Making Big Moves with Remi Wolf
Written by: Lyra Wilson
On the way to the Remi Wolf concert, my friend and I are in the car blasting “Cinderella”. My friend turns to me, laughs, and says “ This is such a great song! Remember when I showed you this song?” He always jokes around that he showed me songs when more than likely I introduced him to bops I found. I believe almost everyone remembers the first time they heard an artist they adore. When I first heard of Remi during the pandemic, I listened to her song “Hello Hello Hello” on an Apple commercial. Since that day, I have loved seeing her unique visual and music styles combine and grow; leading to collaborations with other artists I love. Don’t get me started on how eager I was for her song “Pool” with Still Woozy, and seeing Mac Demarco in her music video.
Her latest album “Big Ideas,” prompted this current tour, with an array of songs of prolifically written songs. The album includes songs about loneliness, the idea of growing with someone, but also horniness like in the song “Toro”. It’s a well-rounded album that’s fun but has deeper meanings behind the scenes. It definitely showcases all her different vocal ranges, from edgy to soft and sultry. If I thought the album was good, it doesn’t compete with the live energy she brings to her songs.
The show was flooded with fans wearing froggy hats to represent her song on the album “Frog Rock,” as well as chic outfits with urban flavor. So many people happy to pose in front of my lens when I was ready to click the button. I met long-time fans, and asked each one of them, what songs they were excited to hear. Many were ready for “Toro” and “ Soup”. One person mentioned her early days, and wanted so badly to hear “Shawty”. It’s always inspiring for me to see people who have followed artists for so long and are still committed to those early works.
Lava La Rue opened the show at Byline Bank Ballroom in Chicago. Her music was a psychedelic rock wonderland. I had heard her song “Hi-Fidelity,” as it is a really bright song to wake up to on one of my morning playlists. Her vibe really matched Remi’s later on and I’m glad I got to see more of her library.
When Remi came on stage it was a burst of energy I couldn’t believe. She opened with “Cherries and Cream,” which was perfect with her line in the song that already incorporated Chicago. It felt like the song was made for our city and the fans went crazy. I myself found it hard to photograph and try to sing along to Cinderella at the same time. Remi was so captivating in how she moved around on the stage, got people to sing with her, jumping, striking poses, and dancing with her guitarists. All in all, it felt like watching something so unique and carefree, and I couldn’t stop smiling. Her message about going through tough times or how she put it “This is for all the people going through a breakup, or some other bullshit”, resonated with me. After going through quite a lot along the same lines, going to her show made me feel the most me and carefree in a while. I enjoyed meeting new people with genuine energy, and getting wild with the music. Definitley add Remi to your list of shows to go to feel Big Ideas!
