On February 5th, 2025, Slow Joy jump started the tour in Houston, TX at White Oak Music Hall with support from Houston locals MARGINS and Daze.
The show kicked off with infectious energy. Margins took the stage, effortlessly blending a mix of both new and old tracks from their dynamic discography. The band immediately engaged the crowd with their lively and interactive stage presence, setting a high-energy tone for the evening.
During their set, they shared a heartwarming moment, as they expressed how excited they were to be back on stage. In a touching moment, they shouted out a student from their School of Rock program, showing their genuine community connections. Margins truly set the perfect tone for the evening as the crowd fed off their energy.
Following the upbeat start, the transition into the next act, Dazed, offered a slower, more melodic vibe. The band’s shoegaze-inspired sound, complete with dreamy lighting and a minimalist yet captivating performance, created a beautifully ethereal atmosphere. A memorable moment occurred when a fan, clearly excited by the music, screamed, “You’re really good! What’s the name of your band?” to which the lead singer responded with a playful “Gaze, I mean Daze,” creating a lighthearted interaction that exemplified the magic of discovering new artists live. Their set concluded with the hauntingly beautiful track “Headrush,” a perfect choice to build anticipation for the headliner, Slow Joy.
As the crowd eagerly awaited Slow Joy‘s highly anticipated set, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Before diving into their performance, Esteban, the band’s charismatic lead singer, took a moment to speak directly to the audience. He thanked the fans and stated that they couldn’t have done this without them.
One fan was thrilled to see Esteban wearing a bracelet they had given him, and another traveled all the way from Las Vegas to witness the show. This personal exchange created a strong bond between the band and their devoted fans. It also set the stage for the incredible performance to come.
Slow Joy’s set was filled with high-energy moments, from Esteban’s playful interactions with the crowd to the electrifying mini mosh pits that popped up throughout the venue. The singer even jumped into the crowd at one point, further blending the roles of performer and fan. Among the standout moments was the debut of the unreleased song “Gruesome,” which Esteban couldn’t wait to share with the eager crowd. The band also delivered their most popular track, “Pulling Teeth,” a crowd favorite that had the entire venue singing along, filling the space with raw, infectious energy.
Even after the show, Esteban remained connected with fans, engaging in one-on-one conversations and making sure everyone felt appreciated. The whole night felt like one big celebration of music, community, and connection—an experience that left everyone eagerly awaiting the band’s next performance.
I’m a full-time Photographer and Creative Director based in Houston, with a passion for fashion, music, painting, and scrapbooking—each of which influences my work. My photography and creative direction have allowed me to travel across the States, working on diverse projects and collaborating with talented individuals. My goal is to see the world through photography and connect with other creatives.
