Live Music We’d Drop Everything to See (Again)
- LJ Portnoy
- Jan 6
- 5 min read
Article contributed by LJ Portnoy
These are the moments that make live music magic
There are artists you enjoy listening to, and then there are artists you would rearrange your life to see live. The ones who command a room without trying and make thousands of people feel locked into the same moment at the same time. Live music has a way of sharpening memory. Certain shows become timestamps, tied forever to who you were when you heard them.
There is something about being in the room when it happens. The anticipation, the lights dropping, the shared breath before the first note. Some performances do not just entertain. They convert you.
This is not a ranking, and it is not about perfection. It is about presence, connection, and that unexplainable feeling when a performance truly hits. These are the artists the SoundCheck team would drop everything to see live again.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter was an easy A+++++ live. She stole every second of attention with stunning vocals and an effortless confidence that never wavered. The standout moment came during her Juno positions, which have been everywhere and everything to everyone.
This writer will happily admit to being part of the crowd that fell fully under the spell. It all felt natural, playful, and completely controlled, the kind of performance that turns casual listeners into devoted fans by the end of the night.
Jonas Brothers
This one feels obvious, and that is exactly the point. Multiple members of the SoundCheck Mag team have seen the Jonas Brothers live more than 30 times, and somehow each show still manages to surprise. During their Grand Rapids stop, they brought a young fan onstage with her parents, creating a moment that felt genuinely heartfelt inside a massive arena. That level of fan connection is what keeps audiences coming back. Every show feels personal, even at scale.
HAYLA
HAYLA absolutely wowed the room. From the very first notes, a shiver ran straight down the spine in the best possible way. Eyes widened instantly at the realization that something special was unfolding. Her vocals are powerful, precise, and emotionally charged, paired with a commanding stage presence that makes it impossible to look away. It was the kind of opening that leaves no doubt a true artist has taken the stage.
Livingston
Livingston is the real deal. What stood out most was the cohesion of the entire performance. Rather than singing a collection of individual tracks, he delivered a carefully woven set of stories. Each moment flowed intentionally into the next, creating an immersive experience that felt thoughtful, honest, and deeply human. It was artistry in narrative form.
YUNGBLUD
YUNGBLUD is a top-tier performer, not just for his energy but for how deeply he connects with his fans. Throughout the set, he invited multiple fans onstage, including a young girl who joined him to play guitar and another who sat on his shoulders singing along without hesitation. These moments never felt staged or rushed. They felt raw, real, and deeply human. His interactions created an atmosphere of trust, joy, and shared experience that extended far beyond the music.
Quinn XCII
An all-time favorite in the SoundCheck household, and Michigan truly loves its hometown hero. The standout moment came when Quinn XCII dove off the stage and danced directly with the crowd, blurring the line between performer and audience. The moment felt joyful, spontaneous, and completely authentic. Seeing him live again carried the same warmth and familiarity that makes his shows so special.
The Paradox
An exciting up-and-coming band that opened for the Everyone’s Talking tour and immediately felt like more than an opener. Watching new fans visibly form during their set was a standout experience. When an entire room starts leaning in for the opening act, something is clicking. The Paradox clearly has momentum, and a full headlining set feels inevitable.
Kendrick Lamar
Even from the 100-level seats, the performance was unforgettable. What stood out most was the sheer level of production. The theatrics, blocking, staging, and set design were immaculate, each detail carefully considered. It felt less like a concert and more like a fully realized artistic production. Given the opportunity, we would not hesitate to experience it again from the floor.
Dua Lipa
While some members of the SoundCheck Mag team have not yet seen Dua Lipa during her Rockstar era, earlier performances left a lasting impression. Hearing songs like Hotter Than Hell and Be the One delivered with confidence and vocal control was electric. Knowing how far she has evolved since then only heightens the anticipation. Seeing those songs performed today would be unforgettable.
Honorable Mentions (We’re Ready to See You Live Whenever You're Ready)
Not every artist on this list is currently touring, and that almost makes the desire stronger. These are the names that linger in conversation, the ones members of the SoundCheck Mag team would immediately start checking flights for if a tour announcement dropped. Some are resting, some are evolving, and some are choosing quieter seasons, but their impact on live music has not faded.
Jon Bellion
Jon Bellion’s live performances have always felt intentional and emotionally layered. While he has been open about stepping away from touring, the hope for a return remains. Until then, new music is more than welcome.
Justin Bieber
After canceling the end of his last tour for health reasons, speculation naturally turns toward what comes next. With festival rumors circulating, members of the SoundCheck Mag team are already wondering if it is time to start saving for a potential new era tour.
Eminem
Leaving this one out would feel impossible. Eminem’s most recent record was sharp, impactful, and widely celebrated. Seeing him deliver a full live show would be nothing short of iconic and a true hometown moment.
Final Thoughts on Live Music
Live music is not just about hearing songs you love. It is about shared energy, fleeting moments, and the magic that only happens when artists and audiences meet in real time. These are the shows that remind us why we keep showing up and why that feeling is always worth chasing. Some performances do not end when the lights go down. They stay with you.
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