In an era where it is a frequent occurrence that we have to report on people throwing things at performing artists or even relieving themselves in the pit, it's safe to say that post-2020 shows are a new frontier. Many musicians have felt the need to speak out about it, and Kaytranada is among the latest to join the chorus of pleas for a return to concert etiquette.
Yesterday (April 27), on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the producer responded to a fan who was apologizing on behalf of Kaytra's "real fans." They had written, "i am so sorry you got tiktok famous and now bastards are standing still during intimidated, freefall, vex oh, you're the one??? WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON???"
Quoting the tweet, Kaytranada replied, "I think we have come in this age where everybody's trying to catch a moment for their own social media presence. It shows their appreciation instead of them dancing and enjoying shows like we used to do."
"It looks mad awkward from where i stand as i'm acknowledging the appreciation but we need to go back to where we used to be yall [sic]," the producer continued. "If you put your phone up, let's move them hips at least!"
I'm not sure "appreciation" is the right word here; is recording something for a highlight reel set to a trending audio really displaying a valuation of the moment of experiencing an artist you love performing live? It's certainly something, and it's nice that Kaytra doesn't see it as disrespectful — but how are you supposed to not dance to those beats?
It's for this reason that some artists have employed no-phone policies at their shows, or, if they're Nick Cave, spend their concerts telling audience members to put their phones away.