Tag: concert

Music, New blog post

Kacey Musgraves LIVE: The Country Princess We Deserve

by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment on Kacey Musgraves LIVE: The Country Princess We Deserve
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Image via http://www.tennessean.com/

It’s going to be hard to describe how amazing the Kacey Musgraves show in Nashville, TN was, but I’m sure as hell going to try. I’ll be the first one to admit, I’d been sleeping on Musgraves’ talent until her Grammy-winning album Golden Hour was released. As someone who isn’t the biggest fan of country music, I was nervous it would be too country for my liking. I was mistaken, Golden Hour is such a beautiful blend of modern country, but with a subtle pop/songwriter twist. Not only does it encompass so many themes of love, family, loss, and growth, but every song adds a new layer to Kacey Musgraves’ undeniable artistry and career as a lyricist. I knew I needed to see her on the Oh, What A World Tour as this album cycle is truly a magical one that will only happen once in a lifetime.

As Ms. Musgraves’ silhouette appeared on stage, fans of all age, race, and gender screamed in delight to see our country princess in her element. She kicked off the night with the gorgeous “Slow Burn” accompanied by orange and yellow hued lights to bring the lyrics to life. Not to mention, an orange two piece outfit with her long black locks shining so bright it was nearly blinding. After a more than perfect opening, Musgraves announced she’d been on vocal rest and told everyone to send good energy her way… Her vocals stayed beautiful the rest of the night.

Kacey’s stage presence is calm, poised, and effortless. She slowly swipes her hair behind her neck, and raises her fingers with every high note. The Texas native performed her Golden Hour album in its entirety, giving fans exactly what they wanted. Complete with an emotional performance of “Rainbow” a stripped down version of “Oh, What A World” and a visually appealing “Happy & Sad”.

The country artist also performed a couple of songs from previous albums, including 2015’s “High Time”, 2013’s “Merry Go Round”, the controversial “Follow Your Arrow”, and “Family Is Family”. Kacey shocked fans the most with two special guests during the show; Maggie Rogers ran out for a fun girl-power duet to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and Harry Styles joined Kacey for her 2019 hit “Space Cowboy”. As the crowd erupted with love for the ex-boy band member, he took the verse and made it his own (even finishing with a cute “Yee-haw!!”). After a truly shocked crowd, Kacey kept the energy high with her finale song “High Horse”. The confetti blew, the band bowed, and Kacey waved as she trotted off stage.

This tour is so exquisite, from the incredible stage lights, visuals, and overall performance, I can’t say enough good things. I can’t wait to see what comes next for Kacey Musgraves.

 

 

Music, New blog post

Paramore: After Laughter Tour

by Blondie and the Beat2 Comments on Paramore: After Laughter Tour

(Image via musicfeeds.com.au) 

Paramore’s main source of light is Hayley Williams. She twirls around the stage wearing red boyshort underwear and a large baggy t-shirt. Like she just rolled out of bed in the middle of the night to tiptoe to the kitchen and get some cereal. The Tennessee native looks far from 29, but she’s definitely lived.

If there’s one thing fans have learned on the After Laughter tour, it’s that Paramore is indeed still a band. Original member, Zac Farro is back and better than ever after several years away. The group vibed off eachother on old and new tracks in ways we haven’t seen before. Every sound/instrument had a human behind it, bopping their head, and tapping a foot or two. While the stage is large, the band seemed to be positioned close together while they smile and jam with eachother through every song. The genuine feeling of camaraderie is heartwarming.

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After Laughter sparked a pop-art inspired tour; something that now fits the band effortlessly. Hayley gives a mini-speech on how great it feels to be back and playing in large venues again. She says, “Let’s have some fun. We’re Paramore!” 

Within the first five songs, they’ve covered hits like, “Still Into You”, “That’s What You Get”, and even 2007’s epic “Crush Crush Crush”. Hayley nonchalantly steals the show while headbanging, dancing, and screaming on stage. Guitarist, Taylor York remains in his element stage left, head down, shredding on the guitar for a solid two hours. Zac Farro seems calm, cool, and collected on the drums, banging away like his life depends on it.

Newer tracks like, “Rose-Colored Boy,” “Forgiveness,” and “Caught In the Middle” brought a retro 80’s feel to the night. Mirrored screens lined the top of the stage in a “Saved by the Bell” blocky neon fashion. Over halfway through the set, they stopped for a quick acoustic session. Hayley gave a fitting intro, saying, “Some soft songs for your soft hearts.” They went on to play a cover of Drake’s “Passionfruit”, then melted fans’ hearts with 2009’s “Misguided Ghosts” and After Laughter’s emotional tribute to never losing hope, “26”.

