Swifties and K-Dot Nation: The Psychology of Concert Crowds

PsyberSpace: Navigating Tech, Media, and Mind

Crowd Psychology in Concerts: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour vs. Kendrick Lamar’s Pop-Out Event

In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston delves into the psychology of crowds at music concerts, focusing on Taylor Swift’s Eras tour and Kendrick Lamar’s pop-out concert. The discussion covers the foundational concepts of crowd psychology, including theories by Gustave Le Bon, and extends to modern psychological and sociological studies. Swift's meticulously choreographed concerts create a purchasable shared experience, while Lamar’s performances tap into cultural authenticity and community pride. The episode explores emotional contagion, deindividuation, place identity, musical entrainment, and the commercial aspects of fan culture. It also considers how digital engagement and hidden meanings enhance fan experiences. Whether through pop anthems or hip hop verses, the powerful force of music in shaping collective behavior and individual identity is examined in-depth. The episode also acknowledges the contributions of various researchers and journalists, offering rich insights into the profound impact of concert settings on crowd behavior.

00:00 Introduction to Concert Psychology
00:55 Foundations of Crowd Psychology
02:03 Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: A Case Study
02:57 Kendrick Lamar's Pop-Out Concert: A Case Study
04:09 Emotional Contagion in Concerts
06:59 Identity and Belonging in Concert Crowds
09:30 The Role of Concert Settings
12:18 Musical Entrainment and Crowd Behavior
14:29 Commercial Aspects of Fan Culture
16:55 Digital Engagement and Networked Publics
19:01 Semiotics and Hidden Meanings in Fandom
24:36 Conclusion: The Power of Music and Crowd Psychology