On May 7 and 8, Laufey’s “Bewitched: The Goddess Tour” came to Boston, where the artist initially began her music career. Known for hits such as “From the Start” and “Goddess,” Laufey has recently gained popularity for reintroducing jazz to modern media.
The concerts, held at the Wang Theatre, lasted from around 8:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. According to SeatGeek, tickets for the shows reached “as low as 70 dollars with the average price [being] 417 dollars.” The decision to perform at a theater instead of a stadium added to the elegance and charm of Laufey and her music.
The performances began with an opening act from the group Wasia Project, a British duo of Olivia Hardy and William Gao. Katie Baide (IV), who attended the show, recalls the atmosphere of the concert: “I remember looking around and everyone was wearing a dress or skirt, [and] almost everyone had a bow in their hair. Despite not knowing each other […] the energy in the theater felt very safe and welcoming.”
All of her albums had songs featured in the setlist. From her first album, notable tracks include “Typical of Me,” “Like the Movies” and “I Wish You Love.” She also performed hits, such as “Valentine,” “Falling Behind” and “Let You Break My Heart Again,” along with her two encore songs “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self” and “Street By Street.”
Maggie Hanlon (IV) comments, “The setlist was fire, she had a really nice mix between all her albums. I liked that she would play some songs that weren’t specifically popular.” Laufey definitely used a blend of all her albums, carefully choosing how to flow from each song to the next. Laufey even referenced pop star Taylor Swift, drawing comparisons with her own song transitions to how Swift similarly introduces her songs.
Combining a modern taste with an undertone of old charm, Laufey’s music usually explores themes of love, heartbreak and identity. Laufey has always tried to make a kind and safe environment for her listeners through constantly interacting with fans and reflecting her genuine joy toward her audience.
Laufey’s performances in Boston were especially significant, as Laufey’s music career originally began in the city. Between songs, she conversed with her audience about Berklee College of Music, her alma mater, joking with the audience about doing their ear training homework and even quizzing them on what note she was playing.
At the end of Laufey’s performance, she played a special encore song as a tribute to the city called “Street by Street.” The song, written while she was studying in Boston, is about taking back the city after a heartbreak. Laufey reflects on the song, “I looked out at Boston from my dorm on the 14th floor on Mass Ave., and I thought, ‘I have to take back this city.’ I think it’s safe to say that I have.”
Laufey’s presence and discography has taken mainstream pop music media by storm, weaving hints of jazz to modern music and especially to Boston.
