Flowers lined the stage and the anticipant crowd surged against the barrier, chanting just one name: Jazmin Bean. Jazmin Bean, who goes by they/them pronouns and has described themself as a “genderless monster,” exemplifies genre-bending art with an eccentric, pastel goth style and a horror pop discography. Their dedicated fans drove from neighboring states and skipped school to see them perform in Nashville. Jazmin Bean did not disappoint.
Opening for Jazmin Bean was RobinAugust, a songwriter native to Nashville. Donning angel wings from Halloween Express and two vibrant streaks of pink in her hair, RobinAugust head-banged and danced her way through her set. Alongside her was a dynamic band, composed of her closest friends. In front of her was a buoyant audience, screaming compliments and passing bracelets to her band. She played several songs off her 2022 studio album, “Avocado Head,” which dissects grief after the end of a relationship. The album was inspired by chick rock, featuring a gritty, melodramatic sonic landscape that Jazmin Bean fans are sure to be familiar with. RobinAugust ended with her newest single, “Kiss Where It Hurts,” a song that begins softly before climaxing in a chaotic, vivid chorus.
When Jazmin Bean strutted onto stage, the crowd’s raucous energy reached a new fervor. They opened with the energetic “Piggie,” followed by “It’s not my fault (it’s yours).” As they sang several songs off their February studio album, “Traumatic Livelihood,” they whirled around with a bright boa and flowy dress. This fairy-esque outfit combined with their intense sound, amplified by pounding drums and an electrifying guitar, encapsulated their saccharine yet fierce style.
On their title track, Jazmin Bean declared, “You can’t stop me and I’ll get anything I want.”
The crowd enthusiastically called back, “We can’t stop you — you will!”
The songs were well received by the crowd, with the first few chords of each receiving passionate cheers.
“Is there any song that’s not your favorite,” a mom in the crowd teased her teenager.
True to their album title, many songs center on heavy themes, including their anger toward those who have mistreated them in “You Know What You’ve Done” and their battle with addiction in “Best Junkie You Adore.” They dedicated their song, “Black Dress” to their friends who had passed away and implored fans to fully appreciate their friends while they’re here.
“I don’t want my body, don’t want my luck. I don’t want my stars, they’re all yours to keep,” they sang on “Favourite Toy.”
Bean swept their hand out toward the audience; the crowd eagerly reached back.
Jazmin Bean closed with “The Blood Brings Colour and Fluoresce.” The heavy instrumental that marks their discography faded away, letting their clear, dulcet voice shine. The intimate environment of the small venue allowed each potent lyric to resonate strongly and the audience proclaimed their love at every opportunity. As the magical show drew to a close, Jazmin Bean’s deep connection with their fanbase was apparent as they shared thanks and reminders to avoid drinking and driving on the way home.
