Check out this throwback column from intern Fatima Cruz highlighting her experience at Beabadobee’s last tour night in LA this fall!
Written By Fatima Cruz, CityHeART Creative connect Intern
Concerts are one of my favorite forms of self-care. So, when I saw the announcement that one of my favorite artists, Beabadobee, was going on tour for her recent album release, This Is How Tomorrow Moves, I knew I had to attend! Beabadobee, a British-Filippo singer-songwriter, has been known for her diverse range, from lo-fi to rock songs, that I have grown to love over the years. There are very few things that can top being able to hear my favorite songs live.
The first step towards a successful concert experience is feeling your best. For me, that usually includes dressing up for the occasion by the theme or aesthetic of the artist. I decided to channel a more grunge look with baggy jeans, my black boots, and a black top with a silly phrase to tie it all together. This time around, it was a little bit trickier as Beabadobee doesn’t stick to one aesthetic. An inspiration to many Pinterest boards, her style has ranged from knitted beanies, baggy outfits, to cute sundresses. However, I quickly recognized that I was not the only one who must have felt conflicted once I stepped inside the venue. Everyone was dressed in very different styles inspired by Beabadobee, yet in a way that sticked to their own personal styles. This honestly helped me feel more comfortable knowing despite how different we may be, we are all connected by enjoying a common artist. Not to mention, I loved seeing the knitted Garfield beanie in the excited crowd as I waited in the merch line.
As fans set up the exciting atmosphere with their chattering in the background, Beabadobee was instantly able to rile up the crowd as soon as she stepped on stage. In her salmon babydoll dress and knee-high boots, she was clearly enjoying herself as she rocked out on stage with her hot pink guitar. Her amazing stage presence was only amplified with the amazing setlist. Even with the focus on the new album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves, Beabadobee didn’t fail to also play some of her hits that put her on the map, including “Coffee” and “Perfect Pair”.
Lastly, I would say the stage set really set the ambiance for Beabadobee’s performance. The background featured a set replicating a forest with shimmering lights to add a fairytale look to the set. Although seemingly simple, it set the tone without taking away from her performance. With live performances, there always tends to be one song that seems to stand out from the crowd. Surprisingly, it was “The Way Things Go” that evoked the most reaction out of me. The power of live performances can also change your perspective on a song, as it did with me. It resurfaced old memories that I had long forgotten, which I believe only a good song can do.
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, as Beabadobee was preparing to end her show for the night with “See you soon”. Once she had officially left the stage, the crowd started dispersing with “Dancing Queen” blaring in the background. As hectic as the end of a concert can get, I can’t help but enjoy overhearing everyone’s commentary on the show while they waited in line for the hot dog stands that always appear after every show. The enjoyment of hearing music live within a community is what makes me keep coming back each time. In fact, I will be attending Conan Gray’s Found Heaven tour at the Forum in October! Not only will I be engaging in self-care with my love for concerts, but I will also be tapping into another form of self-care by spending time with loved ones. I will be attending the concert with a group of friends, which will only make the concert that much more enjoyable. Whether or not it is concerts that help you, I would encourage you to find that activity that leaves you feeling as content and energetic as I felt when leaving the Greek Theatre that night.