Concert Reviews

Sum 41 - The Vic Theatre

Chicago, IL // October 06, 2019

Sum 41 came to the Vic Theatre in Chicago to play an amazing show with a mixture of older songs and new. This year is a special time because “Chuck,” their third album release in 2004, is celebrating its upcoming 15th year anniversary. Also playing their new recent seventh studio album titles in descending order!

In the beginning the Sum 41 blasted off confetti cannons while singing “The Hell Song”. The crowd this show was an all ages show but there were so many younger faces singing along with the band and older fans! Sum 41 towards the end of their set played a cover of Queen “We Will Rock You” towards the end of their set, which the crowd absolutely loved! They also did two encores, the first encore they played “Never There,” (Chuck album) and “Fat Lip,” (All Killer, No Filter album). For the 2nd encore, they only played “Pain for Pleasure” (All Killer, No Filter album) which was a hair metal version!

The show was filled with rock music and smiles from everyone, including the band. Deryck Whibley, lead singer of Sum 41, had the biggest smile out of anyone in the crowd and on stage. I definitely recommend seeing Sum 41 on this tour, not because of the new album or celebrating the anniversary of Chuck, but because this was the most energy I have seen from them, they were amazing! I am a super fan of Sum 41 and this was by far one of the best shows I have ever seen them play! So go out and catch them at a city near you!

To keep up to date with the band and what cities they are playing at, check out their websites

SUM 41

Website: www.sum41.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sum41

The Amity Affliction

Website: www.theamityaffliction.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theamityafflictionofficial

The Plot in you

Website: www.theplotinyou.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theplotinyou

For photos from this show, go to: Sonic Live Media Photo Gallery

Written by: Alexandra Geshel, Sonic Live Media

Mac Demarco - Masonic Temple Theatre

Detroit, MI // September 27, 2019

On a rainy Friday evening in Detroit, fans were lined up outside the Masonic Temple for the return of the Prince of Indie Rock, Mac Demarco. It has been years since Mac Demarco had performed in Detroit, mostly performing at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. Not even rain could keep Mac’s cult following from waiting outside the gloomy weather.

 

Mac Demarco started the show off by introducing his bandmates: Joe McMurray (drums), Andrew White (keyboards, guitar), Jon Lent (bass guitar), and Alec Meen (keyboards). This team, who were not only super talented, made for one hilarious, fun night.

 

As Mac stated in the beginning of the show he was going to play some old and some new songs and that’s exactly what he did. Most songs were played from fan favorite “2” and new album “Here Comes the Cowboy”. Whether the song was about relationships or his favorite cigarette, Mac and the rest of the gang never took themselves too seriously. They went out and just had a good time. One perfect example was when they performed “Another One.” Instead of playing the piano in the intro, Andy sang the part in a hilarious manner.

 

Mac Demarco is one of the funniest, most chill artists in the business but his talent cannot be overlooked. During the last song, “Still Together,” the band took a little detour and had a mini jam session where Mac started to shred some really nice riffs on his guitar. This is also evident in the song “Choo Choo” where Mac completely kills it. If you ever get a chance to catch Mac Demarco live, you will not be disappointed.

You can stream “Here Comes the Cowboy” and his older works on any of the major streaming platforms.

For photos from this show, go to: Sonic Live Media Photo Gallery

You can catch Mac Demarco on tour:  mac-demarco.com/tour

Written by: Paul John Farinas, Sonic Live Media

Sigrid / Raffaella - El Club

Detroit, MI // September 26, 2019

Outside the sold out El Club in Southwest Detroit, fans of every age lined up early to obtain a prime vantage point in the cozy music venue. The front of the line consisted mostly of fans who had traveled hours to attend Norwegian singer Sigrid’s first headlining North American tour and first ever Motown performance. Attendees mingled as the gates opened and the line moved into the open courtyard decorated with wall murals that matched the ethnic vibe of Mexicantown. Once inside you could feel the anticipation grow as it got closer to the start time.

First, Manhattan native and Mom + Pop Music artist Raffaella Meloni (who goes by just her first name) took to the stage. With the way her talent was clearly evident, it is no surprise to learn she grew up the daughter of a music lawyer and a writer, and started taking classical piano and singing lessons from an early age. Also evident was her eclectic range of influences which include Billie Holiday, St. Vincent, and Regina Spektor.

After her first song, Raffaella jokingly told the crowd that its title was “Yippee-Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker!” which immediately drew me in since I'm a fan of both the movie “Die Hard” and the actor “Bruce Willis” (the latter was the actual title of the song). She quickly discarded her shoes and walked barefoot and up on her tiptoes as a “Ballerina” which coincidentally is the title of her newest EP. The 23 year old charmed the crowd by dancing and entertaining her way through her set which included catchy songs such as ”Sororicide” and "NASA’s Fake." Raffaella was the perfect choice as support on this tour.

After a quick setup change in the cramped performance space, the buzz grew. The room lights went dark while bright red lights shone upstage as the four-person backing band got into place. Sigrid rushed onto the stage in front of the waiting audience filled with custom made t-shirts and joyful grins and she got things started with her newest single and tour name “Sucker Punch.”

“Things then slowed down with “In Vain.” Her raspy vocals and striking lyrics (“So don't you stay if you don't mean it / If you don't feel it and just f*ck me up again”) seemed to touch several who may have used her music at one point to heal from a breakup. Next came the dance party and singalong with the first few bars of “Schedules” and just when I thought the crowd couldn’t sing any louder, "Don't Kill My Vibe" proved me wrong.”

