PANDORA PRESENTS: 'SOUNDS LIKE YOU' WITH TY DOLLA $IGN, SZA & POST MALONE

If only all offices took their holiday-party cue from Pandora. Where else could you view snow bunny hula-hoop dancers, DJs throwing cash into the crowd, loads of swag from sponsors and a night of free music? Pandora hosted its fifth annual holiday soirée, Pandora Presents “Sounds Likes You,” Tuesday night at Pier 36 in NYC. Leading up to the event Pandora users could listen to the Indie R&B mixtape to RSVP for the free event to see performances by Cheat Codes, Ty Dolla $ign, SZA and Post Malone.

Amidst falling snow, Ty Dolla $ign took the stage to kick off the party. The Los Angeles- based rapper, who is known for his lyrical prowess (writing credits include songs with Rihanna, Kanye West and Paul McCartney), can mount an energetic set. He engages with the crowd, asking them to sing back lyrics to him, and acknowledges “all the beautiful girls” that came to see him perform. The crowd favorite was “Paranoid” off of Ty Dolla $ign’s Beach House EP.

Ty Dolla $ign

SZA stole the night with an impassioned performance. The set bounced back and forth between older tracks off of her 2014 album, Z, and new songs off of her Grammy nominated album, ctrl. She began with “Supermodel” and a series of hair flips. She then shared a number of backstories to songs like “Drew Barrymore” and “Normal Girl.” Even in a large warehouse, the R&B singer has a way of making viewers feel like they are experiencing her show in an intimate venue. SZA closed with “The Weekend” reminding everyone that the holidaze are here.

SZA

After a delay due to sound malfunctions, Post Malone closed Sounds Like You. He gave his traditional “rest in peace” speech honoring musicians who had recently passed, poured one out and launched into “Too Young.” The barricades were shaking as everyone jumped and lifted their phones into the air for “Go Flex.” Post Malone sent holiday cheer through his music before closing with “Congratulations.”