Red Tour - Taylor Swift (12 June 2014)
While writing this I am still stoked and is experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The final show of Taylor Swift’s Red Tour Concert is still in my brain and palpitations. The concert was held on 12 June 2014 and it was the second show for Singapore. Basically this write-up is to share on the whole experience of my first ever concert. I have never been to a concert except for live bands kind of performance in a relax atmosphere where people sit and enjoy their dinner, listen to music and date each other.
Why I have never been to a concert? Cos normally I fancy one or two songs from the artists. Not the entire album. So defeat the purpose, right.
Yesterday, I felt like I belong to a secret society. Me wearing Taylor 13 Jersey and surrounded by Swifties everywhere starting from the start of my journey at the train station. It was simple to identify Swifties yesterday. Just check out their shoes (Keds), Taylor Swift t-shirts, cat ears headband, creative designed t-shirts, arms and hands marked with lyrics and no.13 or/and those in red shirts. For the first time in my life, I did not really care or cringed when someone wears the same shirt as mine. We just smiled at one another. Long Live Swifties!!
Once Hans and I reached Kallang Leisure Park, Swifties were at every corner of the mall. The queues to enter the stadium were extremely long filled with Swifties atmosphere and smiles. Taylor’s songs blasted through the stereos and Swifties chanting every bits and pieces of the lyrics feeling the vibe of the concert. Official merchandise and sponsors/partners such as Keds,Toyota,Cornetto etc were everywhere.
Let us flashback on the journey to be part of the audience. Obtaining Taylor Swift’s Red Tour Ticket was not easy. I mean for me and a number of Swifties I met. The tickets were sold out for 12 June show in less than one hour. It took me decades waiting for the website to load and my last attempt was to purchase at Singpost. However, it was too late.
The next choice I had was to join Cornetto’s ice-cream lids codes redemption and lucky draw contests. I am not the type of person who does all these however this was an exception. I had forced my family and colleagues to eat Cornettos. Unfortunately, I won nothing except for last 2 days unexpectedly (Guitar Picks and I-Phone amplifier). Can you imagine how many ice-cream cones were consumed though I only had 4-7 pcs.
I really salute Swifties who were determined to collect piles of it. Shoutout to my Telegram Swifties who won through Cornetto contest. I did not give up so I decided to join Keds Instagram contest which we had to take photos of our Keds shoes. I had spent two hours taking something like professional photography of my new polka dots Keds and photoshop it as if I am a pro thinking that the more I submitted the higher chances of winning. Well, the ‘extra’ smart part of me did not read the terms and conditions. Thanks to Evangel (Telegram Swifties chatter) for informing me of the terms when I passed my Cornetto lids to her. It was a sweepstakes not based on quantity submitted or how professional the photos are. Anyway, Congrats to Evangel for winning the contest.
In the verge of giving up, three weeks before the concert I received a surprise email invites from Sportshub which I thought was a spam. Guess what? I literally managed to purchase the tickets and seats that we had been aiming for. Though we could not get the first choice near the main stage, our second choice beside stage 2 was an awe. My sis-in-law and Hans thought I managed to get the tickets by threatening or rob those people to give it to me.. What? Do I even look like a gangsta?
Let us get back to the actual concert day moments. Waiting for someone whom you are anticipating for and the main reason you are there is such a thrill. It was like finding a rocket to head over to the moon (I know, this does not rhyme). We were at our climax of excitement and anticipation. The crowd screaming ‘Taylor Taylor’ and the lit up colourful LEDs surrounding the whole stadium enlighten the heated atmosphere. Beautiful creative designs by Swifties dressed up with lights and lit up outfits animate the darkness.
