Girl in Red Enchants sold out Seattle crowd
One of our most favorite albums to listen to during the pandemic was, if I could make it go quiet, and we never stopped loving it. Girl in Red has been on the rise and her debut record only proved just how much impact she’s had over the last few years. The vulnerability and truth in her words has been something so many people can relate to, sometimes as if they were writing their own stories.
We were thrilled to head to Showbox SoDo for the long-awaited rescheduled date from the spring, finally able to listen to our favorite songs. Her tours around the globe this year have been mostly sold out and Seattle was no exception. Excited fans lined up ahead of time ready to claim a spot as close as possible.
The night started off with Blake Rose taking the stage, someone we hadn’t heard before, but someone I’m sure we will again. He had most of the tracks filled through playback accompanied by a drummer for his set. He was all smiles and engaged with the audience with confidence captivating them while playing tracks from his album, A World Gone By. It was a packed room already so I’m sure that felt great, almost as if it was his own show.
A little after nine the anticipation was finally over, and Girl in Red took the stage along with her five touring members. Kicking off a very energy filled “You Stupid Bitch,” the audience was right there with her screaming and singing along. She stopped to say hi after and tell us that she flew in from LA that morning and was sitting upstairs ever since. She did have time to read a 12-year old’s letter and she found her in the crowd and thanked her. She also gave her a swag bag to show how much she appreciated that, which was really sweet.
During a very loud “Girls,” it felt like everyone had their phones out recording the song and towards the end she turned her mic around and let them have it. I don’t think I’ve heard a louder crowd in that room until now. Much of the night continued in that manner which made the show feel so alive, the way we enjoy it. Seeing the audience so engaged and so into Girl in Red only validated just how much she means to people who are listening. People who often don’t have anyone they can relate to in the mainstream, representation matters so much, and tonight was proof of that.
Before “We Fell in Love in October,” she actually shared a new song that will be released within the next month, and it sounded so incredible. Just her on the guitar standing in front of her adoring fans.
The show picked up in volume as her hits “Serotonin,” and “Bad Idea” played making it hard to even hear her at times. We did think the show would be a little more chill given her songs are mostly about heartbreak, but she found a way to make everyone feel alive which was astonishing.
A dedicated fan was able to hold a flower bouquet above her that Girl in Red noticed right after a fun “Did You Come?” which she took and thanked her for it. For the last song, “I wanna be your girlfriend,” she guided the crowd to split down the middle of the venue and she actually walked down towards the FOH. There was so much tension in the room as she pumped people up during the last part and then everyone exploded in dancing around uniting both sides again. I have no idea how she got out of there safe, but she made it back to the stage. If you have a chance to experience Girl in Red do not miss the opportunity, she’s amazing live.
Words and photos: @s.barkalakis
