yola @ chelsea market

yola @ chelsea market

Yola performed an intimate live set for YouTube Space in New York City’s Chelsea Market on July 22nd. Surrounded by cameras in a small studio, Yola and her band were unfazed by the fanfare, playing an energetic, infectious set as if no one else was in the room. Yola is an extraordinary performer; her voice takes flight, soaring on the wings of its own power, immediately capturing the listener. With her latest record, Walk Through Fire, Yola leaves no one untamed.

Largely performing tracks off Walk Through Fire, Yola peppered her set with a cover of Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “What You Do” off 2016’s Orphan Offering.

Just four days later, Yola performed at the iconic Newport Folk Festival. She also made appearances during other sets, joining Dawes and Brandi Carlile’s The Highwomen, along with luminary Sheryl Crow. Most incredibly, she joined Dolly Parton herself.

On August 10th, she’ll be opening for Patty Griffin at Lincoln Center’s Roots of American Music Weekend: Americanafest.

Keep up with Yola here.

seasaw @ minibar

seasaw @ minibar

When you wander into a small venue and see someone that was a little rough around the edges at a previous job – and you happen to be in attendance with a former coworker from that previous job – things can get a little weird. But we are here to tell you that the experience was not diminished in any way. The incredible talent from duo Seasaw is palpable from first listen, and their performance legitimately lights up any room they happen to be entertaining in. We melted into their lyrical journey, and fell deeper in love with the music with each slight lyrical explanation, each moment their earrings were swinging. Highlights from the show below!

Keep up with Seasaw here.

whoa dakota @ riot room

whoa dakota @ riot room

On June 29th, one of the most extraordinary voices in up-and-coming pop music visited the patio at Riot Room in Westport. Whoa Dakota (Jesse Ott) entertained in some of the sweatiest weather, the lighting and fan giving the tone a Beyonce effect, while the crowd basked in the glow. Photos below!

Keep up with Whoa Dakota here.

ritt momney @ the rino

ritt momney @ the rino

On Tuesday, July 2nd, Salt Lake City’s up-and-coming indie rock extraordinaire Ritt Momney made an appearance at The Rino in North Kansas City. Sandwiched between two incredible local acts – Sex Ed and Older Brother – Ritt Momney set a tone for excellence. Near the end, Rutter’s girlfriend joined the band on stage to sing, a touching experience as for the majority of the year they are separated because of her studies in another state.

Keep up with Ritt Momney here.

the national @ bonnaroo 2019

the national @ bonnaroo 2019

I’ve never witnessed a man with such notoriety sip a beer so calmly and pointedly on stage as he stares out at individual faces in the crowd. At least, you get the sense that Matt Berninger is putting a lot of thought into those glances, though perhaps he just has an important tactic of his stage performance down after so many years entertaining. Either way, The National‘s performance at Bonnaroo was enigmatic. Highlights below.

Keep up with The National here.

hozier @ bonnaroo 2019

hozier @ bonnaroo 2019

On Saturday, June 15th, Hozier played as the sun set on the third day at Bonnaroo. His carefree style was plastered throughout the crowd, as people spread out at main stage to enjoy the relaxing soundscape. Into the set, he introduced special guest Brandi Carlile, who was scheduled to play her own set the following day. It was magical, and highlights can be seen below.

Keep up with Hozier here.

anberlin @ the truman

anberlin @ the truman

On Thursday, June 27th, our emo/punk hearts rejoiced when Anberlin took the stage at The Truman. Energy, intensity, incredible lighting. These were just some of the effects this performance had on us. And don’t think we emerged from the event without our hearts pumping, an adrenaline rush for days. Highlights below!

Keep up with Anberlin here.

kikagaku moyo @ bonnaroo 2019

kikagaku moyo @ bonnaroo 2019

We started our last day at Bonnaroo sleeping in a little bit more than usual. We heard a pop up performance amongst the trees at an ungodly hour in the morning, and then dozed until it was time to wander in and catch Kikagaku Moyo‘s set. The Japanese psych band was absolutely mesmerizing, and we believe you catch a small bit of that feeling from the photos alone.

Keep up with Kikagaku Moyo here.