By: Evelyn Salazar
Friday night concerts are always a great idea. Last week Sammy Brue and Michael Kiwanuka sold out The Depot in Salt Lake City and it was no surprise as to why. The night was full of spectacular performances that got the crowd vibing to some awesome indie rock.
Sammy Brue, a Utah native, kicked off the night with some great tunes. I was able to interview Sammy before the show and talk to him about his upcoming album. We had met before at a Kilby Court show and he remembered me, which was so nice. He is such a sweet and genuine person who’s really working towards his goals. The way he talks about his music is so moving and relatable and makes him such a likable dude. I was excited to hear him perform and was not let down. After his first song, a woman behind the barricade asked me if I knew where he was from. I answered, “Ogden” and she was so surprised! “Oh, he’s from here!” She responded. It was really cool to see. I overheard another person in the crowd saying, “He’s not gonna be an opener for long, he’s so good,” and it’s true. I think Sammy has a bright future ahead of him in the music industry, I can’t wait for the album.
After the opener, lots of people grabbed a drink and conversed with strangers next to them. It was a different vibe than most shows I attend, it was a really chill and laid back vibe. Not the usual screams I’m used to hearing at shows. It was nice. Everyone out on a Friday night to listen to some good music.
Now, I’ve never heard Michael Kiwanuka’s music before this, but I figured he was a great artist considering the fact that he sold out The Depot. I also saw he had just been on The Ellen Show a week prior and that’s some big moves. Kiwanuka is a singer songwriter from the UK and I have a soft spot for singer songwriters from the UK! I was very eager to hear what kind of indie-folk rock he would bring to the stage.
As the lights shut off, loads of people clapped and whistled, again different from the typical teenage screams in my ears. Everyone took their positions on stage and Michael appeared front and center as the spotlight shined on him. From the moment he started singing, I could tell just how passionate he was. His body language and facial expressions told it all. The way he swayed from side to side to his own music and by the looks of the crowd, you could see how into it everyone was. And as he got his mouth closer to the mic you could see the smile spread on his face as he saw people dancing and singing along to his songs.
Honestly it was one of the most chill concerts I’ve been to. The energy was good, the music was perfect and the atmosphere was filled with positive energy. Michael kept smiling throughout his performance and kept the passion going. It’s always the best when you see the artist having just as good time as the audience is. It’s genuine.
As always, I think The Depot is a great venue for not too small but not too big concerts. It offers that intimate feeling while still feeling like a big show. The lights are great and the view of the stage is perfect. They also have the two side screens airing the show as well.
What a good Friday night in downtown SLC.
