Photos by Jeslyn Wang
Do you listen to Girl in Red?
A majority of those attending her concert at the Greek Theatre would answer “yes,” embracing a double entendre. This phrase, coined by our generation, has become a discreet way of identifying as queer. Norwegian singer-songwriter, Maire Ulven Ringheim, best known by her artist moniker, Girl in Red, is the trailblazer for modern lesbian pop music. Her songs have become anthems within queer culture, securing a spot on every sapphic-themed playlist on Spotify and inspiring coming-out trends on TikTok. After supporting Taylor Swift as an opener for the Eras Tour earlier this year, Girl in Red is currently on her own U.S. tour, in celebration of her second studio album which debuted in April: I’M DOING IT AGAIN BABY!
During night one of her back-to-back shows in Los Angeles, the Greek Theatre was packed to capacity. Nestled below the Griffith Observatory, this iconic venue (my favorite in all of LA) provides an intimate and immersive outdoor experience for music lovers and performers alike. As I lingered around, my attention was captivated by the sight of two elementary school-aged girls accompanied by their fathers. Next to them sat a middle-aged straight couple, all eagerly awaiting the show. Despite Girl in Red’s distinctive reputation as a queer pop icon, her appeal is far-reaching, attracting a diverse audience of various ages, identities, and backgrounds. Observing the wide spectrum of Girl in Red’s demographic left me genuinely surprised and profoundly moved. Before she even graced the stage, my expectations had been exceeded.
Kicking off the show with “Doing it Again, Baby,” a track from her latest album, Girl in Red took the stage alongside her band. The entire amphitheater was electrified as the venue flooded with red lights and the crowd pulsed with vibrant energy. Greeting the audience warmly, she followed with two of her biggest hits “Bad Idea” and “Girls.”
Just three songs into the set, Girl in Red encountered major technical difficulties. Unfazed, her charismatic stage presence shone through as she handled the situation with humor and grace—almost as if it were rehearsed. Amidst the chaos, she performed a snippet of “Summer Depression” with humorously altered lyrics, transforming a potential mishap into a truly memorable moment.
Despite the ongoing technical issues, she delivered a unique and unforgettable show. Abandoning her intended setlist, she invited the audience to direct the night, asking which beloved song they wanted to hear next. The crowd erupted with requests from her entire discography, and she obliged with an acoustic rendition of “I’ll Call You Mine.” She followed up with older favorites like “Dead Girl in the Pool ” and “4am,” feeding the audience nostalgia. These songs, once stepping stones in navigating my own identity, now serve as a reflective space to contemplate my growth.
Although the night was uncertain, there was a constant: Girl in Red’s effortless ability to spill the intricacies of her songwriting process and the inspirations that fueled each composition. With a subtle nod to Clairo’s recent release, “Sexy to Someone,” Girl in Red gave the audience an insider’s perspective on how the evening of June 21, 2021, sparked the creation of one of her latest songs “A Night to Remember.”
Halfway through the set, the technical glitches were finally resolved, and Girl in Red, feeling “relieved as hell,” fittingly performed “I’m Back,” a song about bouncing back from tragic times. Graciously acknowledging the audience’s patience, she transitioned into “Rue,” a track inspired by her connection to the complex character dynamics of Euphoria. Adding a touch of illusion to her performance of “Phantom Pain,” she emerged on a crimson platform that seemed to manifest out of thin air.
Teasing the audience with the possibility of Sabrina Carpenter’s presence, she pleased fans with their collaborative hit, “You Need Me Now?” She sang Sabrina’s verse and playfully altered the iconic line: “You know what would be really fucking cool on this?….. The Greek Theatre”. Typically inciting mosh pits during her final song, the intimate theater setting lent a unique experience. As Girl in Red descended to the aisle to greet the audience, she made her way directly past me, and shook my hand (I died inside). The evening had reached its peak and she concluded her performance with the song that started it all: “I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend.”
With pride month unfolding, Girl in Red ignited queer joy for all of Los Angeles. Her words from earlier are still engraved in my mind: “Lesbians are taking over the world.” She gave well-deserved shout-outs to herself, Chappell Roan, and Renee Rapp. Witnessing this radiant era for queer women in music, I could not help but feel grateful for having the privilege of Listening to Girl in Red.
Listen to Girl in Red’s latest album here:
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