Beabadoobee’s headlining set at this year’s WXPN NON-COMMvention was a sweet end to the first night’s slew of acts. Beabadoobee wasn’t so welcomed by the whole crowd – which was not her usual audience – that talked over her performance, but those who wanted to enjoy her set remained up in the front watching as Bea showed the room she wasn’t just an up-and-comer anymore.
Bea’s set mixed the intimate whispers of bedroom-pop with a stripped back setup, introduced via the bossa nova rhythms of “The Perfect Pair.” This style of performance strays from her usual sound, that showcases layers of indie pop with alternative rock. She acknowledged this, saying “I haven’t played the acoustic in a while, I am not used to not having my band back me up.” But Bea seemed up for the challenge. What came from it was unpredictable in the best way.
“Take a Bite,” the new album’s single, followed the opener. Before she played the song, she acknowledged the room of radio professionals, making a comparison to how our side of the globe tends to be more enthralled with her music than her side. The setlist was a well-curated mix pairing the old with the new discography, with a lean towards her latest album. Vocally, Bea was on another level, the clean guitar tones and crisp vocal mix brought the vocals right up front, it felt like being in a chill, intimate jam session. As Bea transitioned to the next song she didn’t hold back asking the back of the crowd to politely shut up so they didn’t miss her favorite song off the new record, “Beaches.”
The new album, Deeper, which she announced on Instagram will be released soon but before that we are getting “Take a Bite” this Thursday, and hopefully the studio versions of the others like “Coming Home,” “Way Things Go,” and “Everything I Want” soon. In “Way Things Go” her vocal prowess shined as she reached her falsetto at the end. The two last older gems to make it on the set, “Coffee” and “Glue Song,” were also two of her most viral songs. They did a lot to further Bea’s career, giving her the recognition she deserves. Her authentic writing style doesn’t have to try hard to resonate with her typical audience, those who go through similar struggles as her with love and life, especially as a Filipino woman in the music industry; the treatment of her in the room spoke volumes to that.
If you were lucky enough to hear her tunes on the stage, you would know Beabadoobee’s performance was a standout. There is so much to come from her, with the next album on the way and her spot on the All Points East lineup this summer. Her acoustic performance not only capped off the night but brought an engaging stage presence full of lighthearted jokes. She made sure that the day ended on a high note, exclaiming, “See you on the radio!” before exiting the stage and leaving us with utter bliss. Thank you, Bea, you rock.