Author: Bridget Benevides
While some people were in Mexico for spring break and others went home to visit family and friends, I was bed ridden with the flu and strep throat… definitely not how I pictured my break going. Luckily my illness subsided just in time for the Quinn XCII concert at Showbox SoDo and I am sure glad it did. I also got to go to the concert with one of my best friends who flew up all the way from California to see Quinn, so all in all it was a superb night.
Christian French started the show at 9:00 PM with some upbeat and unique music. 21-year-old singer/songwriter Christian French began his music career posting acoustic covers on Soundcloud in high school. Since than he has gained popularity and gone on tour with Chelsea Cutler and not Quinn XCII. I was only mildly disappointed by his set because it seemed like the music was louder than the microphone, so it was a bit hard to hear his vocals. However, when the music did quiet down and we could hear his voice, I was impressed by his talent.
Next to the stage was 24-year-old pop artist Ashe (who is actually Christian French’s older sister, isn’t that nifty?) I actually saw Ashe open for Louis the Child about a year ago at The Showbox SoDo, and have heard her featured on other artists music like Whethan’s song “Can’t Hide”. She is easily one of the most effortlessly beautiful women I have ever seen, and to top that her personality is gold. On stage she dances and smiles and laughs and jumps around until she is winded. She seems to really love what she does. She shared some personal stories with us, and even played a song that is unreleased. Her energy was infectious, and the crowd was very enthusiastic to vibe with her.
Finally, after much anticipation, Quinn XCII came to the stage (I have recently learned his name is not Quinn but is indeed Mike… the more you know). Him and his bandmates were wearing orange jumpsuits, and as they came to stage the crowd erupted in applause and whoops and hollers. He started the night by playing a song off his new album called “Sad Still”, and behind him were some relatively chill visuals (not boring, but not overwhelming).
My favorite song of the night was “Life Must Go On” (which features Jon Bellion, but Jon wasn’t there so a recording of his voice just played). Quinn talked about how his new album—From Michigan With Love—which has a lot to do with mental health and his journey in life over the past year. He said “Life Must Go On” really sums up the album well because he really believes that no matter what happens, life must go on and everything will be okay.
At one point in the night he walked off stage, and when the next song started, he was out in the sound booth in the middle of the audience. For the life of me I cannot figure out how he got there without causing a commotion, but it was pretty fun to see him engaging with the crowd.
Quinn XCII ended the night with his song “Flare Guns”, followed by an epic stage dive (which he says he’s been doing at every show so far on the tour). It was one of the longest, but most energetic concerts I have been to. I have lots of respect for these artists who bring their A game every night. I know we all appreciate it.
BRIDGET BENEVIDES | KXSU Music Reporter