Julien Baker and Torres performing at Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA on April 28, 2025. All photos taken by Christoph Vega.
High Water Festival | North Charleston
High Water Festival was nothing short of magical — a vibrant kickoff to the season that lit up Charleston’s Riverfront Park on April 26th and 27th. With twenty acts spread across two stages, this two day celebration brought the spirit of music alive in a way coastal South Carolina won’t soon forget.
From the moment Charleston natives Easy Honey hit the stage, the energy was infectious. Their hometown pride radiated through every smile, riff, and beat, setting the tone for a weekend of non-stop joy. Festival-goers of all ages swayed, danced, and sang their hearts out, creating a collective rhythm that pulsed from the barricades to the back of the field.
The beauty of High Water was in the flow—bouncing between stages felt like surfing a wave of pure musical bliss. No matter the genre or familiarity, each crowd threw themselves wholeheartedly into the experience. It was proof that festivals are sacred ground for music lovers: a space where knowing the lyrics is optional, but feeling the beat is required.
As I roamed the grounds, band loyalty was proudly worn like a badge of honor. Shirts, hats, and tote bags were emblazoned with names like flipturn, Mt. Joy, and Lord Huron. flipturn, in particular, had a strong presence — despite their set coming late on day two, fans were already repping them on day one, a testament to their meteoric rise from Jacksonville’s indie scene to festival fame.
Day two brought a special spark as we saw more women on stage and the vibe was electric. Goldie Boutilier set the tone early, captivating the crowd with her theatrical flair and magnetic stage presence. Later, Trampled by Turtles drew curious onlookers with their eclectic instrument lineup — banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and cello weaving together a sound both timeless and fresh.
And then came the grand finale: Arcade Fire. The band delivered a performance that was not just heard, but felt. With a show full of spectacle and heart, they left the crowd awestruck, ending the weekend on a euphoric high.
Beyond the music, it was the community that truly defined High Water. Everywhere I turned, I saw beaming faces and shared moments of pure joy. Even in the press lounge, a unique camaraderie formed among creatives, all capturing the same sets through different eyes, exchanging inspiration and stories along the way.
High Water Fest wasn’t just an event—it was a reminder of how good life can be when the soundtrack is right. For me, and for Charleston, it was a weekend to remember, and a beautiful celebration of music, connection, and coastal soul.
Words and photos by Joanna Barronton
boygenius | Boston
boygenius, the indie supergroup made up of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker, stopped by MGM Music Hall in Boston, MA for two nights to open up their east coast tour. With 22 songs and a surprise appearance at the end of the show by Hozier, they easily entertained the crowd, playing new and old music as well as some songs from each artist's solo catalog. Perhaps the biggest highlight of the night was the announcement of their the rest EP, which will be coming out in two weeks, as well as the live debut of "Black Hole" from the EP. The group put on a stunning show, and will continue their tour along the east coast with a notable stop at New York's Madison Square Garden before continuing on to play at the Hollywood Bowl in California on Halloween.
Words and photos by Julia Finocchiaro
boygenius | Pittsburgh
boygenius (with support from Claud) performing at Stage AE in Pittsburgh, PA on June 20, 2023. All photos taken by Kayla Kreller.
Julien Baker | Philadelphia
Julien Baker (with support from Thao and Mini Trees) performing at Franklin Music Hall in Philadelphia, PA on September 15, 2021. All photos taken by Sophia Zucker.
Shadow of the City Festival | Asbury Park
Shadow of the City festival featuring Bleachers, Hayley Kiyoko, Julien Baker, Turnover, Beachslang, Clams Casino, and Ex Reyes in Asbury Park, NJ on August 25, 2018. All photos taken by Andrew Pintado.
Julien Baker | New York City
Julien Baker performing at The Town Hall in New York City on October 27, 2017. All photos taken by Christina Morgan.