Tate McRae performs at 9:30 Club on March 27, 2022. (Photo by Katie Child)
Packing the floor, pressing in on the railings of the balcony, inching in towards the barricade, and conversing about their shared dedication to their favorite artists, a sold-out crowd at DC’s 9:30 Club recently waited in anticipation for the charmingly entrancing Tate McRae to take on center stage.
At only 18 years old, McRae kicked off her first headlining tour at the beginning of March 2022, with plans to make her rounds through North America. There’s something about Tate that had the audience wrapped around her finger. Whether it’s her impressive synchronized dancing, her saccharine voice, or her ability to exhibit both skills simultaneously; her fans were under her spell.
Tate brought two supporting artists with her to DC this past Sunday, March 27. Opening for McRae were hit-making pop stars Gayle and Mimi Webb. Gayle was born in Texas but hails from Nashville, Tennessee, where the 17-year-old pop artist blew up at stunning rates after her hit song “abcdefu” gained astounding popularity on the social media app, TikTok. Mimi Webb rose to fame in a similar manner; after a song of hers was used in a viral video, she’s been steadily gaining streams and followers.
Stream Gayle’s hit “abcdefu” here on Spotify.
Fans continued to flow into the club as the time ticked closer to McRae’s scheduled entrance. Club staff rotated positions one last time before the show, while the stage hands made final adjustments to lights. A crew member laid out the setlist along with a water bottle, already opened and turned to just the right angle. Tate’s backup dancers crossed in front of the stage to their assigned positions while fans eagerly peered toward the shadowed stage in hopes of a sign that the show was finally commencing. Seconds before Tate appeared onstage, the energy felt throughout the club was otherworldly. House lights dimmed to an absorbing darkness, which was followed by a high unlike anything else.
Tate does more than just singing at her gigs. Truly making the most of her shows, she performs choreographed routines while still flawlessly delivering her music. The show was transformed into something of a dance party as Tate dedicated time to incorporate dance into her set. Influenced by Tate and her two backup dancers, audience members could be seen throughout the club, dancing like nobody was watching.
Setlist:
- stupid
- r u ok
- happy face
- all my friends are fake
- Bad Ones
- One Day
- that way
- You (Regard, Troye Sivan, & Tate McRae cover)
- Breakeven (The Script cover)
- wish I loved you in the 90’s
- feel like shit
- I’m so gone (unreleased)
- Rubber band
- you broke me first
Stream McRae’s ”you broke me first” here on Spotify.
I’ve never felt a negative ambience at the 9:30 Club. This show specifically had a memorably giddy audience. Carefree and more animated than the club’s usual suspects, staff and guests alike were lighthearted and compassionate toward one another. The positive attitudes and kindness seen at the show made the gig an even more enjoyable experience.
Watch Tate McRae’s “she’s all i wanna be” official music video here on YouTube.
Tate’s maxed out gig served as a prime example of the enchantment of the live music industry. Fans connecting with not only the artist, but with venue staff and security, and perhaps most impactful, fellow concert goers, played a massive role in the captivating environment that McRae created. The positivity and connections that Tate managed to draw out from her crowd, made her stop in DC unforgettable.
Check out additional photos of Tate McRae performing at 9:30 Club on March 27, 2022. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Katie Child.
