The Elasticity of Experience: How My Morning Jacket’s ‘Z’ Foreshadows the Future of Live Music
In an era defined by algorithmic playlists and fleeting attention spans, the enduring power of a truly live musical experience feels increasingly vital. My Morning Jacket’s recent Brooklyn Paramount run, centered around a full performance of their 2005 album ‘Z’, wasn’t just a concert; it was a case study in how bands can not only survive but thrive by embracing artistic flexibility and responding to the anxieties of a rapidly changing world. It’s a blueprint for a future where live shows aren’t just about replicating an album, but about contextualizing it.
‘Z’ as Prophecy: Beyond the “American Radiohead” Label
For those who came to My Morning Jacket through their earlier, rootsier work, ‘Z’ represented a significant departure. The shift towards synthesizers, shorter song structures, and more surreal lyrics earned them the oft-repeated “American Radiohead” comparison. But looking back, and especially experiencing the album live two decades later, ‘Z’ wasn’t simply an aesthetic choice; it was a premonition. It signaled a willingness to break down genre boundaries – a trend that’s now commonplace, but felt radical in the mid-2000s. Artists like Sturgill Simpson, Big Thief, and even Kings of Leon followed a similar trajectory, initially categorized as Americana before venturing into more experimental sonic territories.
The Weight of Context: ‘Z’ in 2025
What’s striking about revisiting ‘Z’ in 2025 isn’t just the music itself, but how it feels different. Jim James’s brief address to the crowd at the Paramount, speaking of a shared “plane of consciousness” and the need for peace and love, might sound cliché on paper. However, delivered against the backdrop of global instability and rising political polarization, it resonated with a newfound urgency. The album’s expansiveness, its willingness to explore sonic textures and emotional depths, felt less like escapism and more like a necessary act of resilience.
The Rise of Experiential Music
This shift speaks to a broader trend in live music: the increasing demand for experiential performances. Audiences aren’t just looking for a faithful recreation of their favorite songs; they’re seeking immersive environments, meaningful connections, and a sense of collective catharsis. The visual elements of MMJ’s show – the LED grids morphing from smiley faces to owl beaks, echoing the album artwork – were integral to this experience. As documented in a Billboard report on live music trends, investments in visual technology and immersive staging are becoming standard for major tours.
Elasticity as Survival: Blurring Genre Lines and Embracing Change
My Morning Jacket’s performance highlighted the band’s remarkable elasticity – their ability to seamlessly blend their past, present, and future. The inclusion of new material alongside ‘Z’ tracks, and the way even older songs took on new shades of meaning, demonstrated a refusal to be defined by a single era or genre. The giant stuffed bears, a recurring motif in MMJ’s iconography, felt particularly poignant, representing a comforting link to the past while acknowledging the uncertainties of the present. This adaptability isn’t just about artistic integrity; it’s about survival in an industry that demands constant innovation.
The Future of Setlists: Dynamic and Responsive
We can expect to see more bands adopting a similar approach to setlist construction. Gone are the days of rigidly adhering to a pre-determined sequence. Instead, artists will likely prioritize dynamic setlists that respond to the energy of the crowd and the specific context of the performance. This could involve incorporating improvisational elements, responding to real-time feedback from fans, or even altering the setlist based on current events. The lines between albums and live performances will continue to blur, creating a more fluid and unpredictable experience for both artists and audiences.
My Morning Jacket’s ‘Z’ performance wasn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it was a glimpse into the future of live music. It demonstrated the power of artistic flexibility, the importance of contextual relevance, and the enduring need for shared experiences in a fragmented world. The band’s ability to embrace change while remaining true to their core identity offers a valuable lesson for artists across all genres. What will it take for other bands to achieve this same level of elasticity and connection with their audiences?
