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Unmissable Live Acts
While there’s no right or wrong way to make music — “better”is obviously a subjective term — but some artists bring a little something extra to the stage that recordings just can’t capture. From stripped-down versions to authentic stage presences and charged performances to riveted audiences, these musicians remind us that music is transformed in a live setting. So if you’re tired of listening through headphones and agonizing over your queue, here are five musicians whose live performances might just remind you that music still has the power to surprise, and that it’s worth braving the crowds for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Artemas: Less Effects, More Emotion
After his 2024 Lowlands performance went viral on TikTok, Artemas became widely known as one of the best-live performers of his generation. While his recordings are often layered with heavy effects and vocal modulation, his live sets strip all that back, letting his voice take center stage. Fans were impressed with his flawless vocal control and raw emotion — some even went so far as to compare his voice to that of The Weeknd. That mic was on, and fans took notice.
IDLES: Kinetic Energy
You may know IDLES on tape, but they’re almost an entirely different band during live performances. First off, they’re loud. Along with the volume, they bring high energy, thrashing around on stage, screaming the lyrics, pounding their instruments, and jumping into the audience for a crowd surf. And the crowd matches their energy in a moshing, dancing, free-for-all. There’s no better way to describe it than punk come to life, and you’ll feel the energy, the lyrics, the music in your bones even after the concert’s over.
Jean Dawson: On-Stage Hangout
Jean Dawson knows how to set a vibe. His concerts are less performances, and more so crazy hangouts with really good music and Dawson at the helm. With elements of alt-rock, hip-hop, and noise pop, it’s no surprise that Dawson’s performances often lean heavily into the chaotic, and with that chaos comes catharsis.Fans get unabashedly into the music, dancing, moshing, screaming, and Dawson takes this energy and gives it right back with energetic, frenzied performances that just can’t be replicated on tape.
Portugal. The Man: Authentic & Unfiltered
While some musicians bring their personalities on stage with them, Portugal. The Man let the music speak for itself with an almost continuous stream of live music. But that doesn’t mean their shows are necessarily polished. Live, they’re looser and more raw, without the polish of back tracks and vocal effects. This allows the band to highlight their natural talent — including John Gourley’s impressive vocal range — and focus on the energy of the moment. They have a very authentic presence live on stage and often break the mold of their music with spontaneous jams, reworked arrangements, mashups, and occasionally a pop culture reference — like covering“Day Man” from It’s Always Sunny.
Raveena: Near-Religious Immersion
Singer-songwriters aren’t usually known for kinetic performances, but Raveena deserves a spot on this list simply for her insanely beautiful live vocals. More than that, her live presence — along with the groovy backing instrumentals and her angelic voice — create a vibe that can only be described as ethereal and atmospheric. With minimal production during her performances, her stage presence takes over, but instead of hyper energy, she serves a sense of peace. It’s the closest thing to a religious experience you’ll find outside of church or drugs.
Magdalena Bay: Low Budget, High Reward
Despite lacking the production budget, Magdalena Bay consistently delivers shows that feel like giant dance parties. On recordings, they have a sleek pop sound, but live, this morphs into a chaotic, unpredictable, high-energy performance tied together by the theatrical grace of lead vocalist Mica Tenenbaum. Their set might have your ears ringing and leave you drenched in sweat, but it’ll undoubtedly be a night to remember.
Press Pause, Buy A Ticket
There’s nothing wrong with the polish of recorded music, but some live performances have the power to pull you out of your head and back into your body. From technically precise vocals to spontaneous jam sessions, from near-religious moments to euphoric dance parties, and from raucous crowds to masterful performers, live music offers surprises that pre-recorded tracks just can’t match. A great live performance reminds us that sometimes it’s worth taking out your earbuds and experiencing music the way it’s meant to be: shared.
