Maddie Zahm - Now That I've Been Honest Tour

Maddie Zahm brought her "Now That I’ve Been Honest Tour" to the Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville with an unforgettable performance. Supported by Leanna Firestone, who is accompanying Zahm for the entirety of the tour, the night was a blend of relatable and emotional lyrics, powerful vocals, and fun fan interactions. Leanna Firestone opened the evening, captivating the audience with songs reflective of girlhood and relationships. Her set included unreleased songs, fan favorites, and a call-and-response that resonated deeply with the crowd. She also covered “Casual” by Chappell Roan. Firestone's performance was energetic and engaging, setting the tone for Maddie Zahm’s set. In between the opener and the show, there was an opportunity to win a signed merch set and setlist if you donated to a mental health initiative, showing where Zahm’s passions lie for mental health awareness.

 At 9 PM, Maddie Zahm took the stage, starting with "Blind Spot." From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, the crowd sang along with every word. Zahm’s lyrics about girlhood, religious trauma, relationships, and self-worth resonated with the audience heavily as everyone couldn’t look away from the stage. Zahm's setlist featured songs from her EP "You Might Not Like Her" and tracks from her debut album "Now That I’ve Been Honest." One of the standout moments was her performance of "8 Ball Girl," where fans sang along enthusiastically. Two fans had shirts that read 8-ball girl with bald caps painted like 8 balls, showing their love and dedication to her songs. In describing “8 Ball Girl” Zahm stated, “This is the first song I wrote about a girl. When I sent it to my family, I was nervous about what they would think about my relationship. Instead, they asked me if I was on coke”. She introduced every song with a behind-the-scenes anecdote about what went into the creation of the song. Another crowd favorite, "Pick Up the Phone," had everyone on their feet, creating a lively and electric atmosphere. About “Pick Up the Phone” she expressed how her fans were obsessed with the song when it came out, which she was not expecting, and from the amount of adoration for the song she put it on her tour and created a music video last minute.

 Zahm's performance was marked by her incredible stage presence and her ability to connect deeply with her audience. She shared relatable behind-the-scenes stories about what inspired her songs, adding a personal touch that made the performance even more special. The light show, with its dynamic red and purple hues, enhanced the emotional depth of her music without overshadowing her powerful vocals. Part of the evening was the acoustic set, where Zahm sat on a chair and performed "Where Do the Good Kids Go," and “Dani”, among others, showcasing her emotional depth and getting in touch with the audience. The night reached another high point with a surprise appearance by Hunter Hayes, who joined Zahm for a beautiful duet of "Wanted," which Zahm said the song meant so much to her throughout growing up. Zahm ended her set with her hit song "Fat Funny Friend," before returning for an encore that included "Little Me" and "You Might Not Like Her." 

Maddie Zahm's concert was a masterclass in emotional storytelling through music. Her ability to create a fun and cathartic environment for her fans to express themselves was evident throughout the night. Zahm’s powerful voice, authentic lyrics, and genuine connection with her audience ensure she will continue to be a beloved figure in the music industry. If you have the chance to see her live, don’t miss it—Maddie Zahm is an artist who truly pours her heart and soul into every performance.

- Isabel Hodell

Photos Courtesy of Ashlee Riggins (For Bell Music Magazine)