Momma Rocks The Basement East

Indie rock band Momma stopped by The Basement East on April 29 to headline The Welcome to My Blue Sky Tour. Opener Brennan Wedl, a Nashville native, kicked off the show with well written songs about Nashville, queer identity, and other personal topics. Wedl’s songs were refreshingly honest and inviting, and she gave an excellent vocal performance. A standout performance was “Fake Cowboy,” which held extra emotional resonance while performed in Wedl’s hometown. After such a moving opener, Momma had big shoes to step in, but filled them easily. Band members Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten led vocals effortlessly while strumming coolly on their guitars. Fellow members Kobayashi Ritch (bass) and Preston Fulks (drums) showed impressive skill and endurance throughout the show. The band played songs released from 2018 to 2025, including many from their 2022 album Household Name as well as their newest album Welcome to My Blue Sky. With each new song, the performers carried a certain coolness that only comes with practice and absolute confidence in their vision. 

This confidence, of course, is completely deserved, as Momma consistently delivers interesting, honest, and catchy music. Stage decor was simple yet well done, with large grey hearts connected with chains sitting atop musical equipment — this equipment was smartly part of the decor as well, with several guitars facing out toward the crowd as they waited for their turn to be played by Friedman or Weingarten. As the crowd waited for the show, stage lights were all red, aesthetically accenting the silver decor. Once the show started, lights changed accordingly with performances, allowing the show to remain dynamic (and photography, thankfully, to thrive). Both Momma and Brennan Wedl excelled onstage and infused the entire audience with energy and good vibes. The Basement East was a perfect venue to help carry the intimate yet fun performance, making the Welcome to My Blue Sky Tour a total success in Nashville.

- Jules Krueger

Photos Courtesy of GC Moorman (For Bell Music Magazine)