
Music Reviews
As an interviewer, I am always reaching out to record labels in hopes of being on an artist's press tour. One day while reaching out to Sub Pop Records I was given a unique opportunity to listen to an album before the general public on Saint Patrick's Day 2022 and write a review after what I just heard. Since then, I have been writing reviews for not only albums, but also for EPs, singles, music videos, and even concerts I attend. With every concert review I write, I want to ensure the reader is transported into the show and get them excited about potentially seeing this artist or band in person. With other music reviews, I like to take a deep dive into the song writing process and musical decisions, which will hopefully persuade the reader to give the artist or band a listen.

This is especially an honor for me, since I personally have been a fan of Suki's music since I heard her song, "Brutally" years ago.
I knew right away she was a special artist. I have followed Suki's music career all the way up to this milestone and this album does not disappoint.
Suki has a way of truly expressing emotion in her music. She has an impeccable storytelling quality to her voice. When she sings, you feel as if she is sharing pages of her diary with you.
Another great quality about Suki's voice is that she has a very identifiable sound that is uniquely hers. Just one lyric, and you know you are listening to a Suki Waterhouse song.
I Can't Let Go features ten songs. All of which contain such personal touches from Suki herself. She co-wrote every song on the album.
In terms of arrangement, I feel this is done brilliantly. From starting with track one, "Moves" to ending with track ten, "Blessed". When listening to all ten tracks in order, there is truly a story of vulnerability and strength to be told. However, all of Suki's songs when listened to individually tell their own deep tales.
I love the album as a whole, but my personal top three favorite tracks are: "Moves", "Melrose Meltdown" and "Wild Side". These are my favorites because I love the mood of each song and the stories they tell.
All of Suki's songs allow the listener to just simply get lost in the music. I personally felt I was transfixed the whole time I was listening to the album.
The wonderfully crafted album, I Can't Let Go is only the beginning of what I feel is going to be an exceptionally successful music career for Suki Waterhouse.
As a passionate music lover, I can tell you that Suki Waterhouse is truly an artist to watch!
Thank you so much to Bekah Zietz Flynn from Sub Pop Records for giving me this incredible opportunity.
You can check out the full album here: https://ffm.to/icantletgo
Published - May 06, 2022

After writing my first album review for Suki's debut album, I Can't Let Go back in May, I am so happy I get to write another review.
While the songs on Milk Teeth may not be new, this is truly a special EP. It is a beautifully crafted tribute to the artist Suki was in her early years as an artist.
The album includes her first single, "Brutally" and even includes a newer song, "Neon Signs".
Arrangement wise, this is done in such a perfect way. Especially since track one is "Neon Signs" and the final track is "Brutally".
It's amazing to hear where Suki's music is now as the EP begins to how it concludes with her start in music.
As I said before in my previous review, Suki is a very special artist. She understands that music is a way of showcasing vulnerability and rawness in such an expressive way. It's amazing to see that she had this quality even in her earlier works.
Even though these songs were all released from 2016-2020, it's so cool to see how Suki found her sound even then.
The entire EP seems very personal, which is a wonderful quality in an artist. Suki even wrote/co-wrote every song on this EP, which gives listeners an even more intimate look into what the artist is feeling.
Milk Teeth takes listeners through a journey full of nostalgia, love and heartbreak.
Considering these songs were written during Suki's beginning stages as an artist, Milk Teeth is a perfect title for this EP.
I have loved each one of these songs from the moment I first heard them and with the EP, it gives me a whole new outlook and appreciation of them.
I love the EP as a whole, but my personal top three favorite tracks are: "Brutally", "Coolest Place in the World" and "Good Looking". These are my favorites because I really love the clarity and tone in each one. The exquisite EP, Milk Teeth is a brilliant way for new listeners and fans to connect through these six tracks.
As a long time fan of Suki, listening to Milk Teeth was a great listen down memory lane that honestly made me very emotional. It's fantastic to see how far she has come in her journey.
As I've said in my previous review, this is only the beginning of a prosperous career for Suki Waterhouse!
Thank you so much to Bekah Zietz Flynn from Sub Pop Records for giving me this incredible opportunity.
You can check out the full EP here: https://ffm.to/sukimilkteeth
Published - November 04, 2022

