Fletcher | Atlanta

FLETCHER’s 2022 North American tour is in full swing as she says goodbye to her west coast friends and family. Amelia Moore and Julia Wolf, both amazing new artists, were in-house and ready to prepare the crowd for Fletcher herself. 

28-year-old Cari Fletcher sold out her 2022 North American and European tour in no time. The New Jersey-native, who’s first EP sent waves throughout the music industry, is back with more than just heartbreak. Her latest releases, which include The S(ex) Tapes and “Cherry” featuring Hayley Kiyoko, have been widely acclaimed by audiences everywhere. Live in Atlanta, Fletcher performed at an iconic and historic venue, Variety Playhouse. 

“You were in the corner, hanging like a masterpiece…” Standing at the top of a built street-like structure, Fletcher opens the show with her LGBTQ+ anthem, “girls girls girls.” The structure resembles street garages, where her band is placed separately within the three openings. Various colors illuminate the guitarist and drummer. Dressed in a green leather cropped jacket that ties around her torso, jeans, and her infamous tan boots — Fletcher is here. “Atlanta, what the f**k is up?” Fletcher warmly welcomes the audience. With subsequent performances of hit songs, “Forever” and “Cherry” — the room is buzzing. 

Reliving You Ruined New York City For Me was a rollercoaster ride to be on. Full of thrill, joy, and slight resentment — living through those moments with Fletcher were iconic. With songs like, “All Love” and “Undrunk,” Fletcher is back in those memories once again. During her performance, Fletcher goes live on Instagram, highlighting the crowd screaming to “All Love,” in Atlanta. (You can find the live video on her Instagram feed with the caption “ALL LOVE LIVE ATLANTA.”) The show reaches its halfway point with, “F**k You for Ruining New York City for Me,” which builds into a rendition of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever.” 

“Who’s here with an ex?” Fletcher asks, to which a few people exclaim. “F**king lesbians,” she laughs as she climbs the structure once more. All I need is time, and space, and more Fletcher. With her next track being, “Silence,” she’s swaying her hips and grinding through her pop anthem. Fletcher makes her way down to the crowd, Sharpie in hand. After a few signatures and a shooter of Jose Cuervo, she’s back on stage remarking Atlanta for its incredible energy.

Fletcher makes her way through her setlist with, “Sex (With My Ex),” “The One,” and “Shh…Don’t Say It.” The crowd is in an uproar, signs that read “Take a shot with my gf,” and “If you’re gonna sign, do it on my boobs.” Just when the crowd is winded, sweaty, and thriving — Fletcher finishes with “Bitter.” With lyrics, “I know she’s thinking that she found a herself a winner,” Fletcher is letting everyone know that she’s bitter. She exits the stage and the crowd begins chanting her name. No more than a few minutes later, Fletcher is back on stage for her encore tracks, “For Cari” and “Healing.” 

During the final track, the audience holds up multicolored hearts for Fletcher, bringing the artist to tears. With the front row of general admission holding a sign that says “We’re proud of you,” to which Fletcher says: “Guys you know I’m a pisces, I’m gonna cry.” She takes a photo of the crowd, saying she’s going to send it to her mom, and thanking everyone for a remarkable show. 

If you want more Fletcher (like we all do), you can find her on Instagram and Twitter (@findingxfletcher). You can find Amelia Moore (@icryatwork) and Julia Wolf (@juliawolfnyc) on Instagram, too. Keep an eye on their social media for information on new music, merch, and more! 

Words by Kaylee Pickens

Photos by Chandler Bunzol

Dabin | San Francisco

Dabin (with support from Juelz) performing at The Warfield in San Francisco, CA on March 12, 2022. All photos taken by Brandon Lu.

Maisie Peters | Philadelphia

Maisie Peters (with support from Jonah Kagen) performing at Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia, PA on March 11, 2022. All photos taken by Cami Liberty.

Claud | Santa Ana

Claud performing at Constellation Room in Santa Ana, CA on March 11, 2022. All photos taken by Shannon Williams.

The Tallest Man On Earth | New York City

The Tallest Man On Earth performing at Webster Hall in New York City on March 11, 2022. All photos taken by Samantha Crowley.

Summer Salt | New York City

Summer Salt performing at Brooklyn Made in New York City on March 10, 2022. All photos taken by Amélie Stoddard.

alt-J | Austin

alt-J performing at Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, TX on March 12, 2022. All photos taken by Emily Pereira.

END | Lakewood

END (with support from Portrayal of Guilt, Yashira, and WAKE) performing at The Foundry in Lakewood, OH on March 9, 2022. All photos taken by Danny Council.

Aries | Miami

Aries performing at The Ground in Miami, FL on March 10, 2022. All photos taken by Valentina Ramirez.

Knuckle Puck | Philadelphia

Knuckle Puck (with support from Hot Mulligan, Meet Me @ The Altar, and Anxious) performing at Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia, PA on March 9, 2022. All photos taken by Ryan Levy.

The Backseat Lovers | Los Angeles

The Backseat Lovers performing at Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on March 8, 2022. All photos taken by Shannon Williams.

