Katie Gavin finished out her 'What A Relief' Tour at Chicago’s Thalia Hall with a sold out semi-hometown show! Previously, the tour sold out shows all across North America and the UK. She started with folk festivals in Rhode Island and Illinois, then made her way through London, Cali, and a plethora of other cities before landing back in Chicago.
The singer-songwriter, originating from the burbs of Chicago, is best known for being the lead singer and front-person of Cali-based band MUNA. This past year, Gavin released her first official solo project What A Relief. The 12 track album is heavily distanced from MUNA’s typical synth-pop sound, stripping down to blue-grass/folk music featuring tracks Gavin previously wrote but didn’t quite match MUNA’s sound.
Katie quietly entered the stage lighting incense and pouring herself a cup of tea, immediately setting the intimate vibe for the evening. She opened the set with 'Today,' a fitting track about clarity and making change in your own life. Fans were treated to the typical setlist which highlighted tracks from What A Relief, including a particularly tender moment when performing 'Sweet Abby Girl,' a track about Gavin’s late dog. Throughout the setlist, Gavin was able to show off chops as an instrumentalist, playing guitar, piano, violin and the shruti box.
The musician was surrounded by friends and family for this hometown show. Not only were both her Dad and Step-Dad in attendance, but she was joined by many special guests on stage. Essential for a Katie Gavin show, she was accompanied by Amsterdam-based opener, Nana Adjoa, on both guitar and piano. On drums, was the original drummer for MUNA, Scott Heiner, and close friend, Eric Radloff (AKA Okudaxjj), on bass - both of which were credited to push Gavin to create this album. Additionally, she brought out both her childhood violin teachers, who arranged orchestrations for them to perform as a string trio.
Photo Mollie M
The intimate nature of the set was amplified with all the love in the crowd, it truly felt like a group of old friends listening to Katie play songs in a living room. Riding high on the emotions, Gavin expressed how she didn’t want the night to end, noting “I am probably having a more transformative time at a concert than you.” elaborating on how it’s rare the artist is having a more cathartic time at a concert than the fans.
The last song of the set was Katie Gavin’s debut song 'Aftertaste,' an upbeat track about reminiscing over romantic connections. The crowd, hanging on her every word, did not miss a lyric. Not wanting the night to come to a close, Gavin sang and danced with fans to her exit song, Chappel Roan’s 'Naked In Manhattan' whilst accepting a bouquet of flowers from fans.
The 'What A Relief' tour was a beautiful showcase to a different side of Katie Gavin. She brought her many talents from city to city. With an intimate set, new sound and songs to showcase her personal experiences on a deeper level, Gavin gave her fans an impactful night to remember.
Photo Mollie M
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