Katelyn Tarver: Compliments Only…
Thursday, September 22, 2023, Katelyn Tarver brought her “Compliments Only” tour to the eclectic Zone One, a branch of Elsewhere in Brooklyn, NYC. This was Melodía’s first time covering a show at this venue, and let me say it did not disappoint. With dynamic stage lighting and shiny disco balls adorning the ceiling of each room, this place really knows how to set the vibe. The crowd was filled with claw clip buns and floral skirts representing a large portion of Tarver’s fan base, older Gen Z and younger Millennial women. I’d like to note that this is not me dissing these latest fashion fads, as I too have partook in my fair share of floor-length floral skirts and pastel-colored claw clips. Standing in the crowd near the stage I felt comfortable with the intimate atmosphere of Zone One. It’s a small venue, but don’t let the size fool you, it can become plenty full quite fast, as it did for Tarver’s set.
Photographed for Melodía Magazine by Jessie Fuentes
Opener Jack Gray stepped on stage a quarter past 7:30 dressed in one of the drippiest outfits I’ve seen an opener wear this summer. His Harley tee paired with Nike Knicks dunk lows, baggy jeans, and a pearl necklace gave an understated approach to the ever-popular streetwear that comes naturally to the surrounding Bushwick locals. If you haven’t heard of Jack Gray before, bookmark this review. I need you to heed my words wisely and stream his music right now so you can say you’ve been a fan before he became the next big thing. Gray knows his way around multiple instruments including guitar, piano, and bass. His expertise and musicality paint him as a young Ed Sheeran with a voice that is comparable to pop favorites Lewis Capaldi and Ruel. Also, he’s Australian, so he’s got that going for him. Gray performs with a calm confidence that you can’t help but vibe with. His performance of “I Got 3” got people moving and helped bring the energy that got the crowd ready for Tarver’s set. I hadn’t heard of Jack Gray before he stepped on that stage, but by the time he stepped off, I couldn’t help becoming a fan. Listen up as I reiterate, start streaming Jack Gray’s music right now because he will be your next musical obsession.
Katelyn Tarver hit the stage shortly after Gray’s set. She was joined by long-time collaborator Ryland Holland on the guitar and keys, and Chris Bellew on the drums. Her long flowing dress overlay made her look absolutely ethereal as she frolicked across the stage in the coolest pair of Valentino boots I have ever seen. Let’s hit rewind for a second. If you watched Big Time Rush during its notorious 4 season run on Nickelodeon then you already know who Katelyn Tarver is. For many, our first introduction to Tarver was as Jo Taylor, the cool laidback actress who had Kendall’s heart from the first episode. In reality, Tarver seems just as laidback and fun as her former character. Now back to the present, Tarver flowed across the stage with her acoustic guitar as she opened with her recently released single “Cinematic”, the perfect song for her NYC show. The opening lyrics are:
“I wanna go to New York. Get drunk with you in the East Village.”
Photographed for Melodía Magazine by Jessie Fuentes
Like I said, it was very fitting. The songstress serenaded the crowd with hits from her album “Subject to Change”, her breakout EP “Tired Eyes” and some recently released singles from her forthcoming album. She even debuted a soon-to-be-released single “Japenese Cafe” which is set to be the next lo-fi pop hit. Tarver has this unquestionable likeability about her that can’t help but bring a smile to the face of everyone in the audience. She gives her fans personal attention by capturing them in her gaze which is both parts engaging and intimate. Her vocals are soft and delicate with a clear tone, but behind that softness is a power that can help her belt out even the highest notes in Paramore’s “The Only Exception”. Something of note about Tarver’s set was her passion for her songs. During her performance of her breakout single “You Don’t Know” you could see her drawn back into that deeply emotional place and connecting back to that time in her life. I couldn’t help getting emotional while listening to the lyrics and hearing her passionate delivery live. She closed out the show with fan favorite “Parallel Universe”, leaving the audience wanting even more. All in all both Tarver and Gray put on amazing performances that had the crowd at Zone One feeling free and lively.
To catch Katelyn Tarver on tour and to stream her music click here and here. Click here to stream Jack Gray’s hits.
