Indie pop singer-songwriter Claire Cottrill, known as Clairo, charmed her audience in concert at The Anthem on Oct. 21.
Clairo returned to D.C. for the third time to tour her newest album “Charm.”
The artist has previously played at iconic D.C. venues like the 9:30 Club and The Fillmore in Silver Spring, but this time upgraded to The Anthem’s larger event space.
While known for her bedroom pop hits from her album “Immunity” and EP “diary001,” Clairo tapped into her flirty, mature side with the release of “Charm” in July. The album takes a turn from her previous ones, citing influences from 1970s artists like The Beach Boys and Harry Nilsson.
The stage was set similarly to a recording studio where the artist can be imagined, with a simple background, a green antique chair and a table that held her keyboard. The group entered the stage casually, drinks in hand.
The show opened with “Nomad,” the new album’s second single. While the crowd initially cheered, it quickly fell silent in awe of Clairo’s music — a trend throughout the show.
Clairo’s music style has grown up with her, from bedroom pop as a college student to a blend of jazz and folk as she enters her mid-20s.
Despite this, Clairo paid tribute to her older bedroom pop songs from 2018 like “4Ever” and “Flaming Hot Cheetos,” putting a more mature, jazzy and classic spin on them, which left audiences at the edge of their seats.
During the song “Partridge,” audiences truly tuned in as Clairo’s quiet yet strong vocals blended with her band’s impressive instrumental break. Her saxophonist and drummer stole the show with their solos.
Clairo closed the show with a series of hits, playing “Bags” from her first album “Immunity” and “Charm’s” “Sexy to Someone” and “Juna.”
Clairo and her band created a warm, intimate environment that displayed her love for performing at their show. It was no secret they enjoyed being there just as much as the fans did.
Clairo danced while wearing headphones as if she were alone in her bedroom, with her band occupied in the background. She almost seemed oblivious that she was on stage playing a sold-out show.
She even changed her dress from a strapless one to her classic purple Piatori Joy Dress, telling the audience, “I literally can’t dance in this [dress].”
The audience, however, played along. Everyone was dancing non-stop even after Clairo had left the stage, which she continuously urged them to do.
This article was edited by Jessica Ackerman, Marina Zaczkiewicz and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Emma Brown and Ariana Kavoossi.