The performance then took a more intimate feel with “Level Up” which was accompanied only by her guitarist Sondre and backup vocalist Kristina. Sigrid also took to the keyboard to play a beautiful ballad titled “Dynamite” and again, the moving lyrics (“You're as safe as a mountain but know that I am dynamite”) resonated with the attentive audience. The 16-song show ended as upbeat as it began with a pseudo encore of “Strangers” and “Don’t Feel Like Crying.”

Sigrid had quite the knack for keeping the crowd as engaged as if they were at a best friend’s coffee shop performance which was a refreshing experience that could be enjoyed by people of all ages. She had actually planned to become a teacher or lawyer, thinking a career in music would be too uncertain. The only thing we can be certain of is that on her next tour, she will be selling out venues at least three times this size.

To learn more about Sigrid, check out:  www.thisissigrid.com

To learn more about Raffaella, check out:  www.rafflalala.com

For photos from this show, go to: Sonic Live Media Photo Gallery

Written by: Attila Hardy, Sonic Live Media

Sigrid at El Club in Detroit, Michigan, on September 26, 2019.

Sigrid’s Set List:

Sucker Punch

In Vain

Schedules

Plot Twist

Business Dinners

Sight Of You

Don’t Kill My Vibe

Level Up

Go To War

High Five

Mine Right Now

Dynamite

Never Mine

Strangers

Don’t Feel Like Crying

Dodie – Majestic Theatre

Detroit, MI // September 14, 2019

On a beautiful late summer day in Detroit, a line of anxious fans wrapped down and around the big city block to enter the sold out Dodie show at the midtown venue Majestic Theatre. 

New Jersey native Adam Melchor warmed up the crowd with a genuine connection of his personal stories and charm. His guitar playing and singer songwriter lyrics came through especially in his song "Joy Ride," which was inspired by his laid-back parents divorce and a stolen truck parked in their front yard which was returned soon after by the police.

The young British YouTube sensation Dorothy Clark better known as Dodie took the stage with a full band including a violinist and cello player with fellow UK artist and YouTuber, Orla Gartland on backing vocals and guitar. Everyone in the band was dressed in jeans and plain white t shirts. Opening with "Arms Unfolding" the show started as a musical ballet, simple yet poetic. 

“Opening with “Arms Unfolding” the show started as a musical ballet, simple yet poetic.”

The young Ms. Clark expressed her awkwardness and asked for the house lights to be brought up so she could pan the audience and mentally express thanks for being a great crowd. Dodie read a sign that one of her fans played the ukulele, security pulled a fan, Claire, up on stage to play "One for the Road," as the entire band and crowd joined in. Dodie mentioned she was battling a cold but you could not tell from her voice and spirit on stage. While passing a note to her bassist as the lights dimmed it looked like she went over to kiss him which brought a chuckle to the other band-mates. 

Dodie’s connection with her dedicated fans singing every word reminded you of a private performance, yet there were a thousand of them happening simultaneously. She walked off to "Guiltless," before returning after a mixture of enthusiastic chants and clapping for an extended encore. She commented that "either the crowds were singing louder at each show or are getting more gayer.” The sweet British accented singer’s ability to have jam sessions with her band to charmed melodies made it a memorable event, including a cello solo during "Rainbow.” New song "Boys Like You" and the finale of "In The Middle" left each onlooker wanting more. Touring to captivated audiences, you can feel the grounded warmth and passion of the welcoming environment assembled. Make sure to catch Dodie as she heads from Nashville to Hollywood on her national “Human Tour”. 

To learn more about Dodie, check out:  dodie.co

For photos from this show, go to: Sonic Live Media Photo Gallery

Written by: Attila Hardy, Sonic Live Media

Dodie performing "One For The Road" with help from Claire Bosnack Live from Detroit on the Human North American Tour on September 14, 2019

Daniel Caesar - The Fillmore

Detroit, MI // August 11, 2019

On a quiet Sunday evening in Detroit, The Fillmore was anything but, as anxious fans lined outside the famous Detroit venue to see one of the hottest R&B singers, Daniel Caesar. The singer-songwriter from Oshawa, Canada is coming off one of his best years, winning a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance earlier this year. In the same year he released his highly-anticipated sophomore album, Case Study 01, considered a hit amongst critics. Daniel gained popularity from his debut album, Freudian, which was released in 2017. His new album consists of contributions from artists such as Pharrell Williams, John Mayer, and Brandy. 

The show started with the talented 19-year old Jamaican singer-songwriter, Koffee. Even at a young age, Koffee did not shy away from the bright lights. She loosened up the Fillmore crowd with her vibrant tunes and electric performance. Koffee is definitely a young artist to watch out for.

“As soon as the lights went down for Daniel to take stage, the whole place erupted. . .He opened his set with songs from his new album at which the crowd sang right back to him passionately.”

The last time Daniel Caesar performed in Detroit was at Mo Pop 2018 where he completely stole the show. The Fillmore was buzzing throughout the night waiting restlessly for Daniel just like that night a year ago. As soon as the lights went down for Daniel to take stage, the whole place erupted. Daniel was backed up by his talented band, who were hidden behind a thin sheet that stretched in the background that made the show even more intimate. He opened his set with songs from his new album at which the crowd sang right back to him passionately. Although Daniel’s fans are predominantly female, the male fans can be seen singing as passionately as their counterparts. That is simply the power of Daniel Caesar. As if the place couldn’t get any louder, it erupted as soon as “Get You” started playing. It was at the point where the crowd took over the first verse and Daniel held out his mic towards them in awe. 

Daniel Caesar is a rising star that can’t be stopped. If you haven’t listened to his new album, Case Study 01, check it out now. 

You can also catch him on his 2019 Case Study 01 Tour: danielcaesar.com

For photos from this show, go to: Sonic Live Media Photo Gallery

Written by: Paul John Farinas, Sonic Live Media