This one’s gonna be a little close to the heart. You see, growing up, my childhood was marked by the conspicuous absence of a TV. No, it’s not because my family was ahead of the minimalist trend. The reason was a lot simpler – we just didn’t have the luxury of electricity. And no lights meant no TV. But now, I really don’t think that I was missing that much. Plus, that also meant that I’d spend all of my time enjoying the great outdoors. 

But one constant in our home was the magnificent battery powered radio and, if my dad had his way, it would never be off. And batteries weren’t cheap! (ps. who knows about putting batteries in the sun to recharge?) Anyway, we listened to a lot of radio – maybe a bit too much, if I’m being honest. But, the radio meant music, and since skipping a song wasn’t an option, we listened to everything, and I mean everything! I guess I can attribute a lot of my varied musical taste to those early years. Thanks Pop!

As I got older and started earning my own keep, one of the first things I splurged on was gadgets to grow my own personal music haven. And, I have to admit, I’ve probably spent a small fortune on CD players, iPods and high-quality headphones. (Side note, I judge all you animals who can listen on crappy headphones with no qualms!)

Fast forward to 2012, I found myself working for a mining company in the middle of nowhere. Stuck in a small camp deep in the rainforest, no sign of civilization for miles in any direction, music became my ally in a new way. As I pen this, I’m transported back to that time. My evenings were spent in my little room, listening to live albums way too loudly, and feeling like I was in the audience as my favourite bands belted out lyrics that I knew by heart. This, I thought, was the closest I’d get to a live performance.

This routine persisted for years. As a poor Guyanese who was denied a US Visa (for no good reason, stwww) attending live concerts seemed like an unattainable dream. It didn’t matter though. I was still happy to have my good headphones and no shortage of pirated tunes.

In 2022, Lei and I took a huge gamble and moved to Canada. This was by far the scariest decision I had made: giving up a well established life with a great job for a big question mark. (Scary!!!)

We don’t know how long we’ll be here for, but from day 1, I had my heart set on indulging in as many live concerts as our budgets would allow. (I’m also super grateful that Lei and I have similar music tastes and she was already a seasoned lover of live music).

Now, as the year draws to a close, I can reflect on all the concerts I’ve attended and proudly say that I’ve definitely had my fill. From Matchbox Twenty to John Mayer to Paramore and almost 20 bands in-between, 2023 was the year I fell in love with concerts in ways I never imagined I could.

So, here’s to my long journey from radio days to concert nights and cheers to the music that has been my constant companion! I’m not sure what’s ahead in this crazy thing we call life, but I do know that music will continue to be a huge part!

Ps. I also must reluctantly thank my sisters, particularly Max and Sue, for helping to shape my musical tastes. I never really wanted to admit it, but you guys ain’t all that bad after all 🙂

Anyways, stay well and I’ll talk to you in the next one.

Damion