Photos by Luna Seng-Lay
El Rey Theater recently hosted a night of musical enchantment, where attendees of all ages gathered to witness an electrifying performance that spanned generations. The unexpected presence of Miranda Cosgrove herself added a star-studded touch to the lineup, her interactions with fans providing a unique bridge between the opening act and the main event.
The evening’s journey kicked off with the opening band Scott James. Their electronic/folk-pop sound set the stage ablaze with their captivating drum and bass grooves. Lazy yet soothing vocals wove through the melodies, creating an atmosphere that was at once relaxed and engrossing. Interestingly, only a couple of attendees chose to capture the experience on their phones, making me question how often I will see phones in the air whilst audience members use it as a hyperreality window into their own lives.
While sporadic bursts of movement could be spotted on the dance floor, it was the stage that held everyone’s gaze. As the opening act’s tempo accelerated, an unexpected wave of enthusiasm surged through the crowd, setting the stage alight for the impending performance by d4vd. However, amidst the sea of resounding applause, a subtle critique emerges. While the night showcased d4vd’s prowess and an undeniable connection with his audience, there were moments where the momentum seemed to wane, especially during the transition to slower, more introspective tracks.
The transition was marked by a shift in lighting that hinted at the excitement in the air. Conversations took on an anticipatory murmur, creating a dynamic backdrop that elevated the collective energy in the room. Wandering through the audience, a prevailing dress code emerged: women adorned in jeans paired with chic, understated tops, while men sported jeans and shirts, with some opting for polos or button-ups. The majority of the sea of shirts, however, were predominantly black and beige, creating a visual cohesion that swept across the theater.
The diversity in the crowd’s motivations was striking. Couples reveled in intimate moments shared, groups celebrated in a collective embrace of euphoria, and a few retreated into their phones, crafting a personal bubble amidst the collective energy. The melodies of Beach House that played in the background, served as a reminder of TikTok’s transformative impact on the music industry, ushering artists like d4vd into the spotlight in unprecedented ways.
Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. With a mixture of uncertainty and palpable excitement, d4vd took center stage. The opening number, “Running Away,” unfurled gently, the guitar’s ascent drawing every listener into its rhythm. d4vd’s seamless interaction with the audience led effortlessly into “Beat Up.” Here, grittier guitar undertones met pop-infused, breezy vocals. d4vd chose to emphasize his vocals, elevating them with a dreamlike reverb reminiscent of his studio recordings.
With each note, the crowd’s energy swelled, creating a resonance reminiscent of a live Disney or Nickelodeon show. Phones were held aloft, capturing the vibrant performance. It became increasingly evident that more than half of the songs on the setlist held the power to elicit profound emotions—nostalgia, heartache, and an array of feelings that traverse the human experience.
d4vd’s bond with the audience deepened as the concert unfolded. Each subsequent song beckoned the crowd further into his world, forging an emotional connection that surpassed mere melodies. The spirited response to “Rehab” was a testament to the crowd’s unyielding engagement, while “Take Me to the Sun” prompted synchronized swaying among attendees. The emotionally charged “Backstreet Girl” left the crowd spellbound, as David’s impassioned delivery resonated deeply.
As the stage dimmed, a more R&B beat set a contemplative tone, tugging at heartstrings. The interplay of lights, coupled with d4vd’s emotive vocals, evoked a cascade of emotions that washed over the audience, creating a poignant moment that hung in the air.
A surprise guest from the UK Pop Rock artist Holly Humberstone added a fresh layer of intimacy to the performance, engaging in a captivating musical dialogue with d4vd. The concert climaxed with the anthem “Romantic Homicide,” inciting a robust crowd-wide chorus that reverberated throughout the theater. As the final notes of “Don’t Forget About Me” echoed, the crowd erupted with joy, expressing their gratitude and deep admiration for this artist who seems to have accompanied the audience’s private life.
d4vd’s exit from the stage, shirt in hand, marked the close of an unforgettable evening that left hearts full and spirits soaring. The concert stood as a testament to music’s unparalleled ability to foster connections and evoke emotions, transcending boundaries and touching lives in ways not only unique to its art form but always welcomed.
