DWLLRS performing at The Echo in Los Angeles, CA on March 21, 2025. All photos taken by Samantha Wong.
Spencer Sutherland | New York City
The Drama, The Throne, The Dream: Spencer Sutherland’s Royal Night at Irving Plaza
Spencer Sutherland turned Irving Plaza into his own personal kingdom with The Drama tour. Opening with “Welcome to the Show,” the first track off his latest album, he immediately drew the crowd into his world — a place where Spencer Sutherland is wholly and unapologetically himself in the most vivacious and captivating way.
His stage presence was unreal — a whirlwind of jumps, kicks, and unrestrained emotion and contagious energy that enveloped Irving Plaza. A massive throne stood upstage, a nod to the dramatic theme of the tour, and Sutherland to enhance the fun, witty theatrics of the night. Jumping straight into the high-energy hit “Alive,” he had the entire crowd hyped, setting the tone for a night full of energy, emotion, and — fittingly — drama.
One of the evening’s most touching moments came after he performed “Melanie,” the first slower song of the set. As the final note faded, Sutherland took a breath, gazing out at the crowd with tears glimmering in his eyes. It was evident he was getting emotional, almost like it hit him that he’s no longer just a guy with a guitar trying to make it. Now, he’s standing in front of a packed New York City crowd, hearing them sing his lyrics back to him. It was an “I made it” moment — the kind of raw, unfiltered emotion that defines a true artist. There he stood, just him and his guitar, reflecting on how far he had come, with an entire NYC audience hanging on every word. It was real, it was raw, and honestly, it was breathtaking to witness.
Then, in true Spencer Sutherland fashion, he flipped the energy right back. Disappearing from the stage, he suddenly reappeared in the balcony, surprising everyone in the pit. From there, he sang “Modern Heartbreak,” —a personal favorite of mine— milking the drama with extra vocal runs before joking, “Well, this is The Drama tour,” like the self-aware king he is.
The night was full of surprises, including an unexpected yet explosive cover of Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” which sent the crowd into a frenzy. In between songs, Sutherland kept expressing his love for New York, promising to come back every tour, and even jokingly thanked the crowd for choosing his show over “Jonas-con” happening the same day. After witnessing the genuine connection he had with the NYC audience, I believe it.
Spencer Sutherland didn’t just meet expectations — he shattered them. I already adored his music, but every song felt bigger, bolder, and more dynamic live. “Put Your Money on Me” became an instant new favorite. I heard it on the record when he released it, but watching it live gave it an entirely different energy.
Spencer Sutherland is an artist with superstar quality — a distinctive voice, a magnetic presence, and an unapologetic sense of self. He has a clear, confident artistic identity, and it’s easy to see why he’s on a rapid rise. I left Irving Plaza not just as a fan of his music but as a fan of the artist he is becoming. Wherever his journey takes him next, one thing is for sure — his New York fans, myself included, will be eagerly waiting.
Words and photos by Jessie Eshak
Last Dinosaurs | Philadelphia
Last Dinosaurs performing at Union Transfer in Philadelphia, PA on March 21, 2025. All photos taken by AnnaMarie Otor.
Pom Pom Squad | Dallas
Pom Pom Squad performing at Club Dada in Dallas, TX on March 23, 2025. All photos taken by Maia Tharp.
Mac Ayres | Seattle
Mac Ayres performing at The Crocodile in Seattle, WA on March 9, 2025. All photos taken by Christa Yaranon.
Fana Hues | Brooklyn
Fana Hues performing at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn, NY on March 19, 2025. All photos taken by Brandon Lu.
The Orphan The Poet | Philadelphia
The Orphan The Poet performing at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, PA on February 28, 2025. All photos taken by Cami Liberty.
K.Flay | Atlanta
K.Flay performing at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA on March 19, 2025. All photos taken by Joanna Barronton.
Yot Club | El Paso
Yot Club performing at Lowbrow Palace in El Paso, TX on March 17, 2025. All photos taken by Isaac Nunez.
Killswitch Engage | Vancouver
Killswitch Engage (with support from Kublai Khan TX and Fit For A King) performing at Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, BC on March 19, 2025. All photos taken by Emma-Jane Dotchuk.
Ratboys | New York City
Ratboys performing at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City on March 12, 2025. All photos taken by Emily Teubner.
Glixen | Minneapolis
On Friday, March 7th, Minneapolis-based shoegaze band she's green took the stage at the 7th St Entry, delivering a performance that captivated both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Being a newcomer myself, I enjoyed watching the crowd slowly fall in love with their heavy bass-focused tunes that drew you right in. The quintet—vocalist Zofia Smith, guitarists Liam Armstrong and Raines Lucas, bassist Teddy Nordvold, and drummer Kevin Seebeck—have been making waves with their ethereal sounds and vibes.
Although they were playing as openers for Arizona band Glixen, they set the bar high for the night with an incredibly professional yet fun performance of their album full of dreamy melodies.
They opened with "Smile Again," a track that has become a crowd favorite. As "Tarmac" built into a powerful crescendo, Smith's longing vocals resonated deeply with the audience. Her presence on stage was so comfortable and she seemed to be having so much fun dancing around on stage, oftentimes joining her bandmates for certain sections of her songs. They all evidently have built a lot of trust with each other, and it created a seamless performance. she’s green also expressed being grateful to be able to play a hometown show, as they’d been out on the road for a bit. Although the weather was bitter cold, it was warm and glowy in the 7th Street Entry.
