Concert Review: Olivia O’Brien Teaches Bowery To Love Itself

As I watch more young women rise in the music industry, I’ve realized that part of my Historically, and presently, women have had so much pressure to be an image that felt unreal because it was un-relatable. We are not dolls. We have periods, will always go crazy for childlike, “girlie” things such as Hannah Montana, and, like men, don’t want to be bothered by emotional BS. Such themes were approached at Bowery Ballroom, where Olivia O’ Brien proved that the next generation of Pop- R&B Stars are going to be boldly human. 

Make no mistake! I could not rock purple hair or a pair of shorts that asked onlookers to not look at my d*ck. If I even tried to wear such an outfit, I would be returned home (lol!) Thus, Olivia still felt like an unattainable image of cool, but she was also the audience’s friend. From Sasha Sloan to Ella Mai, Olivia garners a similar fanbase that sees her like their dream BFF; the one they could do a make-up video with and then proceed to cry out their mascara over a silly ex. Her ability to be approachable, funny, and warm, while seeming to have her own, “Purple World,” struck the balance that many in the industry desire in an artist. She makes you look up in admiration and look within for self- love (“Love Myself”). 

“I Don’t Exist,” “RIP,” “F**K Feelings,” and “Inhibitions” turned Olivia’s concert into a chill, cathartic girl’s night out. Her fans sung her songs, as if she had put into verse their every break-up, and ignited conversations that had women dropping their masks to reveal a truth: life can suck, and women, especially, are not protected from that fact. Songs such as, “Hate U Love U,” “Trust Issues” and “We Lied To Each Other”  have Olivia, lyrically, whirling over how women are told to “Care Less More,” but are consistently defined and placed, by others/men, in situations that are emotionally tumultuous. How could you not feel your own heart break? As a human being journeying through life, of course, you are going to struggle, but such hardships feel double when people doubt humanity even exists in you. 

From “Just A Boy” To “Tequilawine,” Olivia O’Brien’s soft voice stepped unto the daily sentiments of a woman learning to love herself. Vocally, she maneuvers her voice like one would affirmation or determining conversations; amplifying her power or prowess when hitting a verse that strikes a personal chord with her. She is not just another singer that wants to earn a crowd; she is also a person that wants to empower. For More Information On Olivia O’Brien Click Here.