When the ‘Queen’ finally appeared gracefully with her opening song ‘State of Grace’, the entire stadium went wild. The crowd vigorously screamed and everybody at our category including me stood on our seats. I pity my concert partner, Hans (the one who was my India trip travel partner). He was tall that he courteously did not stand on his seat in respect of our back row audience. I feel so sorry for him that he did not really enjoy the show. Well, we could not blame anyone on this. The ushers might like to instruct everyone not to but if hundreds were doing it, it will drive them nutz. Even though one’s views might be distracted by the signs/posters infront, that day seems like not the day to tell anyone not to do so. Everybody seems to be enjoying the show their own way. We literally need to adjust. Anyway, I just danced and sang loudly throughout the concert on the chair. Mainly, I was focused on Taylor’s performance, I did not really bother about those distractions. Shhhh don’t tell Hans this. Actually, I even forgot that he was beside me.
Besides that, it made a lot of difference whether you know the songs or not. Never mind much the lyrics as long as you are familiar. I am glad I had made sure I did my homework by revising the lyrics and singing on top of my voice till my throat soars.
The entire performances were accompanied by the talented and hyped band of musicians such as Caitlin, Paul, Grant, Amos and other band members, melodious voice of backup singers and dazzling dancers. They definitely made the whole stadium blast with enchanting stereo of choreography, bass and solos. Sensational.
One of the best experiences was when I managed to see Taylor live right in front of me during her performance on Stage 2. Though the videos and photos I took was not too clear due to the spotlight, watching her live just few centimeters away (actually metres, I am just exaggerating) from me made me had a severe ‘jetlag’. I could not sleep till 3.30am on that day. Anyway, this explains all my uncontrollable elation, excitement, high spirits and all the related synonyms. That milliseconds of eye contact and me pointing to her “Yes You Are The One!” is a moment I will remember. I have no idea though whether she really saw me. I had tweeted and instagram her before the concert so I guess probably she can identify me, can she? But well, I hope she did and if not no one can ever stop me from imagining she did!! hahaha…
This moment..a bliss..
Why I have never been to a concert? Cos normally I fancy one or two songs from the artists. Not the entire album. So defeat the purpose, right.
Yesterday, I felt like I belong to a secret society. Me wearing Taylor 13 Jersey and surrounded by Swifties everywhere starting from the start of my journey at the train station. It was simple to identify Swifties yesterday. Just check out their shoes (Keds), Taylor Swift t-shirts, cat ears headband, creative designed t-shirts, arms and hands marked with lyrics and no.13 or/and those in red shirts. For the first time in my life, I did not really care or cringed when someone wears the same shirt as mine. We just smiled at one another. Long Live Swifties!!
Once Hans and I reached Kallang Leisure Park, Swifties were at every corner of the mall. The queues to enter the stadium were extremely long filled with Swifties atmosphere and smiles. Taylor’s songs blasted through the stereos and Swifties chanting every bits and pieces of the lyrics feeling the vibe of the concert. Official merchandise and sponsors/partners such as Keds,Toyota,Cornetto etc were everywhere.
Let us flashback on the journey to be part of the audience. Obtaining Taylor Swift’s Red Tour Ticket was not easy. I mean for me and a number of Swifties I met. The tickets were sold out for 12 June show in less than one hour. It took me decades waiting for the website to load and my last attempt was to purchase at Singpost. However, it was too late.
The next choice I had was to join Cornetto’s ice-cream lids codes redemption and lucky draw contests. I am not the type of person who does all these however this was an exception. I had forced my family and colleagues to eat Cornettos. Unfortunately, I won nothing except for last 2 days unexpectedly (Guitar Picks and I-Phone amplifier). Can you imagine how many ice-cream cones were consumed though I only had 4-7 pcs.
I really salute Swifties who were determined to collect piles of it. Shoutout to my Telegram Swifties who won through Cornetto contest. I did not give up so I decided to join Keds Instagram contest which we had to take photos of our Keds shoes. I had spent two hours taking something like professional photography of my new polka dots Keds and photoshop it as if I am a pro thinking that the more I submitted the higher chances of winning. Well, the ‘extra’ smart part of me did not read the terms and conditions. Thanks to Evangel (Telegram Swifties chatter) for informing me of the terms when I passed my Cornetto lids to her. It was a sweepstakes not based on quantity submitted or how professional the photos are. Anyway, Congrats to Evangel for winning the contest.
