Behavior

In terms of behavior during performance, however, the energy is less of this oxymoron of both positive and negative feelings, but is, instead, pregnant with life and hyperactivity. Harry Styles, as a performer, is comparable to artists like Freddie Mercury and Elton John in terms of showmanship, a much different vibe to Shelby Young’s folk “just singing and guitar” mellow feel of her work and performance inspiration. In a recording of Styles’ concert in New York, he introduces the song with a gesture in humility, thanking the audience for changing his life and (speaking of the audience), the reaction once they hear, “This is ‘As It Was,’” from him is absolutely incredible. The room roars with energy, excitement, and comfort. Styles engages with them throughout the entire show, encouraging them to sing along, and dancing about the stage. It is also worth noting the behavior of the musicians is different from the usual recording as well. Not all sounds are needed throughout the entire song, so not every backing band performer plays at the same time, or even at all, but the sounds that need to be made are proudly decried. The drummer, especially, is pounding with an energy that surpasses the bass beat in the studio recording of the song, and the electric piano has several instances where they are allowed to shine as well. What contrasts greatly though to the studio version is Styles’ vocal performance. He sings the song in a lower key and takes breaks to allow the audience to have a chance to sing without his accompaniment, the chorus contains audible note changes that delineate from the studio recording as well, and in general, is much different than the vocals heard on the album. In sum, Styles and his band engage meaningfully with the audience, play the song in a much more lively and cheery fashion than the original studio recording while he sings the lyrics in a lower register, and harmonize in a way that is impressive but not overwhelming, a big band feel for a large musician.

WATCH HARRY STYLES' NEW YORK PERFORMANCE OF "AS IT WAS" BELOW: