holly humberstone sold out show @ tla philly

Critically acclaimed and award-winning singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone made a memorable stop at the Theatre of The Living Arts on her latest tour, performing songs from her October release, “Paint My Bedroom Black.” As the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted in cheers, and Humberstone took the stage, diving straight into the title track of her latest album

Coming into this show, I knew Holy Humberstone had the talent to tour all over the U.S. Luckily I was able to catch her at last year’s Outside Lands Festival in California. What I DIDN’T know was how captivating her stage presence was. As the first song transitioned into the next, she grabbed the mic off its stand and launched into Into Your Room. The next three and a half minutes were a whirlwind of dancing, crowd interaction, and genuine joy, showcasing just how much Humberstone loves performing her new songs. It was at that moment I knew this would be one of my favorite shows of 2024 so far.

I like when an artist gives pieces of themselves to a crowd by sharing some insights on their songs. Emerging as an artist during the 2020 pandemic, she spent her time writing music that reflected her life during lockdown. She explained to the sold-out Philadelphia crowd that many of her songs were born out of boredom during that time.

As we reached the middle of her set, Humberstone took a few minutes to talk with the crowd again. After alluding that the next song she would play would be Deep End, the first song she ever put out, the crowd reached new levels of excitement. Humberstone spoke about the song’s inspiration—her sister’s struggles with mental health—and expressed her desire to let anyone experiencing similar challenges know that someone cares. This personal touch sets her apart from other artists in her genre; she creates a genuine sense of community and shows a deep care for her supporters.

If you’re not on the Holly train yet, I suggest you hop on before it completely takes off leading to sold out stadiums everywhere. Her raw talent, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious stage presence make her a rising star to watch.