On September 6, Alex Warren headlined an intimate show at The Troubadour in Los Angeles. Part of a three night series of shows throughout Southern California, the night was an opportunity to truly let Alex’s musical talents shine. Many might recognize Alex from TikTok, having created viral content and being one of the founding members of the Hype House. Longtime fans and newcomers to Alex’s world gathered at the West Hollywood venue for what was certainly an inspirational and unforgettable night!
The first opener for the show was a lively indie artist named Gibby, a former member of the band Sun Room. Despite having only released one solo single on Spotify, Gibby was able to entertain the crowd through his set and leave fans eager for more music. His quirky, laid-back personality was on full display as he sang and strummed his guitar. He joked around many times, and laughed through a few “oops” moments during his set. While trying to tune his guitar, he said “I’m a drummer at heart.” At one point, he even called the venue “The Troub,” and asked the crowd if it was okay to call it that.
Truthfully, I wasn’t qualified to answer such a question. It was my very first visit to The Troubadour, and I had absolutely no idea what to expect once I got inside. All I knew was I would be walking on holy ground – this is the place where Elton John made his American debut. This is the same place where people like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and so many other legendary acts have performed. This venue has truly stood the test of time, and it was so cool getting to see artists from my generation write a chapter of their own stories by performing here!
Rowan Drake was next to take the stage. Rowan is an artist who I’d have to describe as having music that “speaks for itself.” It’s so personal, and he has a very tender voice that will make listeners feel as though he’s singing to (you!) and you only. The stage lights were dimmed, a guitar was around Rowan’s neck, and it felt as though time stood still for a while. Needless to say, the vibes were amazing.
When Alex Warren arrived on stage, he was met with plenty of screams that had been waiting very patiently to be unleashed! Early on, he took a moment to thank his devoted fans, many who spent hours waiting in line to enter the venue. The wait was worth it, as fans got to hear gorgeous live renditions of songs such as “Change Your Mind,” “Give You Love,” and “Chasing Shadows.” During “Chasing Shadows,” fans raised up signs that read “We’ll always be here for you Alex.” My initial reaction was *aww, a fan project!* Alex seemed to love it, and a fan even handed him a frame with the message written on it as a gift. He was super interactive with his fans throughout the show, even acknowledging a fan who was at their very first concert.
Alex did make a quick confession to the crowd – he “lost his voice” the day before the show. Despite being in recovery mode, he was still able to put on an amazing show and create an unforgettable memory for everyone in attendance!