Despite my age, I have grown up listening to REO Speedwagon's music and it was such an honor getting the experience to see them live.
As soon as I arrived I could feel the excitement from everyone in line. This was the band's first time at the Yaamava' Theater and as lead singer, Kevin Cronin stated during the show, it won't be their last.
After waiting in line, fans are greeted with an amazing selection of merchandise. I purchased a couple of shirts, a bandana, a keychain, a sticker, and a hat.
At the bar there was a creative selection of four REO Speedwagon themed specialty cocktails: Time for Me to Fly Whiskey Sour, Take It on the Run Mule, Keep Pushing Paloma, and Keep on Loving You Margarita. I had the latter and it was delicious!
Once inside the venue, I was escorted to my seat and I could feel the enthusiasm in the room. The Yaamava' Theater, which holds up to 3,000 fans was sold out!
At exactly 8:00pm the show began with incredibly talented opening act, Sir, Please. They are an Alternative/Indie group consisting of four best friends.
After watching their set and meeting them after the show, I definitely see great things coming their way!
After about an hour, REO Speedwagon entered the stage. Overwhelming cheers from fans filled the room as red lights were cast upon the stage with the band's logo resting directly behind them. They opened with their 1980 hit, "Don't Let Him Go".
It was astonishing to see the crowd dancing and singing along to this song as well as many of their other hits such as: "Take It on the Run", "Can't Fight This Feeling", "Time for Me to Fly", and "Ridin' the Storm Out".
Throughout the show, there was great fan engagement as guitar picks were occasionally thrown into the crowd and Kevin Cronin would explain the meaning behind some of the band's songs.
There was also wonderful interaction between the five members during the show paired with never-ending high energy and endurance. This was even felt in the crowd. There were many moments when fans jumped out of their seats and formed mosh pits!
In the middle of the show the band even sang a song from the late great, David Crosby. Before performing "Almost Cut My Hair", Kevin Cronin explained that he felt very close to David Crosby after living just a few doors down from him in Encino. Their cover was a wonderful tribute.
After performing a fourteen song setlist the band left the stage. Fans began instantly chanting for an encore. Within seconds, the quintet returned to the stage to sing two additional songs back-to-back.
The audience sang along to every word of both "Keep on Loving You" and "Roll With the Changes".
Perpetually, REO Speedwagon effortlessly showcased that rock and roll will truly keep you young forever! This was my first concert of the year, and was an exceptionally spectacular night that I will never forget!
REO Speedwagon and Sir, Please are still on tour and you can see them leave it all on the stage in a city near you here: http://reospeedwagon.com/tour/
Thank you so much to Jenna Brady and Nicole Sasse from Yaamava' Theater for granting me permission to write this review!
Published - January 23, 2023

I have been following Suki's career since 2018 and it was such an honor not only seeing her live, but also getting the chance to meet her before the show.
Suki has a fabulously warm personality that makes you feel welcome and comfortable in her presence.
This was Suki's first time performing at the historic venue. Her excitement and appreciation to be there was undeniable. This too was felt just waiting in line by her incredibly loyal fanbase.
After a very intimate meet and greet, soundcheck, and Q&A fans were given an early merch shopping opportunity. I purchased a shirt, a baseball hat, a beanie, and a poster.
From my front row position I could see fans pouring in. This sold out show held 1,200 enthusiastic fans! At exactly 9:00pm the show began with the very talented, Blondshell as the opening act.
Blondshell gave a great performance. After watching her set, I see amazing things coming her way!
Once an hour passed, Suki Waterhouse entered the stage. Screams permeated the room as she began to sing her 2022 hit, "Bullshit on the Internet".
While Suki may be a newer artist, she commanded the stage like a seasoned professional. She exuded confidence as she worked the whole stage. She possessed strong fan engagement by frequently making eye contact and speaking to the audience throughout the show.
The color palette was gorgeous as soft hues of red, blue, yellow, purple, and pink would fill the stage. This visual aspect as well as a gentle wind blowing Suki's hair were incredible touches that perfectly matched the tone and mood of her music.
She showcased great chemistry with her bandmates and made sure to introduce them to the crowd.
The show was packed with fan favorites such as "Devil I Know", "Moves", and "Melrose Meltdown" as well as a new song, "To Love".
After their set, Suki and her band left the stage. The crowd instantly began chanting for more. Within seconds, they returned with two additional songs.
The audience sang along to every word of both "Blessed" and the viral hit track, "Good Looking".
After an exceptionally spectacular night that I will never forget, I can honestly say that being at this show certainly felt like I was transported to the coolest place in the world.
Thank you so much to Bekah Zietz Flynn from Sub Pop Records for granting me permission to write this review!
Published - February 13, 2023

