On the night of Thursday, March 6, The Blue Room in Nashville brimmed with excited energy. Not only was Annie DiRusso’s debut album Super Pedestrian releasing in a few short hours, but the artist herself would soon take the stage for the first show in her Back in Town tour. DiRusso, a Belmont alum, built an avid following by releasing memorable indie-rock singles like the popular “Don’t Swerve” (2018) and “Coming Soon” (2021). However, her first album was long-awaited. Sharing a space with the artist herself just before its release was cathartic and exhilarating. Based on my previous experiences at DiRusso’s shows (last year’s joint tour with comedian Caleb Hearon as well as her performance at Belmont’s Pop Rock Showcase back in 2020), I expected high energy and, simply put, a damn good show. Even with my high expectations, I was wowed.
Not only did DiRusso exude charisma onstage, but her energy and musical talent never flagged or diminished. Songs old and new (even unreleased) were played, and the crowd was in for a delightful surprise when Ruston Kelly performed “Wearing Pants Again” with DiRusso. The audience, along with myself, left with smiles on their faces and peps in their steps. Super Pedestrian, released right after DiRusso’s first show in her Back in Town tour, lived up to all the hype felt in the room that night. DiRusso expertly balances vulnerability and fun with her songwriting from start to finish, in every track. Sharing in the experience of the album’s release by attending such an excellent show felt, frankly, like a “Good-Ass Movie.”
- Jules Krueger
Photos Courtesy of GC Moorman (For Bell Music Magazine)
