RYANN and Sigrid
Brooklyn Steel // Brooklyn, NY // April 6, 2022
Photos and review by Jess Williams
Outside, the weather was gloomy as I walked through the streets of East Williamsburg en route to Brooklyn Steel. On the venue’s fifth birthday, Norwegian pop sensation Sigrid was performing a one-off show alongside New York native Ryann. The evening was sure to be a night full of big smiles, bright lights, and lots of dancing – a stark contrast to the weather that evening.
RYANN
Around 8 pm, Ryann and her band graced the stage. To be fully transparent, I was not familiar with Ryann’s music before her performance that evening, but an extremely dedicated fan in the front row definitely was. “I love you!” they shouted as they kicked off their set. This admiration was clearly a shock to Ryann, who couldn’t stop smiling throughout her performance. This was Ryann’s first time opening for someone, and it was also her first time performing with a live band, it was a night of firsts! The nerves were present at the beginning of the set as she looked out at the sea of people looking back at her. However, Ryann’s performance below us all out of the water! I stood in the middle of the crowd, watching as she belted song after song – looking to her bandmates every so often for that nod and smile or reassurance.
I really enjoyed watching a specific individual two rows in front of me during Ryann’s set. They were absolutely losing their minds, dancing all over the place and giving it to us all! For her first time performing to a crowd this large, Ryann absolutely smashed it. She is made for the stage!
Sigrid
After a 30 min intermission, it was time for Sigrid to take the stage. Five minutes before her set time, a large cup of tea was placed at the front of the stage – an unspoken signal that the show was about to begin. Conversations along the barricade started to turn into anticipation, with people checking their phones and watches as we inched closer to 9 pm.
The lights went dark, and Sigrid’s band took to the stage. Opening with her most recent single, “It Gets Dark,” Sigrid blasted onto the stage like a fireball of energy. For the entire performance, Sigrid never once stopped moving. Her smiles were contagious, and my god, can that girl dance! The vibes were immaculate within the walls of Brooklyn Steel that evening, especially during “Burning Bridges” and “Mine Right now,” two favorites of mine!
Sigrid ended her initial 14 song setlist with a knockout performance of “Strangers” before taking a quick breather and returning for a three-song encore. Sigrid closed her set with her two smash hits, “Mirror” and “Don’t Feel Like Crying.” It was an emotional moment standing there watching Sigrid perform because this time last year, I found myself in an extremely dark place. It was Sigrid’s infectious pop music about very deep, real, and human experiences and subjects that helped bring me out from that place and shined a brighter light on my life.
I can definitely say that everyone in that venue, including myself, had the time of their lives during this performance. Sigrid commanded the attention and energy of everyone there, and she didn’t quit for one moment. I truly hope that we get a nationwide Sigrid tour coming soon, because everyone deserves to feel the happiness that Sigrid makes you feel during her live show.
