Hey everyone! I want to share my Vance Joy experience with you because it was fantastic. I received a press pass, so I was able to get nice & close. I initially arranged this by speaking to Vance Joy's manager ahead of time.



I was able to get a press pass for the Vance Joy show on Tuesday, November 25 at the House of Blues in downtown San Diego. A press pass essentially allows you to take photos, even getting up to the front barrier to do so. Vance Joy is an Australian native who will be opening for Taylor Swift next year whilst on tour.

Here's a video I created of the performance! Take a looksee. :]

The doors opened at 7.p.m. & the opening act, Jaymes Young, started at 7:30. I got to San Diego & drove around for 15 minutes trying to find parking. I found $5 parking nearby & hurried off. Note: I did not write down where I parked. I will freak out later when I can't remember where I parked my car.



I scurried along to will call, said my name, & got my ticket & press sticker. Then I went inside the venue. I asked a few of the attendants who work there where I was supposed to go (because I've never done any press event). I ended up asking 2 or 3 different people & finally made my way down the maze. I'd never been to the House of Blues, so that could've helped me navigate.


I went downstairs & asked another person to confirm which location I was supposed to go for photos. That's when I found out you can only take photos during the first 3 songs. I had missed the opportunity to take Jaymes Young's photo because of parking & being a rookie. I decided to simply enjoy the last few minutes of his performance. His set time was strictly 7:30 - 8 p.m.


Jaymes Young's music is a mixture of genres. He's relaxing but has a powerful, soothing voice. Here's a video of his EP title track “Habits Of My Heart," which is a remake/remodel of a Sufjan Stevens song. You may have heard Young on The Fault in Our Stars track by Birdy, "Best Shot (Feat. Jaymes Young)."


There was a lull from 8 - 8:30 p.m. for Vance Joy set up, so I decided to drink a beer & relax off to the side. I really had to down my beer quickly because I wanted to head to the restroom prior to the performance. My worst fear would be to be 1 song into the set & have to rush to the bathroom because the beer finally digested. Disaster averted! :D


I came back, showed my photo badge to the security guard & he let me through. I was literally right in front of the stage. You know how there are barricades at performances? Well I was in front of everybody. I was where people from the Los Angeles Times or whomever were taking photos. I was the press!


I got to be right in front listening to him, enjoying music, taking as many photos as humanly possible. I hoped I could get at least a couple decent ones. This is one of those moments where you have to perform well under pressure & stress. I was there to enjoy my experience sure, but I was there alone. I wasn't there with my boyfriend or a friend. I drove 40 miles from my home to downtown San Diego to go to this event because I wanted to have that experience to share with you all.



Vance Joy was incredible live. He has a personable stage presence. He interacts with the audience, asks them questions in between songs, & his voice is genuine & raw. He sounds practically identical to himself on the radio. I'm sure you've heard "Riptide," which is one of his most famous songs. The hit single is from Vance Joy’s debut album Dream Your Life Away.


Thanks for listening & sharing this moment with me! It was laborious but worth it in every way. Sometimes you have to go outside of your comfort zone to achieve true happiness. Have you been able to get a press pass since blogging? Ever heard of Vance Joy? Please share your experience & thoughts. :]

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 *Disclaimer: I received a Vance Joy ticket complimentary from Atlantic Records. All opinions in this feature are 100% mine aka Carmen's. :]