Concert Review: Phoebe Ryan Is Sweet And Real In Brooklyn
When you think of Phoebe Ryan, you might think of a sweet, tiara wearing pop princess, which she truly is! Her EP, James, might as well have been the sonic version of a cotton candy machine; whipping up a every fluffy feeling you lost in a break-up. Thus, while I expected her to be glitter and glam on Music Hall of Williamsburg’s stage, instead, what I received was a nerdy, kind, and green-haired woman whose sugary vocals are laced with raw, bitter wonder. (P.S. I am a nerd so when I say it I mean it proudly!)
Phoebe Ryan – Forgetting All About You ft. Blackbear
When you look up Phoebe Ryan, you probably see the glitzy pictures and the poppy videos that make her appear distant but lovely. Mainstream music thrives on the idea that you can touch but never attain. You would LOVE for Beyonce to be your best friend, as she technically soundtracks your day to day hustle, but, instead, you can pray to her like a deity. (Get the picture!/ Prayer Suggestions?). I make that point because Ryan was so stripped and bare in her concert. In all black, she came and sang her songs like they were the greatest hits of Aretha Franklin. Sure, the stage electrified with neon lights and her own colorful emanations/ passions for her songs. Tracks like, “Chronic, “Aspirin”, “Dark Side”, and “We Won’t” were presented not for their “pop” sensibilities but their powerful ones. Yes, is “ready-made” for radio, but, in concert, she is prepped for the times when radio fun is not cutting it, or when light-hearted sing alongs need to transform into deeper, soul-reaching tracks. The transformation is fascinating because, frankly, I did not expect it. Maybe, it was hubris or pure lack of knowledge, but I thought I was just going to have fun, “singing out loud” glory, which I did, but there was also sincere feelings that backed Ryan’s presence and delivery.
Phoebe Ryan – Be Real (Audio)
You can make a song for the masses, but, in a performance, you have to reach the individual. “Be Real” or “Dead” are just a few tracks that scooped all the melted, “ice cream” dreams you had at giving yourself to a life/ love opportunity and being deemed not good enough. The sentiment drove out something I had caught in James EP, but I had full realized: Phoebe Ryan is make big music for those that feel like less. Nearly every track, for however bombastic, was about the moments you felt like the lesser party in a grand gala/relationship. Having that vibe made the crowd connect to each other and Phoebe through an honest, but still delicious pop soundscape. For more information On Phoebe Ryan Click Here.
Phoebe Ryan – James Has Changed (Audio)
