic live performance?

Beyoncé's most iconic live performance is often considered her 2018 Coachella performance, also known as "Beychella."

Which singer delivered a memorable national anthem at the Super Bowl?

Whitney Houston delivered a memorable national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl, which is considered one of the most outstanding performances ever.

Who was the first black woman to headline Coachella?

Beyoncé was the first Black woman to headline Coachella, delivering a historic and unforgettable performance in 2018.

[rena12124]

Blog post 6

In my last blog post, I will be writing about Beyonce and Black Panther. Beyonce’s music is related to Afrofuturism. When we have discussed this topic in class, we talked about her journey into Afrofuturism. Her music touches people, especially the song, Lemonade, with the imagery in it. Beyonce’s performances are also related to Afrofuturism, not just the music itself, and with her tour right now. I also think it is cute how she incorporated her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, into the choreography of her new tour and dances alongside her. Beyonce’s live performance of the 2017 Grammy’s on the songs, Love Drought and Sandcastle, was very beautiful and unique. This performance did also look like Sun Ra and the piece was very creative. Another piece of this performance that I thought was very cool was the details she had added to her full outfit. Other than wearing traditional clothing, she also added acrylic nails to match it. Blue Ivy was also seen running around in this performance too which I think is so cute of Beyonce. Another piece that Beyonce performed that incorporates Afrofuturism is when she performed at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in 2018. This was so popular that it was also known as Beychella. Her performance at Coachella included many factors such as traditional clothing, she also added African cultural references, and futuristic elements to her performance. By doing this it added an experience that is both visually attractive and culturally relevant.

The film Black Panther by Ryan Coogler is one of my favorite movies. Black Panther is a Marvel movie that portrays Afrofuturism. This movie depicts Afro-futuristic themes such as technology. I think technology played a big role in this film, especially with T'Challa who is the Prince of Wakanda. One element that played a big role in the advanced technology in this film is using Vibranium which is the most important resource. By using this, they have created many new and different kinds of items. Afrofuturism is also depicted in this film by using their costumes, architecture, and language. This film also explores social and political themes like identity and the responsibility of power. I think that having a Marvel film that represents Afro-futurism in the media was a big thing because before that they were not that many films that represented Afro-futurism. Because of this many people have started talking more about Afrofuturism than ever. This also shows a representation of people worldwide.

[thepowerofblackwomen]

Beyonce's outfit is symbols of Black power & liberation. A nubian queen, a black panther, a Black Power fist, a black bee and on top, a winged sun with the eye of Horus in the middle.

[hausofdavid]

Beyoncé performing tonight at Coachella. [4/22/18]

[bryshaa]

[stuffyonce]

like and credit @beyhaunts​

[kimludcom]

BEYCHELLA 2018

Beyoncé: "Crazy in Love" (Live) at Coachella 2018

[kaycorvus]

Guess what I did?

Smack that trick

[loveofu]

Beyoncé - I Care (Homecoming Live)

[thatsassyblossom]

Everybody Mad!!!!

I really just spent 2-3 hours learning the Everybody Mad dance from Beyonce Homecoming. Total workout LMAO-

[thepowerofblackwomen]

Reblog to be accepted in Beyoncé’s Sorority

[hamilpop]

"Beychella" Beyoncé, Coachella 2018 Live Performance

She's back! And I remembered why I haven't made her in 10 months, because this design takes FOREVER to sculpt. Plus the yellow paint hates me and needs 6 bloody coats to look opaque. 🙃

Anyway, this is the last time I can make this design with this hair style. Get it at my Etsy before it's gone!

[chaneajoyyy]

This transition👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾!!!

Oooh yees bitch , slayy 🐝🐝🐝👑