Not once did I imagine I would see so many live shows this year, but I have zero regrets. I spent countless hours of my summer break listening to music, but nothing compares to having the opportunity to see some of my most listened-to artists live.
With that said, here’s a review of all the shows I saw over the past few months!
1. Zinadelphia
As the first concert of the summer, Zinadelphia truly did raise the bar for every show to come.
The venue was quite small, but that only made the crowd-work during the show immaculate. We were able to directly connect with her, creating a very intimate and unique atmosphere.
Overall, Zinadelphia delivered such a clever, soulful and amazing show, my only wish is that the show was longer.
2. 5 Seconds of Summer
Ten year old me was definitely dying inside during this entire show. 5 Seconds of Summer announced their world tour last fall for their newly released album “EVERYONE’S A STAR!,” and as a long time fan, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see them live.
There isn’t one part of the show I could forget. This concert actually might’ve been the best one I’ve ever seen in my life, to the point where the post concert depression is still lingering, even months later.
It was high energy, their set list had songs from every era, and the merch was worth every penny. All I know now is that I’ll never pass up an opportunity to see them again!
3. Conan Gray
In all honesty, this concert was the most I’ve collectively listened to Conan Gray’s music in my life. However, this show was nothing short of breathtaking. His vocals were so so good live, and although I didn’t know most of the songs he performed, I was still completely charmed by his performance!
4. Ariana Grande
I was genuinely so starstruck the entire show, I feel so honoured to have even gone.
I went to night one in Montreal, and with it being the first concert after the release of her new album, “Petal,” Grande did not come to play around. Notably, we were the first to hear the album’s title track live.
The show was filled with vibrant colours and good vibes the entire time, and it’s definitely become a core memory of mine!
5. Daniel Caesar
This may have actually been my least favorite show of the year, but not for the reasons one might assume.
First off, the choice for the opening act may not have been the best option, as 070 Shake and Caesar’s sets had completely different vibes. With the opener, there were strobe lights and wildly upbeat music, while Caesar delivered a more sensual vibe, throwing me off completely.
Also, Caesar was visibly injured, and while a cancellation or postponing of the show would have sucked, I feel like we missed an element of movement during the show. He just scooted around stage with his leg in a brace. Still, he performed so beautifully, and I don’t regret going.
6. Steve Lacy
This fall, Lacy kicked off the tour for his most recent album “Oh Yeah?” and made a stop in Toronto at the Coca-Cola Coliseum.
First off, the set list was perfect. He performed the entirety of his new album, and then some of the greatest hits from his career, from “Bad Habits” from his previous album “Gemini Rights,” all the way back to his first ever single “C U girl.”
The only minor let down was that he showed up 30 minutes late, and was feeling a little under the weather, so we didn’t get a 100% energy show. Still, it was super fun, and I’d definitely see him live again.
After thousands of dollars spent on tickets, merch, accommodations and travel, countless tears of joy, tinnitus and a sore throat, I’d absolutely do it all over again.