Hippie Sabotage | Austin

Hippie Sabotage performing at Stubb's in Austin, TX on March 5, 2022. All photos taken by Emily Pereira.

Mitski | Oakland

Mitski (with support from CHAI) performing at Fox Theater in Oakland, CA on March 5, 2022. All photos taken by Brandon Lu.

Daughtry | Indianapolis

Dearly Beloved, you are cordially invited to Daughtry’s 2022 tour. Your current destination is Indianapolis, Indiana. You arrive at the eclectic venue of Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, and admire the illuminated marquee board with Daughtry spelled across it in bold lettering. Once finding your way to the theatre entrance, the usher escorts you to your assigned seats. You scan the room, and take in the breathtaking view of the grand stage and high ceilings with intricate detailing. Close to 2,500 seats will soon be filled with concert-goers ready to experience the show of a lifetime. The house lights dim, and the teal Dearly Beloved sign appears as a message simultaneously echoes through the speakers. The letters begin to blink as the instrumentals are slowly introduced, and you can feel the excitement of the crowd building. The show is about to begin.

Frontman Chris Daughtry appears on stage, and delivers an electrifying performance of “Desperation” from the most recent album. You continue to be mesmerized by the thought-provoking production, and how it brings each song to life. During “World On Fire,” Chris' crisp and raspy vocals through a megaphone are accompanied by the stage lights turning orange. The fog is drifting upwards, and against the orange lighting it resembles smoke for a dramatic effect. It feels as though you are part of a villain intro scene in a movie during “Evil” with the pounding bass drum, red lighting encompassing the room, and black, web-like movement dripping down the screens. The strobe lights moving at full speed to resemble lightning strikes for “The Victim” is the most wild production yet.

Along with the production, the setlist of Daughtry’s show deserves an award. To the surprise of many fans, the band makes sure to perform several tracks for old time’s sake. The keyboardist, Elvio Fernandes, starts to sing “and I hope… and I hope…” to which the crowd immediately echoes in unison without skipping a beat. Witnessing “No Surprise” live is a bit of nostalgia mixed with a whole lot of serotonin. It is the moment of a concert where you realize music means more to you than you will ever be able to explain. Everyone continues to reminisce about the past by screaming the chorus of “Over You.” “That’s what I’m talking about Indy!” screams Chris in response. Once the instrumentals fade, the audience goes wild to the point where the band steps back to take it all in. Chris makes it a point to thank fans for the past 15 years by giving a heartfelt speech.

The personability of Daughtry’s live performance is extraordinary from the setlist to Chris’ engagement with the crowd. He enjoys passing out guitar picks to a number of people in the front row. He runs out of picks stored in the slot of his guitar, but retrieves another one to personally give to a fan he made a promise with. Chris moves from one side of the stage to the other, and fist bumps every fan on the barricade with the biggest smile on his face. Throughout the show, he makes jokes with the crowd and treats everyone as if they have been friends for years. He gives a shout out to 93.9X Indy’s rock station for playing his music, leaving many shocked as many artists neglect to acknowledge the large part that radio plays in artists’ careers.  

Chris even brings up topics that are difficult to address and discuss. He highlights how important taking care of our mental health is, and asks if anyone feels as if we are “one day away from slipping into the darkness of our own minds.” Chris reassures the crowd by saying it’s okay to cry for help. As a society, we need to “work towards being comfortable with saying what is on our minds and in our hearts without fear of judgment.” His rich, emotion-filled vocals during “Cry for Help” makes it more evident mental health is near and dear to his heart. Chris is known for his impressive vocal belting technique, but his ability to deliver endless emotion with every track is rare and magical. Daughtry collaborates and performs on such a flawless level that once the show ends, each concert-goer wishes to experience the rock-goodness a little bit longer. The Dearly Beloved Tour is one that will be etched into the memories of many for years to come. 

Words and photos by Brittany and Everly Ormiston

Marc E. Bassy | Atlanta

I’d like to get informal about the Marc E. Bassy show. Not that me getting informal is me saying that the show was terrible — it just means that it was all that good. Atlanta is remarked for its community and their ability to party. With the nickname “Dirty South,” Bassy and his crew were excited to perform. Hosted at one of Atlanta‘s most remarkable and legendary venues, The Masquerade, fans were taken to heaven as they danced the night away. 

With everyone wearing clad clothing and accessories to slay for days, the crowd was in full swing and it was only 7:30 PM. There were several openers for the show, each more entertaining and distinct than the other. It started off with Jake James, progressed to Rey, and ended with an icon: John K. The energy in the venue was not the usual buzz of a concert. No, it felt like you were out at a club and Marc E. Bassy just so happened to perform there. The good times were all around. 

With reflective objects at varying heights, stage hands set up for Bassy’s performance. The Bay-area native was preparing for a night in the Dirty South and the crowd was ready for a stellar time. No more than 15 minutes later, the lights cut out and music began for his hit track, “Feel Different.” “You wouldn't ride for me, knowing all the ways that I tried to be.” Quickly pushing to “Trouble” and then “Just My Luck,” The audience was screaming at full volume singing along to every word. 

