Morgan Wade Sells Out DC’s 9:30 Club Twice In One Week
Date: February 26th, 2023
Venue: 9:30 Club
Washington, DC
Morgan Wade Bares All With Her Music and On Stage
When you’re born in Virginia and release a debut album that provides so much vulnerability through incredible songwriting, paired with a mix of edgy country rock and softer emotionally charged vocals; it’s no surprise that so many people fall in love with you. It’s also those exact reasons that you can set-off on a tour that sells out every stop. Including two nights at D.C.’s iconic 9:30 Club all in one week. That’s exactly what drew me to be part of an incredible night of music with Virginia’s own, Morgan Wade. What’s up everyone, Derek here with another wonderful night of music in our nation’s capital.
As her Bio says, Morgan Wade “didn’t write to be a sensation, for critical acclaim or massive concert tours. She wrote to speak her truth, to save her own life – and perhaps throw a rope to others struggling”. Wade has quickly become the face and voice so many relate to as her songs don’t dance around some of the darker moments that some face in life, including the journey of addiction and sobriety. It’s this truthfulness that her fans and many beyond connect with and what eventually led her to make the decision to release her debut album ‘Reckless’. A gut punching album in itself and now in the form of a Deluxe Edition with 6 additional songs. All brought to life on this tour.
Getting the night started was a North Carolina native from just up the road from where I grew up in the city of Maiden, NC. Kyle Kelly.
Kelly has played shows all around North Carolina but was put in a larger spotlight with the success of his 2020 debut record “Lake Weekend”.
His look and sound draw inspiration from 70s and 80s classic rock while finding its own thread into today’s country music scene.
He kicked off his set with “Dancing with a Borrowed Angel” which immediately makes you feel as though you’re in a country bar (maybe Coyote Joe’s) with neon signs shining in the distance and a steel guitar to guide you through the night.
Throughout his set we got a few unreleased songs such as “The Way It Is”. We also got to witness the pure talent of Kelly and his band through song progressions, such as “Traveler’s Getdown”.
It began with a country feel but in the second half switched to more of a bluegrass feel as he and the boys gave us a little “chicken pickin’” jam throwdown.
Both versions are available to stream on your favorite streaming service, along with his latest EP ‘Lyin’” and single “Something to Remind Me”.
Shortly after, it was time for Virginia’s own to take the stage.
As the lights dimmed the crowd erupted in excitement as they cheered for their favorite songwriter and vocal powerhouse. The set began as she picked up her guitar and dove right with “Don’t Cry” as the song that set the tone for the night as its lyrics “face the truth and bare your soul” truly embodies the musician’s focus with her music and shows. Shortly after we were led into the sounds of “Last Cigarette” and the title track of her album with “Reckless”, all throughout you could tell she was taking in every second that she could to live in the moment with her fans and those who came to show their support and love for her music.
The tempo then shifted a little as the crowd began to sway, groove and sing along with Wade through “When the Dirt All Settles”. We were then presented with the song that introduced the world to Morgan Wade as the opening chords of “The Night” began to applaud and some took the time to pull out their phones to capture the song with such a strong message. “I tell my friends and they tell me that time will only do me well but I won’t shut my mouth, is it a rule down in the south that you can’t talk about your mental health” is a lyric that rings so true within track that focuses on the struggles of depression and suicidal thoughts.
This one song proved such a release for Wade in writing that it eventually came with a second part which was released late 2022 then as a full collection in February 2023. “The Night (Part 2)” immediately followed part 1 live and tells the story of the effects of Wade’s rise to stardom due to the song while also confronting the real life experiences of touring, sobriety and more that occur beyond the glam everyone believes comes with fame. Needless to say, two very powerful and important songs in both recorded and live form.
As the night continued so did the amazing music and memorable moments. Much like that found with “Take Me Away”. This was the song that first introduced me to Wade last year and it was clear that it was also a crowd favorite as the second chorus she gave to the room as everyone sang along creating a beautiful choral sound.
Then after a few cover songs including Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer” it was time to get a little more intimate as the band left the stage and Wade stood alone in the center with just her microphone and her guitar. In this time we got to experience the “Acoustic Session EP” live with songs like “Kelley’s Drive” and “Crossing State Lines”. Both truly showcasing the unique voice of Wade.
It wasn’t long after that it was time for the evening to come to an end as she performed the opening track to her album and the inspiration for the tours name and much of the merch with “Wilder Days”.
Be sure to check out her upcoming tour stops, including some recently announced shows running through May 2023 and eventually heading to the UK and Ireland. Don’t miss your chance to hear Morgan Wade in these beautiful venues and be on the lookout for new music by following her on social media.
If you happened to capture any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.
