Spellling Review

By Sam Carliner

On October 16, 2019, I saw Spellling at Trans-Pecos. This was a PopGun Presents show. I loved the venue for this show because it was very intimate, with a low to the ground stage and potted plants everywhere. All three artists who performed that night hung out in the crowd. I had a chance to talk to Spellling before the show and she was so friendly. It felt less like a concert and more like an open mic night. There were two openers that night, Rare DM and ZAH. Both of them performed some experimental electronic music. They both danced a lot and had their own unique performance styles.

At the end of the night, Spellling went on. This was the last tour date on her first ever tour, so it felt really special. Although the audience was smaller than most shows I’ve been to, it was clear that everyone was very excited to see her. I fell in love with Spellling when I heard her 2019 album, Mazy Fly. Even though it came out in winter this year, it has a mystical witchy sound which is perfect for October. Seeing it live was great. The spooky instrumentals and ghostly singing were so much more atmospheric in person. Spelling wore all black and had a top with sparkling, draping sleeves which made her look like she had bat wings. As she sang, she danced around on stage in a ballet style, slowly moving her hands as if casting a spell on the audience. The setlist was packed with all my favorite songs from Mazy Fly, some songs from her 2017 album Pantheon of Me, and even a new song. I left the show very excited to see her the next time she goes on tour.