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Before the end of the show, Hayley handed over the reigns to Zac Farro. We had the chance to hear his side band called HalfNoise. Hayley picked up backing vocals, hit a tambourine, and some drums, bouncing around like his biggest (or smallest?) cheerleader. HalfNoise’s “All That Love Is” fit right in with Paramore’s already frenetic theme.

The major finale? A wildly fun performance of the song that kicked off their latest era; “Hard Times”. Hayley forcefully sings, “All I want is a hole in the ground, you can tell me when it’s alright, for me to come out?” Oh, honey, it’s okay, come on out. We love you.

To catch Paramore on the After Laughter Tour, click here!

Music, New blog post

Live Review: Quinn XCII & SZA

by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment on Live Review: Quinn XCII & SZA

The Detroit native performed for a college crowd in a haze of vape smoke and waving arms. Playing songs from his latest album, The Story of Us, like “Fake Denim,” “Always Been You,” and “Flare Guns”. Students sang along to every word as Quinn hyped up each track; bouncing around and showing his love for Syracuse, NY.

 

Image via my assistant: www.instagram.com/abigailjudiith/

 

I was thoroughly impressed with Quinn’s live vocals. He actually wore himself out near the end and became a little hoarse; which is a testament to how hard he goes at each show. His band consisted of a drummer and keyboardist; simple but did a fantastic job at perfecting each tune. The three seem to have a fun friendship as they all danced and smiled with eachother.

Catch Quinn on tour here.

 

 

SZA walked on stage and the crowd went wild. The voice recording intro to her Ctrl hit, “Supermodel” played while fans screamed along the words. Big hair, camo pants, and a tiny off the shoulder top that kept exposing her chest made up the litte SZA; a dynamo in her own right. Playing all the favorites off her explosive album, Ctrl, left fans smiling and screaming for almost an hour. The singer addressed the crowd a handful of times, talking about her admiration for students getting their degree and trying hard to succeed. Admitting her stoner ways before singing “Drew Barrymore” and intro-ing the Kendrick Lamar-assisted “Doves In the Wind” by explicitly saying, “I wanna talk about pussy.”

The Missouri native amped the crowd up as the bass blasted behind her. She twirled and gyrated freely onstage while singing her biggest hit, “Love Galore”. The setlist also included “Go Gina,” “Normal Girl,” “The Weekend,” “Broken Clocks,” and “Garden (Say It Like Dat)”.

She professed her love for the crowd and then hopped offstage with the biggest smile. But just as the band was about to pack up, she came over the mic and said “WAIT, do you wanna do ’20 Something’? We should sing it together.” A song about getting older and living life in your 20’s. Her vocals were impeccable as she ended the song singing “God bless you, God bless you” over and over, just how you hear it in the song. She stops and says, “I couldn’t leave without saying God bless you.”

I would see SZA again every night for the rest of my life if I could.

 

To see more videos & pictures from these concerts, visit my Instagram 🙂

Music, New blog post

Miguel’s ‘War & Leisure’ Tour!

by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment on Miguel’s ‘War & Leisure’ Tour!

Miguel drifts around on a tiny stage while his band bangs out every note. He gets the crowd to chant “splish splish”. “Righteous” – he says in return. The War & Leisure tour is peak Miguel. If you’re thinking about seeing him, see him NOW.

A set list of 20+ songs will satisfy the old and new Miguel fans while draining the voice right out of your lungs. 2010’s “All I Want Is You” and “Sure Thing” prove the singer has been mastering R&B for quite some time now. While newer fans can sing to the bouncy “Banana Clip”, “Pineapple Skies”, and the crowd favorite: “Sky Walker”. But pretty much everyone can reminisce over “How Many Drinks?” and the saucy “Do You?”.

The California native managed to pack in everyone’s favorites and then some. About halfway through the set, the singer performed a flawless medley of his song with Wale: “Lotus Flower Bomb”, “Power Trip” with J Cole, and his recent collab with Dua Lipa: “Lost In Your Light”. A steady beat stitched them all together without a hitch.

Miguel’s voice cannot be fully appreciated until you hear it live. Effortless runs and endless vibrato make you wonder how he’s managed to keep that voice so pristine for so long… and how he makes it look so damn EASY.

The show itself was enlightening to watch. A shining array of bright lights echoed every rock breakdown Miguel’s band did so well. The energy was more than the room could handle.

My only complaint? The merch was way too expensive. I will never pay $45 for a t-shirt…

(Image via Variance Magazine)