I had the pleasure of hearing this song live at The Fonda Theatre last month and it was nothing short of amazing! As someone who is very familiar with Suki's music this song initially hit me by surprise due to its more happy and hopeful tone.
Suki has released primarily songs about heartbreak and longing, but "To Love" does not fit into those genres at all. From the first note, this track presents itself with such a light and angelic quality.
It immediately captures the listener's full attention with Suki's always on point storytelling vocals. The song's meaning is very straight forward and raw.
It is about a romantic relationship of mutual love, devotion, and stability.
These are all imperative qualities in any healthy relationship, which Suki communicates effortlessly.
Throughout the track, Suki expresses how this great love hit both her and her partner by surprise.
Their paths have crossed times before until one day everything changed. They now both realize as their love grows, how lucky they are to have each other.
There is a sense of certainty Suki receives from her partner by them assuring her right from the start how easy she is to love.
It is because of this affirmation and the time she and her partner have faithfully poured into this relationship, which Suki vocalizes despite how in disbelief she is, she will never leave this love behind.
You can tell by the sheer power in her voice during the chorus that Suki has been through some difficult relationships and it has left her feeling that she will never feel love again. However, in "To Love" she shares that it is this love that has restored her faith in what true love feels like.
Overall, "To Love" is an honest, unguarded, relatable, and romantic song that beautifully tells a story of deep love.
Despite its different theme, this song instantly became my new favorite Suki Waterhouse song!
Thank you so much to Bekah Zietz Flynn from Sub Pop Records for giving me this incredible opportunity.
You can check out the new single here: https://ffm.to/tolove_sukiwaterhouse
Published - March 03, 2023

This was my second time at this venue, but my first time seeing trailblazing artist, Joan Jett and her talented band.
Growing up listening to an abundance of 80s music, Joan Jett was a staple for me and it was a privilege getting the experience to see her and The Blackhearts live.
From the second I arrived I could feel the excitement from everyone in line.
After waiting in line, fans are greeted with a large selection of merchandise. I purchased a couple of hats, a shirt, a hoodie, and a poster.
At the bar there were four Joan Jett and the Blackhearts themed specialty cocktails to choose from: I Love Rock N Roll Margarita, I Hate Myself for Loving You Paloma, Little Liar Whiskey Sour, and Crimson and Clover Mule. I had the latter and it was delicious!
Once inside the sold out venue, an enthusiastic energy could be felt throughout the theater. These fans were ready to rock!
At exactly 8:00pm the show began with an awesome video montage of photos and clips from the start of Joan's career to now while the song "Rebel Girl" by Bikini Kill played in the background.
In the middle of the montage, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts ran onto the stage as fans stood up and cheered! They opened with their 1981 hit, "Victim of Circumstance".
The show was packed with many of Joan's hits from both her time in The Runaways and her work that followed after.
Fans sang along to every word of these chart toppers. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts even introduced four new songs! Being one of the first to hear "Rear View Mirror", "Make the Music Go Boom", "Shooting Into Space", and show closer, "Whiskey Goes Good" was incredible!
Joan showed great camaraderie with her three bandmates and interacted with the crowd.
She reminisced about her time in The Runaways, shooting the 1987 film, Light of Day, shooting her 2018 documentary film, Bad Reputation, and explained the meaning behind some of her songs.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts performed over twenty songs continuously! After they performed, they threw guitar picks into the audience and took a bow.
Seeing Joan Jett and the Blackhearts was an amazingly unforgettable experience!
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are still on tour and you can see them rock it out in a city near you here: https://www.joanjett.com/#tour
Thank you so much to Nicole Sasse from Yaamava' Theater for granting me permission to write this review!
Published - April 24, 2023

At exactly 9:00am Pacific Standard Time the video premiered on Suki's YouTube channel. I watched it live with a number of Suki's devoted fans.
The year 2023 has been massive for Suki with her Amazon Prime Video series Daisy Jones & The Six, her sold out "Coolest Place in the World Tour", and her currently ongoing music festival performances.
As a fan of Suki for five years, it seems truly fitting that this is now my fifth review for her.
The music video opens with Suki walking towards a vanity and writing the words "To Love" on the mirror in red lipstick.
Just from the opening, you know something exciting is looming. We then see Suki in a sequin catsuit delicately swaying with such confidence in black and white. The video then smoothly transitions into color.
Throughout the video, the editing is flawless with fluid color changes and great timing with the music.
The song, "To Love" is romantic and powerful. Suki communicates these intense lyrics and emotions by using her entire body.
She does this so masterfully through dance. The chorography is majestic with an artfully balanced representation of passion and elegance.
Suki carries this entire video for the majority of it with such incandescence before she is joined by another figure.
Suki's younger sister, Imogen Waterhouse enters with such grace in a matching sequin catsuit.
The two sisters dance together with impeccable rhythm and timing. They both did a magnificent job!
After having heard "To Love" countless times and waiting patiently for this video, I can confidently say that it accompanies the song so beautifully and has now become my favorite Suki Waterhouse music video!
Thank you so much to Bekah Zietz Flynn from Sub Pop Records for giving me this incredible opportunity.
You can check out the music video here: https://youtu.be/rHVsf8e0-lA
Published - May 05, 2023

