MAISIE PETERS CAPTIVATING AT O2 APOLLO MANCHESTER 21ST OCTOBER 2023

October 23, 2023
UK Concert Reviews
by Billy Seagrave Photographer/Writer

WORDS / IMAGES BILLY SEAGRAVE

Kicking off the evening was Gretta Ray, a talented Australian singer-songwriter hailing from Melbourne, Victoria. In 2016, she claimed victory in both the national Triple J Unearthed radio competition for bands and songwriters, and the prestigious 2016 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition with her song “Drive.” To this day, Ray boasts a discography that includes two studio albums, “Begin to Look Around” (2021) and “Positive Spin” (2023), along with the EPs “Elsewhere” (2016) and “Here and Now” (2018). Her live performance was nothing short of enchanting, as she effortlessly connected with her audience, engaging them as if they were old friends through candid conversations between songs. With her instinctive stage presence, she painted vivid imagery beyond mere words.

During her performance, she opened up, sharing some of her most vulnerable lyrics in her distinctive, melodious voice. Gretta’s clever lyrics and folk-inspired storytelling perfectly complemented the electronic pop elements found throughout her music. This special evening was a fusion of her past and future works, a celebration not only of her debut album “Begin to Look Around” but her artistic and personal journey.

Masie Peters, the rising star of the indie-pop scene, graced the stage of the O2 Apollo, Manchester to deliver a captivating live performance that left the audience shouting for more. The night was filled with her soulful lyrics, magnetic stage presence, and that undeniable connection she has with her fans.

From the moment Masie Peters stepped onto the stage, her energy was infectious. Her genuine enthusiasm and passion for her music and delivering it in a live setting was immediately evident, setting the tone for the entire evening. Kicking the night of with “The Good Witch” and “Coming Of Age” the crowd’s noise level went up to 10 as she showcased her remarkable vocal talent.

One of the standout features of the performance was Masie’s ability to create an intimate atmosphere in a larger venue. Her stage banter was warm and humorous, making the audience feel like they were spending time with a close friend. This personal touch, combined with her relatable and heartfelt songwriting, just intensifies the connection to her fans.

The setlist leant heavily on her latest long player the “Good Witch” which was to be expected and its not a bad thing as its a great album, but there was also a well-curated mix of her most beloved tracks, including hits like “Cates brother” and “Not Another Rockstar.” The audience swayed, sang along. Her songwriting has a unique ability to capture the essence of youth, love, and heartbreak.

Masie’s live band was outstanding, adding depth and texture to her already captivating melodies. The seamless blend of instruments, from acoustic guitars to synths, brought her music to life in a way that’s difficult to replicate in a studio recording. The chemistry between Maisie and her band members was palpable.

My highlight of the night was the emotional rendition of “Lost The Breakup” Maisie’s delivery was poignant and sincere. It was evident that she poured her heart into every lyric and note.

Masie Peters delivered an unforgettable live performance that demonstrated her artistic prowess and the depth of her connection with her fans. Her ability to create an intimate and emotionally resonant atmosphere in a live setting is a testament to her talent as a performer. If you have the opportunity to see Masie Peters live, don’t hesitate – her performances are a musical journey filled with genuine emotion and relatable stories.