At Exit/In on Oct. 27, I found myself close enough to reach out and touch Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer—a surreal experience that unearthed memories from my childhood. In 1992, a 16-year-old girl with an ethereal voice joined forces with a 20-year-old guitarist to create the rock-pop band Sixpence None the Richer. Unlike their name suggests, the band is certainly a sixpence richer than before, having touched the hearts of fans worldwide. As a kid, I grew up listening to their music, pretending to recite lyrics — even before I learned English. Though I couldn’t share this magical moment with my dad, who introduced me to their music and now lives on the other side of the globe, the concert was a powerful reminder of our shared love for their songs.
The show started with Anna Vaus, an aspiring singer from Southern California who moved to Nashville to pursue a career in country music. Her set combined beloved Fleetwood Mac songs and her original work including “Born on a Windy Day,” a song that transported the audience to a road trip through the canyons of San Diego.
Anna’s soft voice blended perfectly with the sounds of her lap steel guitar, an emblematic instrument in the traditional country scene. Her songs narrate her personal experiences of love’s pain and the journey toward independence, capturing the highs and lows of relationships and the courage it takes to chase dreams despite uncertainties.
Specifically, her song “Downhill from Here” speaks to the unpredictability of the music industry. Anna explained that before even graduating from college, she had a manager, an agent and big dreams. Yet, their attempts to alter her look to fit a mold for supposed commercial success didn’t resonate with her. Unwilling to sacrifice her personality on the altar of fame, she embraced the “downhill” path, with her song highlighting the bright side of staying true to oneself.
Eventually, Sixpence None the Richer appeared on the stage behind a fog illuminated by purple lights and kicked off their set with “Angeltread,” a song from the early stages of their career. The lyrics paint a vivid scene that feels both ethereal and grounded, exploring themes of searching, the complexities of human relationships and a longing for something transcendent or just out of reach.
Sixpence None the Richer writes music that is layered with meaning, and sometimes slightly melancholic, inviting listeners to ponder deeper aspects of life and connection. An example of their style is “Don’t Let Me Die in Dallas,” a song Nash wrote for her farther after he had a near-death experience on his way to one of her concerts. The song captures what they believed would be their final conversation, reflecting the fragility and beauty of fleeting moments.
“I love you, don’t forget it / If you stop loving with your whole heart, you’ll regret it / Don’t hold on so tight to what you think you know / Take it from a man who’s letting go,” _________ (attribution).
After a breakup and a reunion, Sixpence None the Richer released their latest EP “Rosemary Hill” less than a month ago and announced a tour to share their new creation. Before singing “Julia,” a song co-written with Anna Vaus, Nash shared how Vaus reminds her of her best friend. Although the song was already my favorite track on the EP, it resonated even more deeply, reflecting my own bond with my best friend, who, coincidentally, is also named Julia.
One of the final songs of the set was “Love,” a piece especially relevant to today’s political climate. Through her music, Nash sought to ease the political polarization surrounding the upcoming elections, encouraging people to embrace love. Too often, we’re quick to build walls, blocking out those with differing views. Her message reminds us that it’s better to celebrate the diversity that enriches humanity than to let our differences divide us.
“We are humans and not opinions,” Nash said. Let’s love each other.”
The songs of Sixpence None the Richer have been the soundtrack of my life for as long as I can remember. Their music has been a shoulder to cry on, a reminder of joy in life’s simple moments, and a guiding light in the dark. Both Anna Vaus and Sixpence None the Richer blend deeply personal experiences with sweet melodies, creating an atmosphere that welcomes vulnerability and introspection. This concert will be etched indelibly in my memory, as both artists inspired me to stay true to myself despite external pressures and reminded me to celebrate love.
