Clairo • Alice Phoebe Lou • October 13, 2024 • The Great Saltair
Reviewed and Photographed by Paige May
On October 13, 2024, The Great Saltair located in Magna, Utah welcomed Clairo, a cozy singer-songwriter followed by the talented Alice Phoebe Lou, artists both looked up to throughout the wide Indie community we have to offer. The Charm Tour is the ongoing fourth concert tour that Clairo has done, supporting her third studio album. “Charm” was released this past July and gave fans the perfect chill, summer lounge playlist, sending listeners into a state of relaxing nostalgia.
Fans were surprised to learn the show was being held at the outdoor stage with Utahhe’s colder weather coming around the corner, a slight breeze swayed through the air allowing the perfect occasion for layering. Utah, known for it’s beautiful scenery and breathtaking landscape never fails to leave visitors in awe. As the crowd approached the stage you were welcomed with a beautiful painted sky filled with a tangerine orange, pink and blue cascading over our beautiful mountains. Fan’s, dressed in beautiful layered fabrics of sheer or lace tops and flowy skirts, rapidly made their way to the stage with bright smiles, eager to get as close as possible to their favorite artists. The audience began talking amongst themselves, meeting fellow concert attendees with a similar passion and love for Clairo and Alice, allowing for close friendships to form over such a bond.
Alice Phoebe Lou
After the sun had set across the horizon of the salt flats, the house music faded to a hush. The crowd then turned their attention to the stage and pretty soon stepped Alice Phoebe Lou on stage to kick the night off. As the lights went up and Illuminated the stage, Alice stepped on and the crowd erupted in cheers. She was very welcoming, waving while approaching the microphone. When she greeted the crowd there was a warmth that had radiated off of her, almost like talking to a dear friend, carrying a very charming and friendly personality that leaves you wanting more.
Alice Phoebe Lou then began playing her first song which the crowd immediately embraced and began rocking from one direction to the other. Alice felt like a breath of fresh air as she sang and danced on stage. The band played mesmerizing melodies, pairing beautifully along with her well-written lyrics. Her lyrics were hard hitting and soulful and altogether they formed a perfect mix of folk and indie. It left you feeling reminiscent.
After some time had passed, she spoke to the audience describing her experience in our state and commenting on the sunset, wishing they had started the show earlier so that they were playing during golden hour. She commented on the appearance of The Great Saltair, mentioning they’d never played at an outdoor venue as such. As they continued on with their set, fans swooned with each song, even pulling out their flashlights and swaying with the tune. Alice’s set was the perfect opener for Clairo.
After Alice and her band played such a beautiful set, the crowd was eager and ready for more. Fans talked amongst themselves for a brief period as the stage technicians pulled sheets off of instruments and the set, revealing a half-moon shape surrounding the center stage with a slight platform that elevated the band.
Clairo
As the lights went back on, fans cheered and jumped with glee knowing the beloved Clairo was soon to step onto stage. As she entered, she was followed by her fellow bandmates with a bottle of wine and glasses in tow. They approached the stage and sat together on said stage platform, pouring wine into each other’s glasses, and talking amongst themselves. This experience, even though this was someone that people in the crowd idolized and looked up to, left fans feeling at home. This introduction brought a feeling of comfortability and familiarity and made one almost feel as though they were sitting on the stage with them partaking in a glass of rose and attending a casual meet-up. They dispersed and elegantly walked to their places on stage.
Clairo grasped the mic in hand and gave the crowd a heartwarming smile and a nod to greet the audience. The song “Nomad” played off of her recently released album and the crowd went wild, grabbing onto one another and singing along. Tan curtains and silver party streamers glistened behind, and a circular overhead light hovered above Clairo, occasionally changing closeness with each song that played. Clairo and her band, being locked in and playing melodies leaving the crowd in awe, played songs from her new album “Charm” as well as throwing in a mix of older well-known songs like “Softly” off of her album titled “Immunity” and “Bambi” to tone it down off of the album “Sling.”
During the set, they even included a harmonious saxophone solo by the talented Hailey Niswanger. Each time a song started a gasp was heard amongst the crowd, excitement across their faces as audience members recognized Clairo’s captivating tunes. Although there was little crowd interaction, the crowd still remained invested as Clairo remained laid back and carried a relatable demeanor that felt as if it was a more intimate show. It seemed the intention altogether was to display her personal recording studio. Her set also contained pieces of furniture that looked as if it was pulled fresh from a thrift store like a velvet green chair and an old wooden keyboard adding to the “homey” feel that radiated from her set from start to finish.
Walking through the crowd was an unforgettable experience. Friends and couples held onto each other singing lyrics to one another as if the lyrics had applied to them. They sang with such passion and love for not only the artist but also for one another. Clairos vocals flowed throughout the crowd, sounding as if it was fresh off the album itself leaving fans feeling fulfilled and connected. To wrap up the night, Clairo ended the show with a bang, playing her top streamed song “Juna” with each musician showing off their talents.
Clairos’s show was a memorable one, leading the audience through emotions, music, and community that lingered on to those who attended.