Nu-gaze artist, Wisp, performs a sold out show at The Studio at The Factory in Dallas, Texas.
While the box office employee hangs up the “sold out” sign on display, fans enter The Studio at The Factory in Deep Ellum with a mutual feeling of excitement and anticipation for a night full of talented performers and musicians.
To begin the night, San Antonio based band, Fawn, brought the audience unique shoegaze style sounds mixed with soft and light vocals. Consisting of 5 members, this band’s performance did not consist of one dull moment. The stage full of distortion pedals, hazy lights, and a prominent presence of the band, Fawn created a perfect scene to start off the ethereal experience of the night.
Soon after Fawn left the stage, the crowd was greeted by Photographic Memory, led by singer-songwriter Max Epstein. Based in Los Angeles, Photographic Memory consists of a emo/alternative style sound with a mix of shoegaze instrumentals. This band is best described as if an alternative style band such as Deftones and a shoegaze band such as My Bloody Valentine had a crossover. Similar to Fawn, when Photographic Memory’s set came to an end, the crowd was left with a desire for more of their amazing sounds.
Not long after, the crowd grew more and more enthusiastic, filled with anticipation to see their headliner, Wisp. As the crowd chanted “Wisp” repeatedly, the lights began to dim and the crowd began to cheer with anticipation. Suddenly, an angelic presence appeared on stage, and the night of Nu-gaze began. Being only 19 years old Wisp, formally known as Natalie Lu, had made a name for herself at a young age, with her hit song “Your face” having over 50 million streams on spotify. Inspired by shoegaze artist Whirr and alternative sounds of Deftones, Wisp brings airy and dream-like vocals to heavily distorted and noisy instrumentals, creating a perfect atmosphere for a show. The entire set was composed of an audience full of smiles and faces of amazement. It was definitely the kind of show that a fan wish had lasted forever.
Although the set had to eventually come to an end, Wisp’s North American tour has just begun. With her newest album “Pandora” just recently released, Wisp has dates to perform these new tracks in a plethora of cities including New York City, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. So, if you are interested in a night full of amazing shoegaze sounds, Wisp is the perfect artist to see live.
I am currently attending the University of North Texas with a photojournalism major. I love going to concerts of all genres, whether I am stage diving or headbanging, I never miss an opportunity to appreciate live music. In my free time, I enjoy thrifting for CD's and records, spending time with my cats, going to art exhibits, and traveling (especially to NYC). My biggest inspiration is Danny Clinch, and one day I aspire to open up my own gallery to showcase my work!