In the verge of giving up, three weeks before the concert I received a surprise email invites from Sportshub which I thought was a spam. Guess what? I literally managed to purchase the tickets and seats that we had been aiming for. Though we could not get the first choice near the main stage, our second choice beside stage 2 was an awe. My sis-in-law and Hans thought I managed to get the tickets by threatening or rob those people to give it to me.. What? Do I even look like a gangsta?
Let us get back to the actual concert day moments. Waiting for someone whom you are anticipating for and the main reason you are there is such a thrill. It was like finding a rocket to head over to the moon (I know, this does not rhyme). We were at our climax of excitement and anticipation. The crowd screaming ‘Taylor Taylor’ and the lit up colourful LEDs surrounding the whole stadium enlighten the heated atmosphere. Beautiful creative designs by Swifties dressed up with lights and lit up outfits animate the darkness.
When the ‘Queen’ finally appeared gracefully with her opening song ‘State of Grace’, the entire stadium went wild. The crowd vigorously screamed and everybody at our category including me stood on our seats. I pity my concert partner, Hans (the one who was my India trip travel partner). He was tall that he courteously did not stand on his seat in respect of our back row audience. I feel so sorry for him that he did not really enjoy the show. Well, we could not blame anyone on this. The ushers might like to instruct everyone not to but if hundreds were doing it, it will drive them nutz. Even though one’s views might be distracted by the signs/posters infront, that day seems like not the day to tell anyone not to do so. Everybody seems to be enjoying the show their own way. We literally need to adjust. Anyway, I just danced and sang loudly throughout the concert on the chair. Mainly, I was focused on Taylor’s performance, I did not really bother about those distractions. Shhhh don’t tell Hans this. Actually, I even forgot that he was beside me.
Besides that, it made a lot of difference whether you know the songs or not. Never mind much the lyrics as long as you are familiar. I am glad I had made sure I did my homework by revising the lyrics and singing on top of my voice till my throat soars.
The entire performances were accompanied by the talented and hyped band of musicians such as Caitlin, Paul, Grant, Amos and other band members, melodious voice of backup singers and dazzling dancers. They definitely made the whole stadium blast with enchanting stereo of choreography, bass and solos. Sensational.
One of the best experiences was when I managed to see Taylor live right in front of me during her performance on Stage 2. Though the videos and photos I took was not too clear due to the spotlight, watching her live just few centimeters away (actually metres, I am just exaggerating) from me made me had a severe ‘jetlag’. I could not sleep till 3.30am on that day. Anyway, this explains all my uncontrollable elation, excitement, high spirits and all the related synonyms. That milliseconds of eye contact and me pointing to her “Yes You Are The One!” is a moment I will remember. I have no idea though whether she really saw me. I had tweeted and instagram her before the concert so I guess probably she can identify me, can she? But well, I hope she did and if not no one can ever stop me from imagining she did!! hahaha…
This moment..a bliss..
This was one of the best moments and experiences. I have been looking forward to attend her concert since I fall in love with ‘Love Story’ on 7 Jan 2011 sang by my NPCC ex-squadmate, Huishi during our karaoke session. I was a late adopter in liking Tay since I did not really have time to be engaged with entertainment during my hectic school with work years back. I was captivated with the song that it had inspired me to learn guitar. She appeals to me more since I heard other brilliant songs of hers, following her vlogs and her latest singles from RED album.
I am very impressed with the marketing activities to promote her name, brand, ideas on her merchandise, she just being herself, relationship with fans, creativity, talents and incredible song writing skills. Even her cat, Meredith is such a craze to the fandom.
The aspect that I love about her songs is that though not the whole meaning of her songs relates to me, most of the time I could relate specific part of the lyrics in real life. The melodious catchy music and lyrics will touch your emotions. I noticed that her lyrics is a storyline. There are minimal lyrics repetitions except for the chorus and I had the best time of my life forgetting the words. I still do not understand one factor though. Normally, I get bored with songs easily and will delete it from my mp3 list after sometime. For hers, I manage to endure listening to it. Anyway, I am yet to further research on the reasons.
