Singer-songwriter Clairo, the moniker of songwriter / producer and singer Claire Cottrill, created a warm and intimate environment at Franklin Music Hall this weekend, playing two sold-out shows for Philly fans. She captivated the crowd with a natural charm, displaying her love for the crowd in soft-spoken moments of appreciation.
Clairo is an artist who brings honesty and relatability to her music; it often feels like a diary entry – heartfelt, intimate, and a little nostalgic. From her bedroom-pop roots to her evolution into a folk-inspired, introspective sound, Clairo’s songs are beautifully unpolished reflections on love, identity, and the winding paths of young adulthood. She invites listeners into her world with warmth and honesty, making each song feel like a cozy conversation.
Clairo | photo by Danielle Ciampaglia for WXPN
At her show on Friday, she transported the crowd into a ’70s-inspired recording studio/living room, with the band placed on elevated blocks as Clairo sang in the middle of the round. A brown backdrop with shiny gold embellishments hung behind them, reflecting lights onto the walls of the venue as if the room itself was shimmering.
While reserved at times, her stage presence made the entire crowd feel like her close friends. She danced around the stage while wearing headphones (a staple of her Charmed tour) as if she were dancing alone in her bedroom instead of playing to a sold-out crowd. In fact, while her contemplative music is perhaps better suited for long walks or solitary moments in bedrooms, her songs took on a new force with the help of her band, adding jazzy flourishes to her set. The stage was in constant movement, either from Clairo’s dances or from her band members moving around the stage to play different instruments depending on the song.
Clairo and her band entered the stage casually, drinks in hand as they formed a clump on one side, chatting and laughing inaudibly. The anticipation in the crowd was palpable, captivated by the theatrics before them, and eagerly awaiting the first song. Luckily, they didn’t need to wait long before “Nomad” started, the opening track on Charm and the signature first song on the tour.
Alice Phoebe Lou | photo by Danielle Ciampaglia for WXPN
Earlier in the night, Alice Phoebe Lou did her best to set a dreamy tone, despite having to pause several times during her set to direct help toward fans who passed out in the crowd. A friendly reminder to take care of yourselves at shows and stay hydrated – no spot is worth passing out for!
Clairo’s third album Charm released earlier this year in July, showing a more mature and flirty side to the singer. A dreamy record, it builds upon her previous albums, maintaining the soft indie-pop sensibilities that we’ve come to know and love, while adding a subtle retro flare to her sound, jazzy at times and folky at others.
Most of her set was made up of songs from Charm, as she played the album in its almost entirety. Fans were also treated to some of her earlier releases, such as “Flaming Hot Cheetos” and “4EVER,” both of which had the crowd bouncing around. Although the audience was vocal throughout the set, there was a renewed energy for the last three songs, despite the lack of an encore.
Clairo’s tour continues into the new year, with North American dates rounding out 2024 and Australia and New Zealand dates kicking off 2025. You can find a full list of her tour dates here. Check out the photos from Clairo’s Philly show below!