Nessa Barrett may be recognizable from her career on TikTok, but she’s recently made a name for herself in the indie-pop music scene, mirroring artists like Lana Del Rey, Madison Beer and Halsey. Her sophomore album, “AFTERCARE”, highlights her newfound strength, which translates both in its lyrics and on stage. The “Aftercare World Tour” supports her latest album, which explores alternative rock, baroque pop and Barrett’s womanhood in a new way. Barrett is based in Los Angeles, but the audience at Marathon Music Works ensured she knew she was home in Nashville. She had the crowd in the palms of her hands, and while others could crush them, Barrett fully embraced her audience. Through her intimate delivery and close-set staging, she retained an unbreakable connection with the audience throughout the show. Barrett’s performance is dynamic and strategized to a tee. Light effects switch beat by beat with the hit of a drum, and each step she took synchronized with her melodies.
Barrett had vocal support from her backing track, but sang angelically during tracks like “BABYDOLL” and “MUSTANG BABY,” with the crowd following her lead. Barrett brings a softness in her prances and delicate vocal delivery. Her microphone emphasized every breath and ounce of emotion she let out. She’s never scared to be brash, though. Even on bombastic songs like “STAY ALIVE” and the scream section on “GLITTER AND VIOLENCE”, her commitment to sincerity kept audiences on the same electric page. The audience especially committed during her pre-encore closer, “P*RNSTAR,” despite Barrett’s pleas: “This song does not reflect who I am. If you’re a minor, cover your ears,” she said. Both thematically and productionally, “AFTERCARE” presents Barrett as an artist fully realized in her vision and confident in every lyric, especially when they’re not completely serious. Each song she performed live held the same energy as her studio recordings, and the tour visuals added to their allure. This show is a realized dream for anyone who grew up on Tumblr, but most importantly, for the fans who know Barrett and her craft best.
- Ria Skyer
Photos Courtesy of Kylie Hoover (For Bell Music Magazine)
