Mitski performed at the 930 Club a few months ago; however, I missed this show. A friend of mine photographed the show, and I was intrigued by the photos. So, when I learned that Mitski was returning to Baltimore, I arranged to cover this artist because I genuinely wanted to see her performance. The show at Rams Head sold out well in advance, and the line of eager fans formed well before doors. It was obvious that Mitski has a devoted following.
So, who exactly is Mitski? Mitski has been making music since 2012 when she self-released two piano-based albums while attending Purchase College’s Conservatory of Music. However, it was her third album, 2014’s Bury Me at the Makeout Creek, that kicked things up a notch with a more raw, guitar sound. As a result, this album launched her into the mainstream and put her on the map. Two years later, she released her fourth studio album, Puberty 2. Then the following year, in 2017, she toured with The Pixies.
After doing some reading about Mitski prior to this show, I have to admit to having a genuine respect for this artist. Not only is she creative and talented, but her thoughts on fame and popularity are respectable. The Guardian recently published an interview with Mitski that is well worth the read. In the interview, Mitski shares her thoughts on how she shy’s away from the spotlight. In the interview she expressed, “I want to be a fellow person standing on the same ground, I don’t want to be someone’s little treasure in their pocket.” She also shares her thoughts on popularity and how everyone has their “day in the sun” so to speak. You can read this excellent interview with Mitski by the Guardian here.
Mitski’s show at Rams Head Live on Friday night was my first experience seeing this performance artist. Not only does Mitski write her songs, she presents them in the most unique creative way. She took the stage wearing a white t-shirt, spandex shorts and knee pads. Then, she sauntered every so slowly across the stage, making her way to the table and chair that was waiting for her. Creatively timed, she paced her steps across the stage to timing of the opening song, “Goodbye, My Danish Sweetheart.” By the time the 2 minute song was coming to a close, Mitski took a seat at the table and finished the song with robotic-like movements. The lights went off at the end of the song and the crowd showed their appreciation with cheers and clapping.
Mitski’s songs are short, but precise, with deep lyrics – lyrics that tell stories. Then, to add to her music is her ability to visually entertain her audience with movement and dance. Mitski performed a variety of songs at the show this past Friday at Rams Head Live. She only performed 5 songs from her most recent album, Be the Cowboy. Instead, she pulled songs from her full catalog, playing a sampling of songs from all of her studio albums.
If you are unfamiliar with Mitski, definitely check her out on iTunes or Spotify. While Mitski may be the “next big thing”, she maintains humility yet, she has determination. She takes pride in what she does, she is talented, and is in control of her art; however, she doesn’t want to be idolized or put on a pedestal. You can also read another great review of Mitski’s latest album on NPR, here.
