Photos and words by Shannon Pepe
One of the greatest joys of live music is discovering a new favorite artist in real time. The moment Marika Hackman hit that first note, I knew this show would leave a lasting impact.
Marika Hackman headlined a near-sold-out show at Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia, marking her first U.S. tour in five years. Before the show, we were fortunate enough to catch up with her to chat about the tour and her new album, Big Sigh.
An all ears crowd listened as Hackman addressed the obvious: she was alone on stage. “I’m sure you’ve noticed there’s no band up here with me,” she laughed, explaining that her bandmates were stuck in London, still awaiting their visas. “I might have some friends help me out later,” she added, but she wanted to prepare the audience for what was mostly a solo performance. “This set might be a bit sadder than you expected,” she warned, though her tone lighthearted.
Big Sigh, her ten-track album, tugs at the heartstrings and lingers long after the music fades. This is an album meant to be heard live. Hackman’s lyrics, particularly on this record, are raw and deeply relatable. You can’t help but place a hand over your chest as if to soothe the ache they’ve created. A Marika Hackman show is the kind of experience that stirs your soul, making you feel deeply and undeniably connected to the moment.
Before launching into “Wanderlust” from her 2019 album Any Human Friend, Hackman joked, “Into the abyss of depression we go.” At this point, it became clear why intimate venues like Johnny Brenda’s are perfect for an artist like Hackman. Her emotion echoed through the space, and the impact on the audience was obvious—swaying, hand-holding, tears, and quiet reflections filled the room. It was one of those rare shows where the connection between artist and audience felt almost tangible. This is a must attend tour. Come prepared to feel.
Art School Girlfriend
Polly Mackey, better known as Art School Girlfriend, took the stage ahead of Marika Hackman. What sets Mackey apart is her ability to make any performance feel distinctly hers. Had I not known she was the opener, I would’ve assumed she was the headliner. She owned the stage with an effortless command and radiated a confidence that’s rare to see, even among seasoned performers.
During her encore, Mackey hit a slight hiccup with her drum timing and casually told the crowd she’d be restarting. The audience waited in anticipation, holding their breath for the first beat. When the drums finally kicked in, the room erupted in cheers. Fans sang along, encouraging her through the final track, which unfolded like a perfect synth-pop dream. That last song cemented her set as a powerful, memorable performance.
You can catch Marika Hackman on the rest of her U.S tour here!
You can listen to Marika Hackman here!
You can listen to Art School Girlfriend here!
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