Photo by Lillie Eiger
British-Japanese singer, model, and all-around talent, Rina Sawayama, performed at Chicago’s Subterranean as part of her second US tour – dubbed Ordinary Superstar Tour. Despite it only being her second time headlining in the States, Rina was greeted by a dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase and a sold-out crowd, showing that she’s anything, but ordinary.
Opening for Sawayama was singer and songwriter Dorian Electra, who started the concert with a flashy eight-song set. A non-binary and queer artist and a vocal feminist, Dorian Electra’s songs promoted love, body, and sex-positivity. Their setlist consisted of tracks including “Clitopia,” “Vibrator,” “Career Boy,” “Jackpot,” “Flamboyant,” and “VIP.” The singer also gave the crowd a sneak peek at their latest song “Man to Man,” which is yet to be released. In their set, Dorian Electra also performed a solo rendition of “Femmebot,” their collaboration with Charli XCX. From the flamboyant wardrobe to the high-energy songs and choreography, it was clear that the singer was the perfect opener for Sawayama’s show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDDukLyXY-M
Taking to the stage right after was Rina Sawayama, who began her set with an ominous, smoke-filled entrance akin a scene from a sci-fi film. Stepping onto the stage along with her two backup dancers all clad in long, black coats and helmets, the scene led into her track, “Alterlife,” followed by “10-20-40.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mSdPxz-jT8
Sawayama’s set was like travelling back in time to the start of the millennium. Everything from her fashion, to her to her infectious pop and smooth R&B tunes gave her set a feeling of throwback and nostalgia. Her setlist consisted mostly of songs from her debut EP RINA, including “Take Me As I Am” and “Cyber Stockholm Syndrome,” which she released in 2017, but also highlighted past and recent singles, such as “Valentine,” “Where U Are,” and her latest single “Cherry.” Contrary to the typically uplifting sound of her music, Sawayama’s lyrics often delved into heavier themes, such as loneliness, sadness, uncertainty, and unrequited love.
https://twitter.com/rinasawayama/status/1041523089715060736
But overall, the night both started and ended on a happy note – one filled to the brim with love, positive energy, acceptance, and inclusivity. Rina Sawayama seems like she’s only just begun her journey as a superstar. She has nowhere else to go, but up.
Be sure to give Rina Sawayama a listen and check out her latest music video “Cherry” below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn5YFnrD1u8
Review: Rina Sawayama Spreads the 102040 Virus in Chicago
Photo by Lillie Eiger
British-Japanese singer, model, and all-around talent, Rina Sawayama, performed at Chicago’s Subterranean as part of her second US tour – dubbed Ordinary Superstar Tour. Despite it only being her second time headlining in the States, Rina was greeted by a dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase and a sold-out crowd, showing that she’s anything, but ordinary.
Opening for Sawayama was singer and songwriter Dorian Electra, who started the concert with a flashy eight-song set. A non-binary and queer artist and a vocal feminist, Dorian Electra’s songs promoted love, body, and sex-positivity. Their setlist consisted of tracks including “Clitopia,” “Vibrator,” “Career Boy,” “Jackpot,” “Flamboyant,” and “VIP.” The singer also gave the crowd a sneak peek at their latest song “Man to Man,” which is yet to be released. In their set, Dorian Electra also performed a solo rendition of “Femmebot,” their collaboration with Charli XCX. From the flamboyant wardrobe to the high-energy songs and choreography, it was clear that the singer was the perfect opener for Sawayama’s show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDDukLyXY-M
Taking to the stage right after was Rina Sawayama, who began her set with an ominous, smoke-filled entrance akin a scene from a sci-fi film. Stepping onto the stage along with her two backup dancers all clad in long, black coats and helmets, the scene led into her track, “Alterlife,” followed by “10-20-40.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mSdPxz-jT8
Sawayama’s set was like travelling back in time to the start of the millennium. Everything from her fashion, to her to her infectious pop and smooth R&B tunes gave her set a feeling of throwback and nostalgia. Her setlist consisted mostly of songs from her debut EP RINA, including “Take Me As I Am” and “Cyber Stockholm Syndrome,” which she released in 2017, but also highlighted past and recent singles, such as “Valentine,” “Where U Are,” and her latest single “Cherry.” Contrary to the typically uplifting sound of her music, Sawayama’s lyrics often delved into heavier themes, such as loneliness, sadness, uncertainty, and unrequited love.
https://twitter.com/rinasawayama/status/1041523089715060736
But overall, the night both started and ended on a happy note – one filled to the brim with love, positive energy, acceptance, and inclusivity. Rina Sawayama seems like she’s only just begun her journey as a superstar. She has nowhere else to go, but up.
Be sure to give Rina Sawayama a listen and check out her latest music video “Cherry” below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn5YFnrD1u8