Still Woozy performs at 9:30 Club on Jan. 31, 2022. (Photo by Katie Child)

I’ve always found that indie-pop artists throw the most memorable shows. My theory unquestionably remained true during Still Woozy’s recent gig at DC’s 9:30 Club. With just over five million Spotify monthly listeners, Still Woozy has definitely established himself in his genre. With movement-inducing hits “Goodie Bag” and “Hush,” it was no surprise that his audience brought all the life and energy to the floor of the club.

Still Woozy, known by friends and family as Sven Gamsky, opened his If This Isn’t Nice Tour on Jan. 31 at 9:30 Club, kicking off his travels across the United States and Europe. As I’m sure many concertgoers can imagine, the energy at a tour’s first show tends to be unmatched. This was absolutely true at this performance. By the time the opener finished and Sven was next on the line-up, fans were eagerly watching every roadie and sound tech, searching for signs that the show was about to start. 

Opening the stage was another indie-pop artist who goes by Wallice. After two home-run singles, “23” and “Punching Bag,” Wallice’s streaming numbers skyrocketed, and her presence in the industry surged. Wallice encompasses an energy that, for lack of better words, feels comfortingly familiar. She somehow managed to make her set feel impossibly intimate despite the fact that the venue was entirely sold-out. Her voice carried dreamy lyrics which were commented on by attendees throughout the crowd. As I was photographing her from the photo pit, I heard commotion between friends about their admiration for the artist, whom they hadn’t previously known of. Wallice set a wonderful stage for Still Woozy and encapsulated the audience while doing so. 

Watch the official music video for “Punching Bag” by Wallice on YouTube:

Still Woozy hit the stage at about half-past-nine, and the audience was one of the loudest I’ve heard. Even with Gamsky’s poppy, fast-paced lyrics, the club as a whole was successful in annunciating his every word. From what I saw of the concert, everyone was completely absorbed in the music and Still Woozy’s presence. Between the barricade, the bar towards the side of the floor, and the club’s upper level, each person was moving with the music with their eyes glued to the stage. This was one of those shows that truly makes you appreciate the communities that artists build within their fan bases. It’s easy to feel disconnected at concerts, but it was quite honestly the opposite on Monday.

Watch the official music video for “Goodie Bag” by Still Woozy on YouTube:

Sven and his team did a remarkable job throwing a welcoming, smooth-running, and ecstatic opening night. If you happened to miss him on this tour, I highly recommend listening to his music and following his gigs for the next time he comes around. The environment he creates is unforgettable, and not one to miss.

Here are some photos of Wallice opening Still Woozy at 9:30 Club on Jan. 31. All photos copyright and courtesy of Katie Child.

Here are some photos of Still Woozy by Katie Child.