Music can play a part in how you deal with life and grief. Going to a Judah & the Lion concert, I discovered more than just their music; their lyrics show you how the band has dealt with grief in their own lives.
The band’s album “The Process” is compelling and extremely relatable. It talks about the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. This album is based on the lives of the band, and it goes through life trials such as divorce, loss, and self-discovery. Judah & the Lion have come up with a way to not only give fans a little piece of themselves through their lyrics, but they’ve also made it so everyone can rock out while figuring out their own life.
On Saturday, October 12, I went to see the band’s concert at the RAVE. Before diving into my new love of folk/rock, I want to shout out Abe Parker, a soloist and singer/songwriter. He did a great job opening for Judah & the Lion at The Rave. Parker did what any great opening act should, engaging the crowd with humor and questions, singing, and getting everyone hyped and ready for the main show. Parker has songs like “Butterfly,” “Everwood,” and “Self-Sabotage” that are now in my playlist.
My first time watching Judah & The Lion was on a YouTube video of ‘Jimmy Kimmal’ where they performed songs from their new album “The Process.” I didn’t quite know what to make of the music or the band; however, after going to their concert and seeing the band in their element, I understood the love they have for their fans and vice versa.
Throughout the concert, lead singer Judah Akers encouraged change and the welfare of their fans by breaking down what each stage of grief means to him and letting the fans know that if he could get through each stage they can too. He made us laugh while also showing how the music affected him, saying “I might need you to sing for me if I cry.” Judah made sure to show his love for his family and best friend/fellow band member Bryan MacDonald. He mentioned his mother’s one year sobriety, saying how proud he was and how their lives are better because of her hard work.
Overall, the concert was fun and energetic. I look forward to listening to this new album and older songs that I have started collecting in my playlist.
