Irving Plaza is a cool theatre with adequate spacing and an edgy aesthetic. The black flooring, railing and stairs worked well with the color schemed backdrop on stage. The main floor started to fill and folks were spotted heading upstairs to VIP which was a balcony view of the stage. I enjoyed a cocktail named after a "Fin" track; I believe mine was "Body", composed of vodka, coke and some spritzer. The crowd was so cool. Alternative black girls filled the space; and surprisingly quite a few men where in the building. It's cool to see men come out to support a woman who may not typically desire men sexually. Syd also made sure to show the fellas love too. Other folks were also present; which shows how her work resonates with so many different people.
DJ Kitty Cash gave a good set. The Brooklyn based DJ provided alternative and R&B tracks with a smooth dance/party mix. We were definitely receptive to it and the dj was sending out great energy. She had a faux ending at first but charmed the crowd and kept going. When she was actually done, she dedicated her last song to us and it was a very suitable one: "Turn my Swag On" by Soulja Boy.
As we applauded the illustrious DJ Kitty Cash, Kari Faux almost suddenly appeared on stage and started her set. She is at a level of carefree black girl that I envy. From her street style, faux locs and music, Kari Faux was being her most authentic self. I love how her lyrics are blatant roasts and callouts with an even toned delivery. At moments I felt called out, but I loved it. It further attested to her unbothered lifestyle, which for Kari Faux, I believe is one lived on and off the stage.
Many of her well known work is on Insecure and she gave the show a shout out. It was also fun thinking about the different scenes her tracks were played to while witnessing her in person. The audience loved her and visibly enjoyed her set by throwing our hands up, dancing and singing along with the artist. Kari Faux made a perfect fit as Syd's opening act; especially because she kilt it! I mean she asked us if we minded her taking off her shoes and then she twerked! How could we not love her?
There was an intermission before Syd came out, full of more alternative and R&B sounds. When Syd finally came out, people either calmed down or started hyping up. Syd blessed the crowd with all the tracks from "Fin" and the experience was amplified by the die hard fans in the building. Everyone was in their zone, singing out their favorite songs with the soulful artist. This was evident for me when "Dollar Bills", "Drown in It" and "No Complaints" were performed.
This was my second time seeing Syd perform and the effect she has on people remains the same. Her appearing on stage brings a sense of peace in the room. She is sensual and angelic without doing too much. Just in her light lip bite, the lustful look in her eyes and the moments inclined to dance, you see Syd is embracing herself in many ways. This is powerful to me and many of her fans. Her gratitude for having her first show in New York was humbling too. It was an honor to be able to kick off her tour with her and I know we set the tone for following shows.
She had a faux ending with her beautiful song "insecurities" that had everyone helping out on the repeats. Syd didn't even have to ask us to do those parts. Everyone just started blurting them out (and with fairly good melody I might add). Before starting the song she blessed us with a gem by saying "I'm trying to love myself more these days. I know I''m not the only one who goes through that in here. We all got insecurities." She thanked us again and headed off the stage, but then came back full-forced singing "All About Me". It goes without saying how the audience responded. Syd is so amazing because even though her excitement is subtle it's always clear when she is having a great time; and that was evident while ending the show. Syd's humility and chill persona is a part of her charm and it brings us fans content to see her rise to her accolades.
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