Saba’s concert at Empire Garage in Austin on June eighth was more than just a performance. It was a living, breathing reunion of artist and listener. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the heat of the city stuck to the pavement, an antsy audience packed the outdoor venue. Dedicated fans had an intensity that was as if they had been waiting for years for this precise moment. This was not a platonic crowd. These were the people who had grown up with Saba, who related to what he rapped into the mic. It was personal and universal all at once.
What truly set this show apart was the setlist. It was a generous mix that reached across all eras of Saba’s discography. Songs from “Bucket List Project” reminded the audience where it all started, while tracks from “Care For Me” felt like emotional gut punches that never lost their impact. Even newer releases brought fresh fire to the stage, giving fans a glimpse into where Saba is headed next. The pacing was flawless. Nothing seemed rushed or overlooked. Instead, it developed like a well-considered journey, with each song placed to build the momentum or slow it down enough to breathe. The balance between raw energy and reflection was ideal.
Saba’s group also warranted center stage. From the tight drums to the velvety-smooth basslines and ambient keys, it was all choreographed with magnificent finesse without ever being mechanical. They were present in the moment, feeding off the audience as much as the audience fed off them. It was that kind of chemistry that cannot be manufactured. At times the transitions between songs were so seamless that the entire concert listened like a single sweeping, flowing wave. Empire Garage, with its brick facade and city grit, was the perfect place for this kind of talent. It was raw, uncoiffed, and imbued with the moment.
One of the most moving moments of the night came when Saba dimmed the energy and performed a stripped-back version of “Busy,” a song that still hits with raw emotion no matter how many times you hear it. The crowd fell silent, as if it were all holding its collective breath, so that the vulnerability of the lyrics could hang in the air.
That silence, in a crowded outdoor venue like Empire Garage, was worshipful. It was proof that Saba’s power has always been his ability to be introspective and rhythmic, to make you feel witnessed even when you are surrounded by a sea of strangers. It is that interplay of introspective narration and live, vibrant performance that sets Saba apart from so many of his peers. He is not just a performer, not just a rapper. He is a voice for all the people who are going through loss, change, and survival.
I'm an Austin-based photographer and filmmaker. I'm a mother of two (cats) and I love picking up expensive hobbies to spend all of my money on, whether that be tattoos, vinyl, or concerts. My top three artists are Dijon, Mk.gee, and Dominic Fike. I love to travel and learn new ways to fulfill myself creatively. My biggest aspiration is to find the most imaginative way to seamlessly combine my 3 favorite things: film, photography, and music.
