For me, the realm of live concerts is a portal between the real world and a surreal dimension. It’s a place where time seems to pause for a few hours, and the stresses of daily life disappear. Sharing that unique bond between strangers, feeling that cathartic release of emotions, and seeing the music materialize is, simply put, magical.
I had experienced this transcendent juncture again on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 20 at Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco. As an avid concert goer, I love attending shows, big and small. So, when I discovered that Canadian indie-pop-rock singer MICO had announced his first North American tour, The Fantasy Tour, I jumped onto the opportunity. And I’m extremely glad that I did because it was unlike any other concert that I’ve experienced.
Upon entering the venue, I was captivated by the intimate and cozy charm of the small basement-level speakeasy. Dim lighting illuminated the space, and the excited bustle of fans surrounded me. Before the concert began, MICO walked out to the merch table to meet fans, and many people, including myself, were able to speak with him. I was blown away by the sheer care and connection that MICO maintains with his supporters. He was incredibly kind and genuine when I spoke with him, making it a heartwarming interaction that I’ll surely remember.
In the minutes before MICO appeared on stage, the first chords echoed throughout the venue, reverberating in my chest. A blend of adrenaline and anticipation fell over the crowd. Then, in an instant, the electrified chatter of the crowd exploded into booming cheers as MICO emerged from behind the stage. In that thrilling moment, the world beyond the venue faded completely into obscurity.
MICO curated a remarkable setlist for the night, introducing unreleased singles among his most popular hits. The performances of “cut my hair,” which amassed over 40 million global streams across platforms, and “lie lie lie,” one of my personal favorites from the night, were exceptionally notable to me. With his beautifully steady voice and strong stage presence, MICO mesmerized me for the entire duration of the concert. He brought neverending energy into the venue as he frequently engaged the crowd and made lighthearted jokes. After attending his concert, I’ve developed a new level of appreciation and awe for MICO.
The Fantasy Tour began with two sold-out shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and it continues with success. With a consistent social media presence and 535.5k monthly listeners on Spotify, I don’t doubt that MICO will rise up the charts of the music industry. If you’re searching for new music with heavy notes of 2000s nostalgia and contemporary production, you should give MICO a listen!