Swift Protocols - The first time in all this chaos, I was completely in the moment
I have jumped on the Taylor Swift train relatively late, but since 2022, when the album "Midnights" was released, I have been deeply engaged with her music. Not a single day has passed since last summer without Taylor in some way or another accompanying me, be it through her music or social media videos. The concert in Gelsenkirchen was the absolute peak of this experience.
My outfit for the concert was also inspired by this album, as it was my entry point, it's simply the most nostalgic era for me. But I'm not sure if it's really my favorite album. At the moment, it's "The Tortured Poets Department," simply because it's so new and I've only recently seen it live. But I can't really make up my mind.
Taylor has a very special relationship with her fans, which I value greatly. It's almost part of being a Swiftie to dissect her life. Her songs draw heavily from her life, and she constantly hides little Easter eggs in songs or videos that Swifties then analyze. I was also keeping an eye out for hints that she would soon release "Taylor's Version of Midnights," as she has done with her other albums that she re-recorded to free herself from her old label. But unfortunately, I couldn't find any signs, so the waiting continues. Despite being such a huge star, she gives the feeling of being a part of her life.
Being a Swiftie online doesn't have the best reputation, and I sometimes catch myself saying "no, it's not that bad." But overall, I enjoy engaging with her as a person, so I would call myself a Swiftie.
My Favorite Taylor Swift Moments
The concert in Gelsenkirchen brought this even more clearly to my attention. She came across as very charming. We really felt that she was fully committed. I've liked her even more since then. The moment right at the beginning of her performance, when she comes out of giant flower petals, is something truly special. I had a rather stressful year up until then, full of difficult decisions, and it was the first time in all the chaos that I could be fully present in the moment. Suddenly, it was just easy. I know the setlist by heart now, and it's just a matter of turning off your brain and having fun. And for three and a half hours! After that, I was really done. But she manages to do it again the very next night, in Singapore she even played for six nights in a row. That's something to be reckoned with.
My absolute favorite song by her is "tolerate it." Since I also generally enjoy melancholic songs, her songs resonate with me even more. That's something she's known for as an artist, writing great song lyrics. But this song has a special meaning for me, it touches me and my life in so many ways. However, my favorite Taylor Swift moments, aside from the concert of course, are when I can share the music with my friends. Sitting on the balcony with girlfriends, listening to her songs, and talking about which lines particularly move us, is a bonding experience. It's even better when friends who aren't Swifties tell me later: "since you showed me this song, I've been listening to it non-stop!"
Swiftly preparing for the concert, I opted for an outfit inspired by Taylor Swift's 'Midnights' era. Gelsenkirchen's crowd went wild as soon as Taylor Swift appeared, Swiftly emerging from giant flower petals.
