The Festival Version of Me
For this assignment, I created a short reel presenting myself as someone who helps people discover music worth seeing live. That identity is not fake. I have been going to concerts for years, and live music is a big part of who I am. Still, the video only shows the most exciting and confident version of that story.
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I opened by admitting that I snuck into my first Lollapalooza when I was 12. I included a picture from that age, followed by clips I have recorded at different concerts and festivals. Together, those choices create a clear story: I started young, developed experience, and now have advice worth sharing. That story is true, but it is also carefully arranged.
The reel leaves out the expensive tickets, travel, long lines, bad weather, and performances that were disappointing. It also does not show the parts of my life that have nothing to do with music. Someone who only saw this video might assume I am always at a festival or that discovering new artists is effortless.
YouTube’s short-video format shaped how I presented myself. I used quick cuts, large captions, vertical framing, and a simple takeaway: arrive early and watch an artist you do not know. There was no room for a complicated explanation, so every clip had to support the identity of an experienced music guide.
Making the reel reminded me that posting is a form of performance. I chose what viewers would see, what they would hear, and what would be left out. That also gives me responsibility. I should not pretend every concert is perfect or recommend artists simply because they are popular. If I continue making these videos, I want to be honest about my experience while helping viewers find music they may genuinely enjoy.
