Lauren Mayberry at Neumos

We headed to Neumos to catch one of the most anticipated live solo debuts of the year. Lauren Mayberry has been the voice of so many people’s unspoken feelings and emotions over the past decade since she came on the scene with CHVRCHES. We can never get enough of their live performances, and songs that are perfectly camouflaged in dance music to hide the painful truth behind the lyrics. We were so curious to see how this would be different from the band’s dynamic and what the night would expose. Mayberry‘s first single, “Are you awake?” is a little slower than what we’re used to but still catchy and lyric strong.

Fans gathered on the Seattle rainy night to show their love for the young Scottish star. Lauren took the stage wearing all black with the words ‘No Shame‘ written on each cheek in bedazzles and her signature eye make-up. She apologized for being a few minutes late as she was looking for her black tie to complete her outfit. A small riser was placed in the middle of the stage to help a very petite Mayberry be visible from a distance of Neumos in order for her fans to see her clearly. Accompanied by three female musicians, Lauren and her band came in and kicked off the night strong and ready to go showing the confidence only a weathered performer could display.

This would be an interesting night as most of us had not heard most of the new songs but were curious to see how it would all relate to what we already knew of Lauren’s artistic style. From the first moment we heard the beginning of “Bird,” and “Change Shapes,” we were hooked. The pop earworms, and their dancing routines gave way to a night filled with liveliness, excitement, and Lauren‘s feelings all over the venue floor.

It was really nice to see Lauren in such a small setting as the last time it was in a sold-out Paramount Theatre for CHVRCHES’ Screen Violence tour. There is something so magical about seeing an artist you love in a smaller venue. I feel like we were all part of something very special with such a talented artist, showing their first solo debut. Lauren chatted a lot with the audience of course, as she always does with her clever jokes and genuine smile captivating everyone. One of the highlights was after “Shame,” she covered Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” in her own way, which was really good. She also shared a funny story with us about the time, while touring in Seattle, where she first connected to her now boyfriend at a local bar.

Coming off a very fresh tour opening spot for the Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie she was inspired to share one of her favorite covers. She noted that she and the band learned it that day and that she’s honored to play in a city that is home to so many artists she looks up to. They covered “I Will Follow You Into the Dark,” and we just closed our eyes and followed her voice. The 10 song setlist went by very quickly but we couldn’t have been happier to be a part of the night. We can’t wait for the album to get released and to actually be able to hear all these songs.

Photos and words: Sophia Barkalakis @s.barkalakis