by 
Holly Miranda by Sophia Barkalakis
Every now and then I’m even more excited to see an artist play, especially if it’s the first time. I was thrilled when Holly Miranda released her self-titled second album because soon enough she would come to Seattle for a show. It would be just 5 shows before the tour was over but still worth the wait. Holly has the power to pull you in with her soothing voice and incredible lyrics and by the end you’ll just want “to be her girl”.
The night started off with Brooklyn based duo Gracie and Rachel opening at the Sunset in Ballard. I didn’t need much convincing when I heard “Tiptoe” to make sure I would go early to catch them. I am a sucker for anything that has a violin in it, although that’s not the only thing that captivates your ears when you listen to them for the first time. Gracie’s voice is in perfect harmony with the edgy sharp stringed notes Rachel is playing on her violin. I can’t wait to listen to any new material by them in the future and make sure I bring my friends along.
A little after 9 p.m. just as planned Holly and her band came onstage and finally the wait was over. Sometimes you hear an album and you really are taken by it but when you see the artist live and you are even more surprised at how astonishing it is. As soon as Holly hit the first note she had everyone’s attention. I expected to be charmed but it was even better than expected and that’s what I love so much about live music. It’s not only the voice, melody, lyrics, music, it’s how it all ties together to create the perfect aesthetic for the audience. Holly has that natural gift that simply can’t be taught but only driven from within.
Her set leaned heavily on her newest album playing, “Mark My Words”, “All I Want is to Be Your Girl”, “Everlasting”, “Desert Call”, “The Only One”, “Heavy Heart”, along with a couple of old ones “High Tide”, and “Waves”. She would stop in-between songs and interact with the audience, share stories, laugh, and seemed relaxed as if she were playing to a group of friends. A fan passed a request along with a tray of shots for the band and I couldn’t believe how effortlessly they played it, and it sounded as they had rehearsed it. She even pulled Gracie and Rachel back on stage for a song which was the cherry on top with the sound of the violin and sax combo.
After Holly and the band finished the incredible set, of course we all called out for an encore. When the band came back out, to our surprise Holly played a cover. That actually wasn’t the surprise at all, it was the song she chose to play. She started her piano and we all recognized “Waterfalls” by TLC begin to form slowly. It was the strangest and most unexpected tune I thought I would hear that night but it went so well in the end. She made it sound as if she had written it herself, including the rapping by Left Eye.
This was a great show and it made me believe that Holly Miranda is the best kept secret in the industry.
