Photos and words by Dani Weinstein
Multitalented British singer and songwriter Suki Waterhouse brought her Coolest Place In The World Tour to Philly on Friday, January 27th with a sold out show at Union Transfer. Waterhouse released her critically acclaimed debut LP I Can’t Let Go (via Sub Pop Records) last year and followed that up with her excellent Milk Teeth EP which features 5 songs from early in her career plus the previously unreleased track “Neon Signs”. She also recently released a stripped down version of “Good Looking“, Waterhouse’s viral song originally released in 2017.
Meeting new artists and bands through opening acts is a universal experience, but to be able to see a performer I had been following for so long was beyond a bonus. The talented Blondshell opened for Waterhouse. Her raw and heartfelt lyrics about love and loss come through on tracks like brand new single “Joiner”. Blondshell had an amazing stage presence, even taking a fan’s phone to take a group selfie from the stage.
After Blondshell wrapped, Waterhouse took the stage in the most stunning outfit, complete with high black boots and energy immediately out of this world. Throughout the set she played “Neon Signs”, “Moves”, and Milk Teeth track “Valentine”. She noted all of the couples in the crowd and made it clear that no matter your relationship status, you wouldn’t feel alone surrounded by the energy in the room. Suki danced across the stage and into the pit, and is honestly such an angelic person to watch. Her beauty radiated through every dreamy note and her shimmering smile helped deliver a mesmerizing performance.
Suki Waterhouse is hands down one of the best performers I have ever seen. Whether watching from the pit or from the last row, you knew she was thrilled to be there. Her band all together was so beyond talented. Waterhouse’s fan interaction felt authentic, as if she had a personal connection with each and every person. The crowd adored her constant compliments and loved when she took someone’s phone to take a BeReal. One fan handed out colored hearts to hold over their phone during “Valentine” and Waterhouse’s reaction was priceless.
As the band exited the stage after the last song, the crowd immediately chanted for an encore. She came back to play “Brutally” and capped off the night off with her popular single, “Good Looking”. Moving toward the back of the venue, every face around me lit up, happy to scream the lyrics. When the final song ended, Waterhouse hopped into the pit, gifting hugs to her adoring fans before her band said their last goodbye to the Philly crowd – she expressed her complete gratitude to the Philly crowd, sharing that it had been her favorite show and one that she would never forget. Philly has open arms for Suki Waterhouse and won’t soon forget this coolest night in the world.
Suki Waterhouse will be playing several festivals later this year, including the Gov Ball in June. See all of her upcoming performance/tour dates here. Watch the music video for “Good Looking” below and keep scrolling to see more photos from the show.
