Last Tuesday evening, November 10th, I was working a show and shortly after I hit my head and got a minor concussion, I got a notification from Twitter. Normally, I’d just let me phone slide back into my pocket and check in when I a free moment. However, this notification seemed a bit out of the ordinary Beyonce gif. It read, “follow & DM us “Hello” for a special message regarding Adele’s upcoming album 25.” Of course this had scam written all over it, but when I went to the profile, it was verified as Columbia Records. I then messaged them and was invited to a private event around the most anticipated album of 2015 the following week. Come Friday, I knew when the event would take place, and that was it. My curiosity was growing.
Monday hits, and I finally learn where this event will take place - a truly lovely space in Minneapolis with drinks more expensive than the price of ’25’ and the ambiance of a bar that could only exist in dim lighting and underground. Tuesday goes by and I see some action around Adele’s performance at Radio City Music Hall and my excitement bursts. Upon waking up Wednesday, the 18th of November, the specialty of the event sinks in. Knowing doors are only open from 6:00pm-6:15pm, I race to the other side of town after work. My friend and I make our way in the cold rain, and enter the bar. We are immediately strapped with wristbands and handed off to a label representative to sign paperwork and get swag.
This bar is known for the cocktails, so I immediately say to the bartender, “I love cognac, surprise me.” We take our seats along the velvet booth lining the wall of the bar. With limited areas, some new folks join us and we find camaraderie in excitement. As far as I can tell, I’m one of the only people who were contacted via Twitter. The rest of the folks got this as a consolation prize from entering to win a trip to NYC. The complimentary drinks and food keep flowing for about an hour. Around 7:00pm, a label rep from the New York offices of Columbia Records does an introduction, talks about how we are one of 25 events happening around the globe to celebrate the release of the album, and hear it first. Following the standard protocol of no recording, the room is silent, and I mean pin drop silence. Shortly after, the first cords of “Hello” hit. We are then on a journey with strangers listening to what will likely be one of the most successful albums in recent memory. Now, I’m not here to review this album yet, because I haven’t had time to sit with it in my way. But what came of this listening session was some true insight and great conversation around Adele, the album, and music.
As the album began, folks were intent on hearing the songs, giving them a moment, and taking it in. As the songs were ending, the crew I was surrounded by put the songs through the filter of who it reminded us of, and what it sounded like. Each song got an applause, and it only got louder. Around song seven I noticed that the attention span in the room began to vanish. Folks started talking a bit, about Adele and/or the album is unknown, but that anticipatory focus was gone. For the last two songs, that laser focus came back to the room, and as the last song ended, the demand for another listen was high, and the irrational expectation that maybe, just maybe, Adele would surprise us. It wouldn’t have been totally out of the question - she has a loyal live following here, and she works with Minnesota natives. Alas, that surprise did not happen.
This was my first time listening to an album in a room of strangers, especially an album I’m anticipating with such eager love and excitement. The conversation that happened throughout and at the end that album with those around me was special. Hearing how much folks love Adele, why they listen, and what they liked right away was something I’m very thankful for. The attention span dwindling around song seven inspired me to ask everyone the question of “How do you listen to music you really want to hear and experience as an album?” The answers the folks around me shared with similar, but not identical, and in that moment, I am reminded of the power of music. That fact alone made this listening session truly unique.
