Earplugs! Important!

1. Bring Earplugs

I understand this music thing is supposed to be fun and harmless but it’s truly all fun and games till we all lose our hearing, folks. I’ve been lectured time and time again at shows by people for not having any form of earplugs but after the billionth scare at the Horseshoe – one of the worst places to go earplug-less – I think it’s time to permanently staple a pair to my hips. I’m not even out of my teens yet and I have pretty damaged ears – it’s not too late to save your hearing. Run to your local drugstore and grab a pair (or fifteen), invest in a fancy pair that’ll last you or in case of emergency I’ve been told tissue paper always does the trick. Just do it.

2. That Big Fat Burrito attached to Lee’s Palace – best idea ever.

Yes, the colourful mural at the front is gone but if that means I get to order burritos from inside the venue, without having to run out into the freezing cold – not that we could anyway with the no in-and-out policy – I’m down with it. Albeit, it’s a bit weird to be chowing down on a wrapped-up bundle of deliciousness in the middle of a dark crowded venue but who cares when you’re hungry.

3. Your three best friends: waterproof shoes, working umbrellas and the weather network.

Clearly, the weather was not on our side during Canadian Music Week. And even more clearly, I was not prepared. Ballet flats, water-absorbent boots – you name it, I did it. That just also teaches you to always check the weather before stepping out of your house for the day. Oh, and the umbrellas – just make sure you have a sturdy one that can withstand lots of wind. The number of dead umbrellas I saw last week was horrifying.

4. Show up early. Or else.

Blame it either on my choice of attending the ‘popular’ shows of the night or just poor event organization but getting into shows this year was extra tricky at particular venues (not going to name which ones though…*cough* Lee’s *cough*) Luckily, I channelled the 15-year-old, Kool Haus-show-attending self and showed up way before doors to line up. Unfortunately for some, Plan B’s had to be whipped out – and this is why Plan B’s exist (lesson #4.5)!

5. Bring as little as possible.

Coatchecks – unless they’re ‘mandatory’ – are lame and unnecessary. Why pay when you can just dump your stuff in a dark corner – or better yet, just don’t bring anything! Oh, except for earplugs of course.

6. The security at the Horseshoe is the best.

Consistently – at least in my opinion – the guys at the Horseshoe are always the nicest and friendliest at the door. Sure, if you’re a 17-year-old trying to sneak in, they won’t be your best friend, but during Canadian Music Week and just on any regular night, they will always greet you with a smile (or smirk) and even occasionally ask you how you’re doing! Amazing! Not even my friends ask me how I’m doing nowadays!

7. Sleep is for the weak

For every minute you slept last week, you missed out on something awesome. This applies to all music festivals.

8. Enjoy the music!

As much as I complained about everything last week, there was one thing I always remembered when the music started – forget about your frustrations and just enjoy the damn music!

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Now take these pointers, apply them and bam! You’re perfectly prepared to tackle NXNE in June! Till then!

- The Singing Lamb