I have been following Reece Bibby's career since he auditioned for The X Factor UK back in 2014. The moment it was announced he would be joining George Smith and Blake Richardson as part of New Hope Club, I have been a fan of them ever since.
It was such an honor not only seeing them live, but also getting the chance to meet George before the show.
This was the trio's first time performing at the legendary venue. Their excitement and appreciation to be there was indisputable.
These feelings were too felt by fans both waiting in line outside as well as inside the venue. New Hope Club's fanbase is a club I am very proud to be a part of.
After a super high energy soundcheck and Q&A, fans were given an early merch shopping opportunity. I purchased three shirts and a poster.
From my front row position I could see fans pouring in. This sold out show held 500 enthusiastic fans!
At exactly 8:30pm New Hope Club ran onto the stage as screams permeated the room.
Even though this venue holds only a few hundred people, the passion and exhilaration would make one believe this venue hold tens of thousands! Fans immediately started singing along to all the words of the band's 2022 hit, "L.U.S.H.".
Reece, George, and Blake did an incredible job of showing what seven years of making music should look like. These three young men demonstrated nonstop energy, musicianship, and an overall love for what they do.
The entire time they were on stage you could see they were having the time of their lives.
Their one hour set consisted of fifteen songs, which included two unreleased songs, "I Like Your Face" and "Trouble in Paradise".
The band got their start publishing covers to YouTube and even incorporated two covers into their setlist. They sang Miley Cyrus' "Flowers" and The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There".
The band encouraged fans to let loose by dancing and singing along with them for the entire hour!
The trio showcased massive fan engagement by speaking about some of the songs, cracking jokes, tossing guitar picks into the crowd and introducing their new drummer, Ellington Ratliff.
The show was filled with fan favorites such as "Let Me Down Slow", "Fixed", "Love Again", and show closer, "Know Me Too Well".
As the end of their final song approached, they ran to their drummer shredding away on their guitars with their backs to the audience before instantly turning around and facing their fans one final time to take a bow!
After an exceptionally spectacular night that I will never forget, I can honestly say that this was one of the most sprightly and loudest concerts I have ever been to!
New Hope Club's three show tour around California may be coming to an end, but you can still see them on tour in the UK and Ireland here: https://newhopeclub.com/tour/
Thank you so much to Brittany Rendak from Hollywood Records for granting me permission to write this review!
Published - June 27, 2023

I have been a Van Morrison fan since I was in middle school and it was such an amazing experience getting to see him perform live!
As soon as I arrived, I headed straight for the merch table where fans were greeted with a wide variety of shirts, hats, tote bags, and more! I purchased four shirts, a baseball hat, and a pin.
With over 5,000 people in attendance, the excitement to be there could be felt all throughout the venue.
At 7:00pm the show began with renowned blues musician, Taj Mahal opening with a wonderfully intimate performance.
He delighted the crowd with his iconic vocals and guitar playing.
Once Taj finished his set, Van Morrison took the stage at exactly 8:00pm where he opened with his 2023 hit, "Streamline Train" from his new album Moving On Skiffle.
"Van The Man" brought the soul to Griffith Park as he performed nonstop with a full band and backup singers.
Fans were enchanted with plenty of Van's songs from Moving on Skiffle such as "Cold Cold Heart", "Greenback Dollar" and "I Wish I Was an Apple on a Tree" as they sang and danced along the entire night under the stars.
In addition, Van brought some special guests to the stage. One of which being famed saxophonist Candy Dulfer, where she accompanied Van on a number of songs.
The surprises kept coming when Van performed "Down to Joy" from the 2021 Oscar award winning film, Belfast and "This Loving Light of Mine" with the Unconditional Soul Ensemble.
Taj Mahal returned to the stage to sing some songs with Van as our final surprise. It was majestic to witness two distinguished musicians sing together!
Van ended the show with his 1964 hit, "Gloria". After Van exited the stage, he gave his band and backup singers a chance to be in the spotlight. Each band member and backup singer were given a solo performance.
This show was truly a marvelous night filled with unforgettable music and memories!
Van Morrison's US tour is not over yet. You can still get your tickets to see him on tour here: https://www.vanmorrison.com/live
Thank you so much to the Goldenvoice team for granting me permission to write this review!
Published - September 19, 2023