As I’m putting together my next album and planning its release, I’ve been reflecting on an unforgettable live show I saw last weekend—Maggie Rogers and Ryan Beatty. Both artists brought their own unique touch to their performances, creating experiences that felt raw, intimate, and larger-than-life all at once. I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from them and thought it’d be fun to share the ideas I’m considering for my own album and release show.
Setting the Stage: Visuals that Tell a Story
One thing that stuck with me from Ryan Beatty’s show was how he opened his set. The stage was simple but powerful: a tree stump with an axe stuck in it, spotlighted in isolation. As the show started, he appeared sitting on the stump, making a quiet but impactful entrance. The atmosphere was immediately set before he even played a note. It’s amazing how something so simple can set the tone for the entire night.
I’m thinking of ways to bring that same intentionality to my own stage design. Maybe it’s not a tree stump and axe, but something that visually tells the story of my album before the music begins. And using lighting creatively—like spotlighting specific props or instruments—can help make that first moment feel even more special.
Live Visuals: A Cinematic Touch
Ryan Beatty also used live video in a way that felt really intimate. His performance was captured in black-and-white and displayed on screens behind him, with poetic phrases fading in and out during the songs. It gave the whole set a raw, cinematic vibe that added another layer to the music.
For my show, I’m thinking about incorporating live visuals too—maybe not on big screens like Ryan, but finding a way to project a real-time video feed that captures the rawness of the performance. Adding in short poetic phrases or lyrics that tie into the themes of the songs could help reinforce the emotions I’m trying to share.
Engaging the Audience: Meaningful Interactions
Maggie Rogers absolutely nailed audience interaction during her set. She had this beautiful moment where they turned on the cameras and created a "kiss cam" effect. Couples in the audience were encouraged to kiss, and it turned into a spontaneous, heartwarming moment where the crowd felt really connected to the music and each other.
I’m considering how to create those kinds of interactions in my own way. While smaller clubs and bars don’t have big screens, I could adapt this idea to encourage audience participation, maybe through their phones or just by making a connection in the moment. It doesn’t have to be a "kiss cam" exactly, but the idea of turning the spotlight onto the audience for a song or two really appeals to me.
The Spectacle and the Intimate
One of Maggie Rogers’ biggest moments was when she strut down the catwalk during her hit song, confetti raining down from the ceiling. It was a magical, movie-like moment, and even she admitted it felt like something out of a dream.
While I probably won’t have access to confetti cannons in the clubs I’ll be playing, I can still recreate a moment of celebration and energy. Maybe it’s handing out glow sticks or confetti packets for the audience to throw at a key moment. It’s all about creating a shared experience where everyone feels the energy of that climactic song.
On the other hand, another moment from Maggie’s set stood out to me just as much: when she sat at the piano, lit some incense, and talked vulnerably with the audience. She even took a request from a fan holding up a sign, messed up the lyrics, laughed about it, and moved on. It was real, raw, and personal—and that’s when she truly won me over. Watch a clip here.
For my show, I want to embrace that same vulnerability. Taking a break from the performance to just talk with the audience, share stories about the songs, or even take requests could create a real connection. Those unscripted, imperfect moments can sometimes be the most memorable.
Making It Meaningful
Lastly, I’ve been thinking about how to connect the show with something bigger, like Maggie and Ryan did. Maggie used a service called Propeller to allow fans to support causes, like abortion clinics, through a simple text or QR code. It made the concert feel like more than just a performance—it felt like a community coming together for a cause.
I’m considering incorporating something similar into my own shows, tying it back to the themes of the album and giving the audience a way to engage with something meaningful. Whether it’s supporting a cause I care about or finding a way to give back, this feels like an important addition to the experience.
Bringing It All Together
All of these ideas—from the visuals to the audience interaction—are really about creating a live show that feels personal, connected, and true to the themes of my album. Whether it’s a small, intimate club or a bigger venue, I want to make sure that everyone in the room feels something, whether it’s the magic of a confetti drop or the intimacy of a quiet, vulnerable moment.
I can’t wait to bring these ideas to life and share this new album with you all!
Let me know what you think or if there’s anything you’d love to see at the show!
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