Feature Image Credit Andrew Yuyi Truong
On July 30th, 2024, Cannery Hall in Nashville, TN, welcomed fans for a night of live music. The historic venue, known for its rich acoustics and intimate setting, hosted Babebee as the opener. Their performance set the stage for the main event with Hana Vu. The crowd, a mix of longtime followers and new listeners, eagerly awaited for the performers to take the stage.
First to take the stage for the evening was opener Babebee. Their performance, set against the backdrop of lightning flashing outside, was a mesmerizing experience. Performing solo with only the tracks on their computer, Babebee’s set was intimate and spellbinding. A standout moment was “Sunset Blvd,” a song written in a roommate’s dorm room, described by Babebee as “a cute name to a sad song.” They charmed the audience with their storytelling, seamlessly weaving songs and anecdotes together. Babebee’s unique blend of alt-rock, experimental dance, hyperpop, electro, and more at times evoked the essence of Metric’s Emily Haines while remaining distinctly their own. It is simply impossible to label this artist as any one thing. Another highlight was “Seven Minutes in Heaven,” an unreleased track. Babebee’s opening set left the audience swaying and wanting more. As they closed the set, many of the audience members were buzzing about being introduced to this artist.
Band:
Babebee / Vocals
Hana Vu took to the stage next and started their set with a flash that matched the stormy weather outside. The performance took off early with “Hammer,” a song that created a charge for the rest of the evening. Hana’s voice has a smokiness to it—soulful and powerful. Their music often conveyed themes of sadness and deep introspection yet at times felt downright dreamy. Blending singer-songwriter sensibilities with alt-rock, indie pop, dream pop, and sad girl music, Vu’s style is multifaceted and incredibly layered.
Hints of Alanis Morissette emerged when Vu allowed their voice to soar, perfectly paired with the band’s powerful drive. Elements of Fiona Apple, Lana Del Rey, and St. Vincent also seemed to influence the set, creating a rich tapestry of sounds that complemented Vu’s unique style. Vu’s lush voice and introspective lyrics showcased wisdom beyond their 24 years. Despite their young age, they have been making music since high school, giving them the presence of a seasoned performer.
A highlight of the evening was “Parking Lot,” where Vu’s rock vocals truly shone. The raw emotion in their voice and lyrics, paired with the haunting melody, created a moment of pure connection and reflection. The song “Dreams” came about mid-set and could quite literally take someone’s breath away with its ethereal beauty. The lyrics “And it’s easy to go on, go on / It’s easy to hold on, hold on / It’s easy to believe in dreams” had one concertgoer swaying with their eyes closed and their hand placed over their heart.
Another standout was “Love,” a song performed near the end of the set. The vulnerability and honesty in the lyrics, combined with Vu’s powerful delivery, surely left a lasting impression.
Between songs, Vu shared anecdotes, including a story about getting a tattoo of a snowman on their arm the last time they were in Nashville at age 19. These personal stories added a layer of intimacy to the performance, making the audience feel like they were getting to know the artist more than they might at a larger venue. The venue, though intimate and hosting a smaller crowd, was filled with energy. The audience was mighty, responding to Vu’s performance with enthusiastic cheers and applause.
As the set came to an end, Vu left everyone with a warm message: “Don’t forget to smile.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulated the evening’s blend of introspection and joy. Hana Vu’s performance was a journey through a landscape of dreamy melodies, powerful vocals, and poignant lyrics, leaving the audience both moved and uplifted.
Band:
Hana Vu / Vocals
Graham Littlejohn / Drums
Satchy (Satchel Brown) / Guitar
Unkown / Bass
Setlist:
1. Hammer
2. Alone
3. Airplane
4. Care
5. 22
6. Parking Lot
7. Dreams
8. Keeper
9. I Draw A Heart
10. April Food
11. Subway
12. Aubade
13. Love
14. How It Goes
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I am a Nashville-based live music photographer and visual artist. One of my earliest memories is sneaking up to the front of the venue with my parents’ disposable camera to try to capture photos of Martina McBride. I think I was about six. You can often find me traveling the world to catch my favorite artists in action. I have been lucky enough to shoot legends such as Stevie Nicks, Blondie, and Lucinda Williams.