If you are determined with whatever you would like to achieve or have, believe me..one day you will attain it. It might not be immediate but one day you will definitely have it. When motivational experts told you to ‘Be Focus’, well, that is real and not bullshit. Believe it!! No, I mean not just believe it. Believe in yourself and the One who Creates Everything. I noticed that this law is real.
I am kind of thankful I did not really get the tix at the first time. Throughout the moments to obtain the tickets, I met new people and Swifties, random sharings sessions and chats, practice my photography and Photoshop skills, meeting talented performers such as Nadz and Douglas, socializing, being an emo elmo and ..oh no, I actually need to buy headphones!!
Next time if ever I have the chance again, I gonna make sure I will try to get the seats nearest to the main stage. I don’t care, I will get it anyways. So, as of now I am pleased to say that I am in love with Taylor Swift, and am officially declaring myself a Swiftie.
Shoutout to all Swifties, RedTourSG Telegram Admins for bringing the Swifties together, Swifties from Telegram group (Evangel,Rachel,Yanting), Nadz for the fated meets (all the best for your passion) and Nana Capulet (my high schoolmate).
Special shoutout to my colleagues and friends who have been listening to me everyday about Taylor and this concert!!
See you next time Taylor and Swifties!!
I am very impressed with the marketing activities to promote her name, brand, ideas on her merchandise, she just being herself, relationship with fans, creativity, talents and incredible song writing skills. Even her cat, Meredith is such a craze to the fandom.
The aspect that I love about her songs is that though not the whole meaning of her songs relates to me, most of the time I could relate specific part of the lyrics in real life. The melodious catchy music and lyrics will touch your emotions. I noticed that her lyrics is a storyline. There are minimal lyrics repetitions except for the chorus and I had the best time of my life forgetting the words. I still do not understand one factor though. Normally, I get bored with songs easily and will delete it from my mp3 list after sometime. For hers, I manage to endure listening to it. Anyway, I am yet to further research on the reasons.
If you are determined with whatever you would like to achieve or have, believe me..one day you will attain it. It might not be immediate but one day you will definitely have it. When motivational experts told you to ‘Be Focus’, well, that is real and not bullshit. Believe it!! No, I mean not just believe it. Believe in yourself and the One who Creates Everything. I noticed that this law is real.
I am kind of thankful I did not really get the tix at the first time. Throughout the moments to obtain the tickets, I met new people and Swifties, random sharings sessions and chats, practice my photography and Photoshop skills, meeting talented performers such as Nadz and Douglas, socializing, being an emo elmo and ..oh no, I actually need to buy headphones!!
Next time if ever I have the chance again, I gonna make sure I will try to get the seats nearest to the main stage. I don’t care, I will get it anyways. So, as of now I am pleased to say that I am in love with Taylor Swift, and am officially declaring myself a Swiftie.
Shoutout to all Swifties, RedTourSG Telegram Admins for bringing the Swifties together, Swifties from Telegram group (Evangel,Rachel,Yanting), Nadz for the fated meets (all the best for your passion) and Nana Capulet (my high schoolmate).
Special shoutout to my colleagues and friends who have been listening to me everyday about Taylor and this concert!!
See you next time Taylor and Swifties!!
Follow Taylor Swift:
Instagram @taylorswift
Twitter @taylorswift13
Merchandise: http://www.taylorswift.com
Follow Me:
Instagram @ctsulianah23
Twitter @suesulianah
Link to my KEDS shoes album – http://goo.gl/ZxWxy5
For full version of performances:
All Too Well – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_1z92psj0g
Nadz’ Ride To Fame Cornetto Performance – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK_Hx9SMGh
Instagram @taylorswift
Twitter @taylorswift13
Merchandise: http://www.taylorswift.com
Follow Me:
Instagram @ctsulianah23
Twitter @suesulianah
Link to my KEDS shoes album – http://goo.gl/ZxWxy5
For full version of performances:
All Too Well – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_1z92psj0g
Nadz’ Ride To Fame Cornetto Performance – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK_Hx9SMGh
