Kelsy Karter's Pink, Kink & Punk Tour
Wednesday evening I saw Kelsy Karter at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood. Founded in 1957 by Doug Weston, “The Troubadour served as a launching pad for folk acts and comedians throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s.” Notable past performers include Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Lenny Bruce (who was arrested for obscenity charges) and even the cast of ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’. And on Wednesday, Kelsy Karter became a notable addition to this famous alumni row.
I discovered Karter’s music in a Starbucks back in 2019. Her song ‘Harry’ (a song about, you guessed it, Harry Styles) was playing in the background and I Shazamed it. The rest was history. I was a fan from then on. When I saw that her ‘Pink, Kink & Punk’ tour would be coming to LA, I grabbed tickets. Karter released her debut album “Missing Person” at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, so this is her first headlining adventure and I'm happy to say I was impressed.
From the get go, Karter knew how to command
the audience and looked as though she was having as much fun as the crowd. She interacted with audience members, even filming herself with fans' cellphones, and at every show she would give out a ‘Best Dressed’ fan award. All of her upbeat songs such as ‘Goodness Gracious’ and ‘Devil On My Shoulder’ were a hit, but for me it was her slower more emotional songs that really grabbed my attention. Her song ‘Villain’ quieted the room and ‘Liquor Store On Mars’ had me in my teary feels. She bared her soul by telling stories about ex lovers and her experiences with anxiety. Very real and very raw.
Karter brought out some fun special guests for the show like Goody Grace. The duo sang their song ‘Rest in Pieces’ for the first time live and Riley Thomas came up to play guitar for the latter end of the show. King Mala and Karter also sang a cover of the Little Big Town song, ‘Girl Crush’. Karter even stepped to the back of the stage for King Mala’s verse in order to give the artist the audience’s full attention. Classy move. Speaking of covers, Karter also made daring choices by singing the likes of Billie Eilish and Blondie, and she rocked both songs! Both covers felt authentic to the originals with a little Karter flair that made them sound new. She prefaced that she felt the Eilish song ‘Happier Than Ever’ was a rock song and she performed it as such. She used the tune to showcase her range. For the encore, she came out and sang the Blondie hit ‘Call Me’. It was an unexpected and perfectly timed rendition.
Karter’s band ‘The Hot Trash’ also rocked the joint! I especially want to give kudos to lead guitarist Matt Peach. What a talent! And shout outs are also in order for openers Kenzo Cregan and Brasko. Both frontmen and their bands put on stellar shows in their own right.
I'm so glad I got to see Kelsy Karter’s closing show of her tour and I am excited for her second album! Karter played a new song off of it at the show, giving the audience just a taste of what's to come. Who knows when it will be out, but I do know I will be listening!
LISTEN TO KELSY KARTER:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2mAAO54PkHr3NjdlRpzEDl?si=ueI14_GQS3m-DQGCNjfZ5A
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