K.Flay Makes Friends with the Silence in Seattle

We headed over to our favorite Showbox at the Market to catch one of our favorite performers live. K.Flay was in Seattle again after a short break and we were thrilled to catch her live at this venue. Last couple of times were at Bumbershoot, that she destroyed, and an intimate Madame Lou‘s back in March 2024. This one felt more like pre-covid times even though so much has changed. Of course, the unfortunate event of Kristine Flaherty losing hearing in her right ear has made life much more of a challenge but when she’s on stage you could never tell of her struggles.

K.Flay‘s latest EP, I’m Making Friend with the Silence, is perhaps the way she’s finding a new way of reprising her own songs and enjoying them more. Flaherty has mentioned that she can’t really listen to loud music since she’s lost her hearing and she’s trying new things. We couldn’t wait to experience another memorable performance on our favorite floor.

When it was time for K.Flay to step on the floor her two band members took their places on each side of the stage as we all watched and waited for her to appear. In the middle of the floor there was a rectangular projector that a video of her singing the first song played. As people cheered on for the softer version of “Bar Soap,” suddenly the screen turned off and K.Flay took its place seamlessly making it seem like she was there all along. It was a simple trick but really cool to see her appear in place of the video projection.

K.Flay stayed behind the screen for “Giver” and then came to the front of the stage for “Raw Raw,” as excited fans were singing along. She used the projection screen in this song again, this time going in front of it and while she stood in the middle she went into this choreography as the screen seemed to split another version of her. She mirrored the moves as both danced on opposite sides creating a very surreal image. She danced around and flipped her hair per usual and everything felt right in the world.

The setlist was strong and I feel like it was a good mix from her records and the many songs she’s released. Sometimes we forget just how many of her tracks we like. A highlight was when she paused the set and chatted with the crowd to thank them and talked about her early performances when it was just her onstage. She then asked if she could do a version of that now and live mix at the show. People agreed and K.Flay started to mix alone on stage making a beat and then stepping to the front and went into a free flow of words that was absolutely incredible. Once again showing us just how talented she really is and how easily she can create art.

Another memorable moment was when she was playing “Four Letter Words,” and the crowd was singing with her louder and louder. This was a complete catharsis of the soul and felt very satisfying to yell out, “F@ck you! You didn’t deserve me!” After that intense song K.Flay talked about going deaf and making the softer EP, remaking her songs again in another way. She played softer versions of “Are You Serious,” “Chaos is Love,” and “Punisher,” that she split into two parts singing the second one the record version.

K.Flay went on to play her hits “Bad Vibes,” the unforgettable, “Blood in the Cut,” “High Enough,” and end the night with “Perfectly Alone,” as people stood around in disbelief it was all over. It’s always such a treat to catch Flaherty live and this was no exception. Every time I see her, I like her more, I don’t even know how that’s possible, and I find a new addiction to her songs. This is an artist that has given her all to her craft and keeps going at it hard. It’s something you must experience.