Declan McKenna performs at 9:30 Club on Oct. 12, 2022. (Photo by Katie Child)

Reigning from way across the pond in London, Declan McKenna recently brought his glittery, fashionable looks, and indie rock hits to DC’s famous 9:30 Club. 

Declan sold out the 1,200-person capacity venue, and the crowd was young and eager for the show to start on Oct. 12. Absolutely packed, the lively floor perfectly captured the essence and importance of live music. McKenna took the stage under his wing, and made it his own. Dynamically entertaining the crowd through one-on-one interactions, McKenna kept the audience grasped, whether it was through blown kisses, receiving flowers from fans, or simply the music he was emitting.

Watch the official music video for Declan McKenna’s ”Brazil” on YouTube.

I’m happy to, and more than confident in saying that McKenna’s voice carries just as strongly and passionately in person as it does in his recordings. His voice is just as, if not more, rich when he shares it in front of a crowd. On top of the energy exuded through singing a 19-song setlist, McKenna stayed active, jumping and dashing around the stage as he pleased. 

McKenna had his first breakthrough with his 2015 hit song “Brazil,” which I believe to still be one of his best piece; I think it sums up his style very well. Since then, he has only gained more popularity. Declan has spent much of his year touring in the Western hemisphere, but is here in the United States for the fall. If you’re able to catch him before he heads back home across the Atlantic, be sure to do so. 

Listen to Declan McKenna’s latest album, Zeros, on Spotify.

The setlist:

1. Beautiful Faces
2. Rapture
3. Bethlehem
4. Make Me Your Queen
5. The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home
6. Twice Your Size
7. Emily
8. My House
9. The Key to Life on Earth
10. Listen to Your Friends
11. Humongous
12. Isombard
13. You Better Believe!!!
14. Be an Astronaut
15. Daniel, You’re Still a Child
16. Why Do You Feel So Down
17. Eventually, Darling
18. Brazil
19. British Bombs

Here are some photos of Declan McKenna performing at 9:30 Club on Oct. 12, 2022. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Katie Child.