NOTE: All photos are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography 2026
Minnesota born but London based indie pop singer/songwriter Ber (aka Berit Dybing) has never been shy about laying out her personal life in her music. Songs like “Bad for Me”, “Better Man”, and “You’re Internet Sucks” put her dating life right there for everyone to see. Perhaps it’s that personal connection that endears herself to her fans, or maybe it’s her lovely voice and easygoing personality. Whatever it is, she has earned herself a dedicated fanbase. Those deeply personal lyrics haven’t changed with her debut full studio album Good, Like It Should Be, released earlier this month. After supporting Calum Scott on the first leg of his North American tour, Ber took the opportunity for a quick headlining tour to support the release of that album. The four headlining shows culminated in a performance at the Drake Underground on April 23rd. When we entered the venue, Ber was already hanging out in front of the stage with some fans. Who does that?!?! Speaking of dedicated fans, one woman standing center front had been to FIFTEEN Ber shows in the last six months!! That is dedication!
The opener was singer/songwriter Tom Siletto from Monterey, California. Kicking off his set with “Better Than Boston”, a song about a failed relationship, it was really hard to feel sad when the singer is such a jolly person with a quip and smile at the ready. Having trouble with his guitar tuning, his “G-string” kept going flat or sharp, no on cared because he was so entertaining. Siletto did tell us he was selling merch but, since he didn’t have his own merch, he was selling hats that he grabbed from his father’s business in California, Siletto Family Vineyards. He also wrote one song about how his mom has no idea what he’s been doing…a song called “Back Seat Slut”! Too funny! A great way to start the evening!
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Ber, alone on stage with her electric guitar, started her set with “Good, Real” and “Who’s This”, the first and third tracks off her latest record, before going back to “Halfway”, the title track from her 2023 EP. As with Siletto, Ber has an extremely easy way with the audience, telling stories and chatting like we were all best friends. She told us about how her parents had divorced and her mom moved to a tiny town of 40 in southern Wisconsin, apologizing for oversharing and not shutting up. Please don’t! These conversations and interactions are the things that fans remember most, sometimes even more than the music!
All told, Ber played fourteen songs with the expected heavy lean towards songs from Good, Like It Should Be, ending the evening earlier than expected. However, she was nice enough to hang out after the show and chat, sign, and take selfies with, what turned out to be, a really long line of fans! Never change! Ber is heading back home to London but if you get the chance, listen to her music on your favorite streaming service or, better yet, buy her album on her website store. If you get the vinyl, the front cover has a very cool cutout!
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