Throughout their performance, the band's chemistry was evident. Armstrong and Lucas' guitar interplay created an awesome, constant backdrop, while Nordvold's bass lines and Seebeck's drumming provided a solid foundation. Smith's vocals were heard loud and clear, effortlessly blending with the instrumentals to produce ethereal energy around the whole venue.
The band's gratitude towards their Minneapolis roots was palpable. A heartfelt shout-out from the band really drove home their appreciation for the local music scene. This sentiment resonated with the audience, fostering a sense of community throughout the performance. Everyone felt grateful to be part of an awesome evening. They ended their set with a group selfie with the crowd, and it was a perfect way to end the evening that blended the local music scene, with their up and coming success.
Also on the line up for the evening was headliner, Glixen. Glixen is a Phoenix-based alt-indie band that has a super hazy, unique sound that blends elements of shoe gaze and alternative rock. They captivated the audience, song after song and shared their gratitude to the attentive Minneapolis crowd.
Words and photos by Daniela Shella
A R I Z O N A | Los Angeles
A R I Z O N A performing at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, CA on February 28, 2025. All photos taken by Christa Yaranon.
Aaron Watson | Uncasville
Aaron Watson performing at Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT on March 1, 2025. All photos taken by Samantha Crowley.
Alex Sampson + Garrett Adair | Philadelphia
Garrett Adair and Alex Sampson performing at The Foundry in Philadelphia, PA on February 7, 2025. All photos taken by Cami Liberty.
Jigitz | Brooklyn
Jigitz performing at Elsewhere in Brooklyn, NY on February 27, 2025. All photos taken by Inés Valencia.
Sid Simons | New York City
Sid Simons performing at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City on February 27, 2025. All photos taken by Olive Jolley.
Good Neighbours | Brooklyn
As the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted in anticipation, eager for Good Neighbours to take the stage. The opening of the set was nothing short of magical. With synths pulsing through the speakers combined with echoes of their voices, the audience was transported into another world. When the band finally stepped onto the stage, a voiceover echoed through the speakers, delivering the iconic line from Ferris Bueller's Day Off: “I've said it before and I'll say it again. Life moves pretty fast, and if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” It was a charming, nostalgic moment that set the tone for the night, capturing the spirit of coming-of-age perfectly.
From the second the band hit the first notes of the song “Keep It Up,” everyone in the venue was moving, dancing along to the beat of the music. Although the majority of the crowd was there for Foster The People, Good Neighbours walked away with a new set of fans. Additionally, the majority of the front row knew all of the words and were wearing Good Neighbours merch.
In between sets, one fan even requested that the band sign his EP vinyl of Good Neighbours. This was a really special moment for both the fan and the band. While opening acts often perform to crowds that aren't familiar with their music, this audience was clearly well-versed in Good Neighbours’ lyrics. It was evident that the band was soaking in the love, as fans passionately sang back every word, creating an electric, mutual appreciation. The connection between the band and the crowd was undeniable, and you could see how much they were feeding off each other’s energy.
It was an all-ages crowd, with people of every generation present, and dancing along to the beats. The East London band's sound is unique, blending a touch of British flair with alternative pop and synchronized rhythms. What really stood out to me was the lead singer, who showcased a remarkable vocal range while also absolutely nailing the drums—a rare and impressive combination, one that isn’t seen too frequently anymore.
Among the band’s hits, the crowd went especially crazy for their unreleased song, “Starry Eye,” that they’ve been teasing at for a while now. The band involved both sides of the venue, having them sing opposing parts of the song. This was a really engaging moment as everyone felt included in this moment, both if they did or didn’t know the band.
As if their energy wasn’t enough, the drummer really stole the show with his exciting and contagious energy. He really showed a more personable side of him, wearing a quirky NYC meatball shirt that perfectly encapsulated the fun vibe of the entire performance, as well as his personality.
There was never a moment when the band stood still. They moved across the stage, waving at fans, bringing even more intensity to the performance, especially when the band encouraged the crowd to sing along. It was the kind of audience interaction that makes a show unforgettable. They even passed around a camera from the back of the venue to the front, for fans to take photos, further engaging and connecting with old and new fans.
The closing song was an absolute highlight—a fun and playful moment where the crowd really let loose in what felt like a “mannequin challenge” on stage, with everyone freezing for a moment. The crowd went absolutely crazy as the final notes rang out. It was the perfect send-off, filled with love, laughter, and pure joy.
Good Neighbours has a bright future ahead of them, and I can’t wait to hear more from them. Their sound, stage presence, and infectious energy have a way of making you feel like you’re right there with them, living in the moment. If you ever get the chance to see them live, don’t miss it. They’re well on their way to becoming the next big indie sensation.
Words and photos by Catherine Herber
MAX | New York City
MAX performing at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City on February 23, 2025. All photos taken by Jared Callaway.
almost monday | Los Angeles
almost monday performing at The Echoplex in Los Angeles, CA on February 22, 2025. All photos taken by Dean Symonds.