Re: SET Concert Series Makes its Way Through the DMV
Jacob Castillo
The first-year concert series was built under the premise of providing “an artist and fan-friendly alternative to the standard summer concert experience”. By simultaneously having artists perform in three given host cities at a time on a rotating basis they guarantee an easy day that not only guarantees full sets from each given artist but cuts out any conflicts throughout the day by locating to one stage.
We were lucky enough to cover the second day at Merriweather Post Pavilion which featured an incredible lineup from top to bottom starting with Fousheé. Stemming from the roots her mother planted who was a drummer in a Jamaican female Reggae band, Fousheé developed an influence of music from all types of genres. This was put on full display Saturday night showcasing a soothing blend of R&B and Rap in a solo performance in front of a folded mirror display.
Toro y Moi who you might know from his massive hit collaboration with Flume in “The Difference” took the stage next. Somewhat an enigma when it comes to music the artist appears to hate being locked into one subset of music. Displaying a large range of musical talent Toro y Moi captivated the crowd with hypnotic vocals and minimal stage production. Drawing focus into the performance itself instead of the glamor added a much refreshing take on live music.
Much like his counterpart James Blake took the crowd under his command. With a linear stage set up from left to right, Blake took the attention off of himself and presented his fellow bandmates as equals. This led to an intimate performance that was nothing short of breathtaking. With dream-like vocals accompanying beautiful piano sequences. This comes as no surprise from someone who’s collaborated with the likes of Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Bon Iver among others. The crowd couldn’t get enough basking in the beauty of the moment, a surprising lack of phones in the air which is pretty uncommon these days. Really just an all-rounded incredible performance wrapping up the opening performances to make way for the main act in Steve Lacy.
Nowadays people tend to put Steve Lacy in a box of just another musician that is a product of TikTok popularity. Anyone who knows the artist knows that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Beneath the surface, you have an individual that has co-produced a Grammy-nominated album before he was even out of high school in The Internet’s Ego Death. After this, he went on to contribute to projects by Denzel Curry, Kali Uchis, J-Cole, and Kendrick Lamar. Some would say he was destined for success. Producer, songwriter, and musician, among all these titles he is a performer to the core. This was on full display Saturday night as concertgoers were treated to an electrifying set. In front of a set of monitors displaying a gigantic version, the anticipation was at an all-time high. The lights suddenly cut, to the roar of the crowd, and with a flash of the lights Lacy appeared to the tune of “Cody’s Freestyle.”
Dawned in all black Lacy worked the stage from side to side, guitar in hand. Feeling the crowd singing along, he radiated confidence smiling regularly as the crowd sang along. After singing his hit song “Buttons” he addressed the crowd “Where the f**K am I” he said with a chuckle after interacting with the crowd they settled on the DMV. From there on Lacy developed a connection and rapport with the audience that would pay dividends throughout the night. After kindly asking the crowd not to hold up their phones asking for requests he continued on, shedding his trenchcoat for a leotard with slacks. In a staggering 21-song set Lacy brought the energy with a live band, complete with backup singers, and really added an extra element to his music that you can’t get on the studio recordings. Insane sequences of guitar riffs showcased his musical talent while staying in key the entire time. Throughout the night Steve would chat with the crowd more notable than the others was a revelation shared by the singer stating how in writing these songs he was “tormented, and alone” and in sharing in the experience of a show together and everyone singing along how his fans take that away from him and experience it with others, even taking the time to sign goodies from the crowd on stage. Garnering the audience he had everyone take the lead in starting his hit “Static” exploding into the end of his set which featured “Bad Habit” and “Dark Red.” Without an encore, Lacy ended with a bang. Cast in front of a tremendous display of red, the band played out the rest of the song to applause. Steve hit a bow and exited the stage, capping off a memorable performance for the DMV.
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