half・alive at The Fillmore Auditorium | April 29, 2025
Being at the Fillmore Auditorium this past Friday was music therapy for the soul. As people trickled into the venue, they were in for a night of sounds, lights, and movement with intentionality. Between the opening artists, mehro (pronounced marrow) and The Walters, followed by the headliner, half alive, there was no room for yawning. Throughout the night, the stage shifted into each artist’s unique performance while maintaining a central theme of introspection and raw emotion.
Kicking off the night, mehro greeted the crowd with a lively performance. Their twenty-five-minute set included a broad range of songs from their discography, which reflected deeply on aspects of their relationship with themself and others. Their performance oscillated between somber, melodic indie pop songs, including “Chance With You,” and more metal-inspired indie rock pieces, such as their latest single, “You’re So Pretty.” Both charming and intense, their steady guidance through the various emotional states presented in their music was a testament to mehro’s multifaceted, ever-evolving nature as an artist. And while most performers would typically just be getting warmed up by the end of their set, mehro and their band left nothing behind as they violently thrashed their heads around. Their performance definitely warranted whiplash allegations, and regular chiropractic care is advised for both the band and audience members.
Rauw Alejandro Delivers On The Cosa Nuestra Tour Stop In Denver
Rauw Alejandro's "Cosa Nuestra World Tour" made a memorable stop in Denver at Ball Arena on April 17, 2025, delivering a high-energy performance that captivated fans from start to finish. A sold-out crowd filled he seats of what was to become a real life movie played out on stage.
Kicking off the night with his infectious energy, Rauw dove straight into hits from his discography, captivating the audience with a sound that seamlessly blended reggaeton, R&B, and a sprinkle of pop flair. The stage was an explosion of lights, and every beat resonated through the crowd, sending waves of excitement and thrill.
Poppy at Summit | March 17, 2025
Poppy graced the stage at Summit Music Hall on Tuesday, creating a mosh pit frenzy at the cozy venue. Dripping in charisma, she stepped out in a bright red, militaristic mini dress and garters with her long, jet-black hair left loose and flowing.
Poppy was an enigmatic delight, interchanging between delicate riffs and powerful screamo, leaving the audience in a chokehold for more. Heads were thrashing at a tempo that threatened definite whiplash the next morning, and several people crowd surfed above the packed mosh pit. Poppy brought out something primal in people, but it was a welcome cathartic release.
Exploring universal truths, Poppy’s genre blending sound includes elements of pop, industrial, rock and metal. Her songs included thought-provoking lyrics, which flashed across a projector screen behind her throughout the show.
At one point, the words, “VIOLENCE AGAINST NATURE” repeatedly flash across the curtains behind Poppy during her song V.A.N, featuring Bad Omens. The song tackles existential issues from a dystopian lens, narrating the story of an A.I. gone rogue. Told from the A.I.'s perspective, the song includes the lyrics, “Initiated operation of your own extermination,” warning people about the self-imposed destruction they face at the cost of destroying nature, simply for the sake of innovation.
True to Poppy’s enigmatic nature, the performance also included theatrical intermissions with a hint of humor. During brief points between songs, Poppy would disappear and be replaced by her doll alter ego. Appearing from a small curtain off to the side of the stage, the small “Poppy” doll would appear and speak to audience members in a soft spoken, teasing voice, serving as a transition between songs.
Overall the performance was tied together well, taking audience members on an emotional rollercoaster of existentialism and quirky theatrical whims. It’s a rare occurrence for an artist to master the art of melding together genres and emotions so effortlessly the way that Poppy does, and her performance at the Mile High City was no exception.
Austin City Limits Music Festival 2024: The Review
The 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival rocked the city once again, delivering an exhilarating line-up and unmatched energy that only the Texas capital can provide. Taking place over two weekends this past October, the festival showcased an eclectic mix of genres and artists, cementing its reputation as one of the foremost music festivals in the country. We had the chance to cover the grounds both weekends to bring you some amazing captures courtesy of me and staff photographer Trey Karson.
Headliners such as Chris Stapleton, Dua Lipa, and Tyler The Creator commanded the main stage, drawing massive crowds and delivering unforgettable performances that were both visually stunning and sonically profound. Dua Lipa’s performance was a masterclass in lyrical prowess and stage presence, seamlessly blending powerful tracks with full sing-alongs and complementing dance moves.. Tyler The Creator, with his infectious charisma, uplifted the festival vibe, reminding everyone to embrace hip hop through his catchy anthems and dynamic dance moves. Stapleton pulled the first surprise of the festival bringing out country music legend Willie Nelson to perform with him. Other note-worthy sets of both weekends included Blink 182, Kehlani, Leon Bridges, The Marias, Misterwives, Benson Boone and Dasha.
Always known to give us a mix of musical genres, the festival did not miss a beat as most stages commanded strong crowds threoughout the two weeks. A staple of the festival has included certain artist playing either weekend one or weekend two giving festival attendees more variety to see their favorite bands.
