One Chinese girl’s impressions of Avril‘s concert
Before talking about rock, I want to talk about "prejudice". In the first half of my life, prejudice was a derogatory word, full of stubbornness, arrogance, exclusivity, and intolerance. I was taught by people of different identities from all over the society since I was a child to suppress myself and avoid becoming a prejudiced person. It was not until recent years that I gradually reconciled with "prejudice". Now I think prejudice is a neutral word, and its antonym is "be yourself". I hate the views that "everyone is unique" and "be yourself". I don't want to talk about the reasons now, otherwise it will be another long speech. I think the sentence is very good "people have no way of looking at the world without prejudice."
Speaking of rock, the relationship between rock and prejudice, I think Hu Anyan said it very well, prejudice is often more creative and expressive. Art does not exclude prejudice, because art does not aim at views and propositions, it only cares whether "prejudice" is unique and insightful. Rock treats "prejudice" the same way.
Writing songs is creation, and performing is also creation; performance is art in the form of behavioral display. Rock is also a performing art, so it is not against interpretation, but it is against hypocritical interpretation; trying to express the mind, emotions and attitudes that you do not really have in your creation is a reaction to the spirit of rock. The core of the spirit of rock is sincerity. The soul of a rock band is often the one with the most prominent personality. People often say that rock is not a type of music, but a spirit. This means that rock is essentially a form of art that makes individuals and life artistic rather than an exploration of the musical form itself. Therefore, rock music is often criticized as "rough music". This determines that rock artists pay more attention to the exploration of human nature and the refinement of perception, until the torture of the soul... Rock artists will inevitably continue to deepen, enrich and shape themselves, and regard the refinement of themselves as the greatest or even the only guarantee of their artistic achievements. Therefore, although rock artists initially have a personality different from ordinary people, they will continue to become more sensitive and extreme with self-refinement, which is due to their instinct to maintain artistic life and consolidate originality. Even the most insignificant aspects of themselves, they want to pursue the most distinctive and unique form; in the end, the quality of both love and hate in them is too great for them to bear, and even leads to mental breakdown or near collapse. Rock and roll both loves and needs self-destructive heroes. So this is a road of no return: when they decide or are forced to stop, their artistic life ends. "Dead" rock artists can still write songs and perform, just as there are many "dead" rock artists among the rock artists who are still alive. But the excessive interpretation and interpretation of the self is a trap that mediocre people cannot detect; real rock artists are geniuses, and have the consciousness of genius. In other words, rock and roll is the art of genius. Like Faust, rock singers make a deal with the devil with their souls, and with their talent comes loneliness, contradiction, pain and exhaustion; even if real rock and roll sounds cheerful or vibrant on the surface, it is actually the wailing of artists in the process of falling into the abyss.
Attending a concert by a renowned artist like Avril Lavigne offers fans a unique glimpse into the connection between music and personal identity. Lavigne's powerful performances resonate with countless individuals, often evoking memories of youth, rebellion, and self-discovery. In parallel, the genre of rock music serves as a vessel for artists to express complex emotions, using sincerity and uniqueness as its core principles. As audiences immerse themselves in live performances, they are not only treated to entertainment but also participate in a deeper dialogue about their own experiences and prejudices. The relationship between rock and prejudice is vital; artists often channel their perceived flaws and societal criticisms into their work, allowing them to challenge norms and inspire others. For fans, particularly those from different cultural backgrounds, identifying with rock music allows for a shared experience that transcends language and ethnicity. The powerful and unapologetic nature of rock can be liberating, as it encourages listeners to embrace their heterogeneity and confront their biases. Understanding the nuances of individuality and collective identity within the context of rock reveals why concerts like Lavigne's have such a profound impact. They serve not just as performances but as catalysts for self-reflection and emotional catharsis. Through rock, we can explore notions of authenticity and originality, as artists expose their vulnerabilities and celebrate the rawness of human experience. Whether thrilled by the energy of her music or contemplating the deeper themes explored in her lyrics, concert-goers can find pieces of their own stories interwoven with the art presented on stage.
