I walked into one of my favorite Seattle venues, Paramount Theatre, quickly getting my press pass from the box office and shuffling inside just in time for the opener, Lowertown, to hit the stage. Of all the crowds in my concert-going experience, beabadoobee’s audience is one of the most memorable. Modern concert culture has its ups and downs, but I appreciate the effort people put into what they wear. There was a sea of platform Doc Martens, buckled mini skirts, and smudged black eyeliner paired with faux freckles in imitation of Bea’s viral makeup look. Lowertown kicked off their set with sultry vocals, keys, and buzzing bass that had the room locked onto their performance. After their set, Bea took the stage in a casual fashion, trailing after her band as the lights transformed from blue to a warm yellow. She grabbed her hot pink guitar and the room was electrified.
Bea started her show with “Apple Cider” and “Talk,” getting the crowd to dance and sing along as her smile was reflected on the faces lining the barricade. The snare of the drum and vibrations from the guitars connected with the packed room of people with every beat. Lost in the fast-paced environment, I took a second to take in my surroundings. I turned around to the crowd behind me and saw hands extended, open-mouthed “I love you’s” and a pair of friends turning to each other to say “Oh my god she’s real.” Bea’s bright pink guitar was unmissable as she continued her performance, her music reminiscent of indie rock and British alternative pop. I found myself wanting to dance in the middle of shooting, and the other photographers, like me, were singing enthusiastically along to her songs. Whether you are a beabadoobee fan or not, both her artist persona and her fans have truly curated an environment where people can enjoy themselves freely.
The words “cute” and “adorable” are common words to describe her, but it’s also important to recognize beabadoobee’s growth and presence as an artist. Many of her current fans found her through her viral sampled feature on Powfu’s song “death bed (coffee for your head)” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her discography continued to grow with multiple of her songs featured on the soundtrack of Netflix hit show Heartstopper, and the music community on social media platforms like TikTok. She was one of the talented few to open for Taylor Swift during March and April on the record-breaking Eras Tour. Bea’s collected and interactive stage presence reflects that of a woman who adores performing for her fans and hearing her words sung back to her. Some of the first words she said on stage were along the lines of “We’re playing Paramount tonight which is fucking crazy. Like– Nirvana played here.”
Seeing girls compliment each other’s outfits and winged eyeliner is a part of the concert experience that will live on through shows like Bea’s. Her impression on Asian American youth and the positive ways she impacts her community as a Filipina artist is undeniable. Her new song “the way things go” is taking over Spotify playlists and videos alike, and is already a favorite amongst her fans. Bragging rights moment: she ended up reposting one of my photographs to her Instagram which cemented my love for her. I can’t wait to see how she continues to take over the world with her songs and endearing personality.
