Baby’s All Right has only been open for under a year and is already known as one of the premiere venues in Williamsburg. The staff is friendly, and it operates as a restaurant, multiple bars, and venue. The first time I went was to see Macaulay Culkin’s famed cover band Pizza Underground, it was packed like a hipster sardine can. Needless to say, besides the occasional movie star appearance, the venue fills a comfortable 200.
The night drew me to see Tristen, a Nashville based Dolly Parton-esque starlet, for a second time. I had found her through twitter (of all places), and was drawn to her electronic Nashville twanged folk rock – paired with breezy vocals and sassy lyrics that seemed wise beyond her 27 years.
Up first was Boyfriend, a solo female rapper based out of New Orleans, who expressed her long background of travel. Throughout the set, she threw props in the audience, undressed burlesque style, and danced around the stage with no fear. Think Gaga, Starlight Girls days, capturing the audience with charm and satire (Some crowd favorite lyrics- “all because you couldn’t make me come like my hand did). However, Boyfriend combines influences of Kitty Pryde, Miley Cyrus, and Amanda Palmer whilst presenting an original twist of her own – she really doesn’t give a fuck. And- the girl can sing. Praised by Perez Hilton and an abundance of positive press, Boyfriend is sure to make waves throughout the hip hop scene.
Next, Siiga – a Scotland based solo act with wavy vocal effects and minimalistic yet effective backing tracks. Siiga takes us through the set with his storytelling waves, to places by the sea in an enchanted world of beauty and peace. Damien Rice could be an influence, but Siiga has an undeniable ability to calm the listener and bring us into our world.
I had the chance to track down Tristen for a few minutes, and she expressed loving the energy of playing in NYC. “It’s easy to feel like your hometown is most critical of your music,” she explained. Her set consisted of new and old pieces, but I really liked how she stood onstage. Front and center, fearlessly looking into the audience making direct eye contact as her five piece band played along. As she leaned into the crowd with one shoulder, she sent her message directly with perseverance and soul. Whilst playing live, Tristen encapsulates a moment within a song, instead of going over the top and trying to fit into one genre. Her country western influence mixed with some electronic beats and good ‘ole whiney guitar make the perfect recipe for easy listening.
Article by: Hillary Barleaux
