Photos by Olivia Aerin Lee & Lily Stockton
For a Monday evening fresh out of midterms season, the UCLA Nimoy Theater was beaming with energy. UCLA Radio teamed up with UCLA’s Student Committee for the Arts (SCA) for the second time to spotlight student artists and the notable, LA based, Keni Titus. As the most recent opener for beabadoobee, the crowd was eagerly buzzing for Titus to take the stage. The event directors, Rhea Gill and Sydney Randolph of SCA and Ella Gibson and Ethan Kung of UCLA Radio’s Music Department, stepped into the stream of lights as the show’s emcees.
To kick off the night, the whimsical and endearing ILAYALI entered the theater bursting with excitement and confidence to their original, “When U Watch Me.” This pop star on the rise performed as a solo act to “I Want To Be Alone,” yet his vibrancy filled the room with a playful, commanding performance. ILAYALI’s intimate and vulnerable songs were just as dynamic as when he gracefully danced center stage, with an ethereal falsetto and powerful low notes, especially in standouts: “Siren Song” and “Borrowed Time.” One thing’s for sure, ILAYALI’s music and presence in between tracks both uplifted and empowered the Nimoy attendees.
Following announcements by UCLA Radio and SCA hosts, the night’s next act, jazz-folk artist, Cocona, took a seat under the spotlight to begin one of her first ever acoustic sets. The recent release, “Tokyo Train,” opened with deep, resonant, and soulful vocals. Her wide range with a strong belt and perfectly controlled descending riffs was both impressive and soothing to the ear. A bouncy piano played by Cocona’s best friend, Jenny Choi, underscored “Two-way Trip” with effortless vocals. Throughout her entire set, I envisioned being seated next to a cozy fireplace with a warm cup of tea, attuned to her fluid and sweet mixed register. Concluding with “All I Know,” Cocona demonstrated the true flexibility of her voice and musical ability.
Just then, singer-songwriter, Keni Titus, made her grand entrance accompanied by her guitarist, Hudson Pollock. The Nimoy flooded with excitement as Titus sat down to play “Sid and Nancy” with soft pleads, sweet vocal flips, and light acoustic strums perfectly fitting her uniquely developed sound. In between songs, Keni’s charming personality came out through intimate stories, giggly banter, and appreciation for the crowd’s endearment. The hit, “if u want,” partnered with gentle sways and conversational verses drew the audience in as proven by a wave of the mezzanine’s phone lights.
With a timbre resembling Gracie Abrams, Keni Titus serenaded three unreleased songs to be featured on her first album. “In Love Again,” “Pretty in Pink” (my personal favorite), and “Hands to Myself,” a tune co-written with fellow beabadoobee opener, Hovvdy, grabbed the attention of all in the theater. To contrast the sweet sound of her pop-singer/songwriter hits, Titus introduced us to new dynamics in her twangy cover of “Once A Friend” by Diana Gordon. Through open vowels and tight harmonies, Titus and Pollock left the crowd craving more.
Keni Titus identified with the audience on both a musical and personal level throughout the night. From her relatable jokes, vulnerable discussion of parental conflict and loss, to fan gratitude, it was clear that Titus reached her audience in more ways than one. As she closed out the longest set she’s ever played, “one of my superstars” and “american spirit” felt reflective and nostalgic through serene guitar picking, hummed riffs, and harmonious vocalizations. Clearly, the crowd wasn’t ready for the night to end.
Most notably, Keni’s adoration was felt beyond the stage. Following the performance, she stayed around to chat with fans in the Nimoy lobby demonstrating her genuine connection to them. Such devotion is an admirable trait for contemporary artists. Thank you to SCA, UCLA Radio, and the Nimoy Theater for putting on a night to remember!
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