NOTE: All photos are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography 2025
A model and/or actor wanting to become a musician has become a cliche. That’s not to say they can’t be incredibly successful but it’s often times an immediate strike with critics. Suki Waterhouse has been an exception to this rule, with her 2022 debut LP “I Can’t Let Go” garnishing relatively positive reviews. On the road for her first headlining tour, Waterhouse stopped at the Axis Club in Toronto on January 24, 2023.
Opening the night was LA-based Blondshell (aka Sabrina Teitelbaum). Today’s indie acts have a tendency to express themselves in a lyrically sad way. I was glad to hear Blondshell showing some anger in her lyrics, even if it is a bit of an understated anger hidden beneath pretty chill music, except for that awesome guitar solo during “Veronica Mars”. Her self-titled debut album is set to be released on April 7th but catch her on tour if you get the chance!
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Suki Waterhouse has come a long way since her first show in 2021. Unlike the nervous woman who took the stage that day, the singer that took the stage at 9pm this evening was confident, wooing the audience with her sometimes wispy and sometimes throaty voice with a fan blowing through her luxurious bedroom tossed hair. And, boy, does she know how to interact with her fans, waving, signing records, wishing fans a happy birthday and taking selfies! It’s easy to see what her fans find so appealing. Perfectly at ease, it belied her expression of disbelief at what she called the best moment of her life.
Waterhouse eased her way though her sixteen song set including a two song encore. Before her finale “Good Looking”, she told a story of how her music label had asked her to delete all her old music. She didn’t listen and her lesson was to trust your instincts and trust “good looking boys”. Not quite sure I can always agree with that second one but it was a funny segue. While there are other models/actors/musicians whose music I may like better, Waterhouse provided an enjoyable performance that warrants further review. Check out her record if you get the chance.
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