Katie Gavin Kicks Off Solo Tour in Seattle

We were thrilled to head down to Neumos to catch Katie Gavin‘s first show of the What A Relief tour kicking off in Seattle. Gavin recently released her first solo record, and her tour has been sold out with most places adding second shows. The talented singer/songwriter who is best known as the lead singer in the band Muna is taking a little bit of a detour to work on her own stuff. We’ve been big fans of Muna since they started and as they’ve reached larger audiences last few years with their switch to Phoebe Bridgers‘ label and the release of Muna.

The band made massive waves while touring with Taylor Swift and Boygenius and saw paramount success. We had no expectations of what this would look like but after hearing Gavin’s solo work we really liked the music and were happy to hear it alive for the first time. Fans filled the venue early and caught opener Nana Adjoa as she took the stage first. Nana also joined Gavin later on for her set as the second member in the mostly stripped-down set.

After her enjoyable set, it was time for Gavin to take the floor and you could feel the excitement in the room. Gavin took the stage full of smiles carrying a teapot with two cups that looked like strawberries. She proudly shared that she had found them earlier that day hanging out and walking around and visiting a World Market. Throughout the night, Gavin made a lot of jokes and had good conversations with the fans and really made it feel like she was singing in her living room, and we were all there just sitting around, listening to her beautiful words and music.

Even though this was very different than the big shows that Muna puts on, we really enjoyed it, and it felt special to witness this different version of Gavin. In this part of herself that was more relaxed with slower songs with just Adjoa accompanying her. She’s the one usually dancing around and performing so seeing her playing a variety of different instruments was a pleasure. You could tell she was a bit nervous starting but then that went away as her talent took over.

We were really happy that she came through the city and played a couple shows and that she’s doing this album. We really enjoy seeing people in bands and then as solo performers as it’s so interesting to see that different side of them. If she comes around the town soon again hopefully this spring or summer, make sure you catch your live. This is not the typical Muna show, but it’s very much the same vibe that Gavin brings to all her shows and spaces. The sense of community, compassion, vulnerability and the sense of belonging. We can’t wait to see this artist grow in the coming years and what will be next. Whatever she puts her name on is magical.

Highlights included: Aftertaste, Sparrow, The Baton, Keep Walking, As Good As It Gets.