Is capturing memories worth disrupting the live music experience?
SINGAPORE: The stage lights dim, the crowd roars, and as the first chords strike, a familiar glow rises—phones recording every moment. For many Singaporean concert-goers, filming has become an instinctive part of the live music experience. Yet, this habit sparks heated debate: Does it enhance memories, or does it rob the moment of its magic?
From the front row to the farthest seats, the sea of screens at concerts is impossible to miss. While some argue it’s an essential way to preserve memories, others feel it detracts from the authenticity of the moment.
“Recording is fine as long as it’s not invasive,” says Zahra, 17. “Imagine vibing at a Frank Ocean concert and crying, only for someone to shove a camera in your face. That’s plain disrespectful.”
For Elspeth, 25, lead singer of local band motifs, recording can even be a compliment. “It’s nice when people record. It shows they enjoyed the performance enough to want to keep it. We also use fan videos to review our shows.”
Still, some performers find the obsession with filming disheartening. Suede’s Brett Anderson recently went viral for grabbing phones from fans mid-performance, echoing sentiments shared by stars like Beyoncé and Alicia Keys, who have outright banned phones at their shows.
Marc, 22, shares this perspective: “Concerts are intimate. When artists pour their hearts out and only see a wall of phones, it feels impersonal. Plus, nobody really cares about your Instagram stories.”
For others, practicality trumps principles. Sabrina, 22, views recordings as an informal archive. “The more people record, the better. I don’t even bother anymore because I know I’ll find the concert from 20 angles on YouTube later.”
But not everyone is as forgiving. Chloe, 17, believes recording is fine only if it doesn’t obstruct others. “If your phone blocks someone else’s view, it’s just inconsiderate. They paid the same to enjoy the concert as you did.”
There’s also the question of how filming changes the experience. Ilyas, 34, strikes a balance: “Being present is important, but a few short clips can help you relive the moment. Just don’t overdo it.”
Even some budding artists, like local band Nepobabies, embrace the culture. “We welcome recordings—it’s good publicity for us as newcomers. Seeing people vibe to our music makes us feel connected,” they say.
Yet, Shannen, 17, believes the constant quest for the perfect shot causes disconnection. “Focusing on angles and lighting takes away from the moment. It feels like people aren’t really there to enjoy the show.”
Whether you see filming as a memory-preserving tool or a disruption, one thing is clear: the debate is as alive as the music itself. The next time you reach for your phone at a concert, consider—are you capturing a memory or missing the magic?
