This past Saturday night, I attended the release show for retro-pop singer Kelsey Blackstone’s newest single, “Sway” at Punk Wok, a cozy little restaurant here in North Nashville.
Along with a performance from Blackstone, the night’s lineup also featured Angela Morano and Natasha Blaine. Morano opened, performing many of her previously released singles, including “Corner Cutter” and “Corporate Love.” The indie singer-songwriter delivered an introspective and honest performance. Blaine would close out the night with her bluesy neo-soul sound, a highlight being her latest single, “Medicine.”
Dressed in a shimmering blue sequined dress, Blackstone took the stage with her five-piece band, including a sunglasses-wearing saxophonist, all under a spinning mini disco ball. The disco theme of the event was apparent, and she and her band delivered groovy and danceable tunes with a retro feel that fit the mood.
She performed many of her previously released singles, along with the first performance of “Dichotomy,” a duet written with her guitarist Curtis. Her track, “Lay You Down,” is a delicate and dreamy indie rock track, first released back in 2021. Blackstone’s vocals are powerful and soaring, smooth and booming against instrumentals that are infectiously groovy.
Known for blending soulful pop and retro pop-rock, Blackstone’s music is inviting. She called on people to dance, saying “I better see some disco moves” before performing her 2023 single, “When I’m With You.”
At the midpoint of her set, she handed out miniature bubble wands, a tradition she said dates back to her time performing in Boston before moving to Music City eight months ago. Amidst a simmering shower of bubbles, she performed a dynamic cover of the iconic track “Le Freak” by Chic, again staying true to the vintage disco theme. The small restaurant was lively and full of joy during her set.
Released on November 7, 2024, “Sway” is an uplifting and bright pop track. Light and jazzy, the song is about dancing and letting go of your worries. At the end of her set, Blackstone previewed the music video for “Sway” projected onto a white sheet.
Blackstone’s final song of the night was “My Superstitions” from 2022, a bass-heavy track featuring sassy vocals and sax that had the audience hyped.
Kelsey Blackstone offers and eclectic and energetic vibe, with an inviting and infectious stage presence. Along with her groovy neo-soul sound, her live shows elicit a disco dance party that sets the tone of simply having a good time.
