grentperez performing at Webster Hall in New York City on November 1, 2023. All photos taken by Elizabeth Feirstein.
MICHELLE | Atlanta
The Lavender Tour is off to a great start, with a performance in Durham, NC under their belt, MICHELLE is giving fans what they want. The six-person collective comprised of Sofia D'Angelo, Julian Kaufman, Charlie Kilgore, Layla Ku, Emma Lee, and Jamee Lockard is knocking at your door with a new wave of music. Performing at Aisle 5 in the heart of Atlanta, MICHELLE is supported by Nickname Jos and Mitchy.
Your new favorite group from New York formed in 2018 and has been making bodies move ever since. From their latest album, AFTER DINNER WE TALK DREAMS, “Syncopate” pulses through the venue. “I can’t stop for more than a minute / it’s my body, I need you in it.” The 2-minute track, that has been on repeat since its release, is the perfect opener for MICHELLE’s first visit to Atlanta. Dancing in-sync next to one another, members of MICHELLE are more than just your average singers. The show is in full swing as the collective dances and weaves through their setlist. While “FYO” didn’t make it to an album, it’s great enough to make it to a show. Just released last year, this 3-minute pop hit is worth a listen.
The band remarks that Atlanta may be their loudest show yet, now putting Chicago in second place. Aisle 5 roars even louder to show their appreciation for the band as D’Angelo, Ku, Lee, and Lockard prepare for the next section. The set continues to unwind with “Talking to Myself,” “No Signal,” and “Expiration Date,” three hit songs from their latest album. MICHELLE performs their heartwarming song, “Sunrise,” which as the whole venue singing as loud as they can. Followed by “Looking Glass” and “Hazards,” patrons of Aisle 5 were in for a treat.
MICHELLE bodied each harmony and dance move, clearly having a good time amongst themselves, as they look out into the overly excited crowd. Popular tracks like, “Pose” and “Mess U Made” had fans yelling the lyrics back at full volume. Fans are sweaty and breathless as the set ends. The final notes of “The Bottom” play out and the band leaves the stage for a moment. Not too much time has passed before each member of MICHELLE comes out on stage again. An encore performance of “My Friends” plays out as everyone throws their hands in the air for one last time.
MICHELLE gave an iconic first performance in Atlanta and there’s still more to come. MICHELLE’s last date of tour is November 17, 2022 at AB Club overseas in Brussels, BE. If you can’t wait to syncopate, you can find MICHELLE on Instagram and Twitter (@wearemichelle). MICHELLE’s entire discography is available wherever you stream music!
Words by Kaylee Pickens
Photos by Diana Ward
Jain | New York City
Jain performing at Irving Plaza in New York City on November 1, 2018. All photos taken by Andrew Pintado.