The 34-year-old singer was dressed in a black puffer jacket and contrasting white pants, jumping and hyping his fans up. From “Levels” to  “Some Kind Of Drug,” fans of Bassy were having their cake and eating it too. As biased as it will sound, when Bassy performed “Tell Me Lies,” I lost my mind. “Life's never what it seems, but it's still real to me,” Bassy sings. Instinctually, the audience croons back: “Tell me lies, tell me lies, girl.” Flashlights are in hand and in the sky, waving from side to side as Bassy sings his infamous love ballad. 

The show begins to dwindle, with his final songs varying from “South Beach,” to “Free Like Me.” Fans got a treat when Bassy performed his song, “Bowie.” The singer reaches out towards the audience as he sings, “before you remind me that it's a crime, just let me fade in the heat of the night.” The crowd is buzzing, knowing that the concert is almost over, as Bassy takes the stage for his final song. “Everything was perfect for a moment in my mind,” the lyrics echo through the venue, sending the crowd into a frenzy once its over. 

“Bassy, Bassy, Bassy,” the audience chanted after the singer thanks his fans for attending. Everyone looked around, wondering if they could entice him to return to the stage once more. After a few moments, the lights cut out for the last time. The crowd erupts in cheers and applause, as music begins to play. Bassy performs an encore, featuring the hit songs, “You and Me,” and “Subway Car.” Bassy remarks how hard Atlanta went that night and says goodbye for the last time. 

Want all things Marc E. Bassy? You can find him on Instagram and Twitter (@marcebassy). Be sure to listen to his latest album, Little Men, which is available on all streaming platforms. Keep an eye on his social media for information on new music, merch, and more! 

Words by Kaylee Pickens

Photos by Chandler Bunzol

Tigers Jaw | Columbus

Tigers Jaw (with support from Mukiss) performing at Big Room Bar in Columbus, OH on March 6, 2022. All photos taken by Danny Council.

Lost Dog Street Band | Columbia

Lost Dog Street Band performing at The Blue Note in Columbia, MO on March 2, 2022. All photos taken by Chase Gray.

Dodie | Atlanta

A black veil hides half of the stage, as singer-songwriter Lizzy McAlpine takes the stage. Dressed casually and holding her guitar, McAlpine enchants her audiences one track at a time. After a glorious set, featuring songs like, “Pancakes for Breakfast,” she says goodbye to her Atlanta crowd. A roaring chant begins to shake the venue — “Dodie, Dodie, Dodie!” They crowd bellows in unison. Suddenly, the lights drop and the black veil comes down; music begins to play and grows to full volume. Dressed in a white bodice top and a long flowing white skirt, Dodie enters the stage with “Air So Sweet,” welcoming her audience.

“Hello, Atlanta!” Dodie greets, waving excitedly. Behind Dodie, on a second level, is her band — where everyone is dressed performance ready. “I carry the time we don’t talk in a backpack,” Dodie swings into her next track, “Cool Girl.” This 3-minute track has garnered such popularity since its release last year. With an energy that is so palpable, “I Kissed Someone (It Wasn’t You),” Dodie delights her fans with another remarkable track for her album, Build A Problem. As she sings, a sign illuminates behind her that flashes her monogram as the lights transition and dim.  

The show continues with amazing performances of: “Special Girl,” “Sick Of Losing Soulmates,” and “Four Tequilas Down.” The crowd cheers for her band, as she introduces them, and leads into the final section of her show. The audience’s energy never slipped, only growing in intensity as Dodie performs some of her hits. “Never caught up in the moment, busy begging past to stay,” with a crowd that flooded the room from the stage to the doors, the air was full of anticipation and adoration. Moving her body along to her music, Dodie is proof that music is where happiness lives. 

Playing the piano barefoot, Dodie plays along to some familiar ballads. Dancing and hopping from one foot to the other, the room and stage are filled with joy. With tracks like, “If I’m Being Honest,” and “In The Middle,” the Atlanta show begins to dwindle to a close. “Did I ruin the day?” “Hate Myself” begins to play as Dodie’s final track. “Thank you so much!” Dodie waves at the crowd once more. You can hear the crowd murmur and buzz with heartfelt satisfaction.

If you can’t get enough of Dodie, or if you’re looking for tour updates, you can find them on Instagram and Twitter (@doddleoddle). Be sure to take a look at their social media for information on tour, merch, and more! You can also find Lizzy McAlpine on Instagram and Twitter (@LizzyMcAlpine) for additional tour content and new music! 

Words by Kaylee Pickens

Photos by Chandler Bunzol

girl in red | Atlanta

girl in red (with support from Holly Humberstone) performing at The Eastern in Atlanta, GA on March 7, 2022. All photos taken by Chandler Bunzol.

Louis Tomlinson | Vancouver

Louis Tomlinson performing at Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, BC on March 6, 2022. All photos taken by Laura Harvey.