In just a short period, Claire Cottrill, known as Clairo, has emerged as one of the most introspective artists of our generation. Her latest album, “Charm,” solidified her place on the musical map. The accompanying tour began on Sept. 6, 2024, in Los Angeles and will span North America and Europe, wrapping up with a final show in Manchester, England on March 20, 2025 — a total of 52 performances.
The 26-year-old singer-songwriter took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 4, giving an unforgettable performance. Best known for her classics like “Bags” and “4EVER,” Clairo’s newest album is achieving similar acclaim. The songs in “Charm” describe the feeling of the gray area that exists between two people when they’re charmed by each other, highlighted in tracks like “Nomad” and “Juna.”
The concert opened with South African singer-songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou. Lou was a perfect choice to open for Clairo, as she grooved around with her band, performing melodramatic indie songs. Her angelic voice blended perfectly with the sounds of the electric guitar in the songs “Witches” and “Angel.” Lou performed in socks, exclaiming to the crowd how grand it felt sliding across the all-wooden stage. If you’re into Clairo, definitely check out Lou’s music, too. The crowd embraced her ethereal vibe, eagerly awaiting Clairo to take the stage.
At precisely 8:50 p.m. CST, Clairo and her band entered from stage left. The singer casually handed out glasses of whiskey to her bandmates and shared a few minutes of playful conversation, creating a relaxed tone. The audience watched eagerly, anticipating the first song. They all toasted the crowd before moving to their respective places on stage.
Clairo brought the 1970s jazz-inspired “Charm” to life onstage, placing her backing band in a beige-carpeted conversation pit that helped the soulful instrumentals radiate throughout the crowd. An angelic backdrop of sequins and fringe, complemented by a vintage writing desk and a dark green velvet chair, created a transportive atmosphere.
Clairo leisurely approached the microphone before performing the night’s first song, “Nomad.” Dressed in a pleated white dress with brown knee-high boots and her iconic headphones, Clairo embodied the song’s mature message. Singing emotive lyrics such as, “I’d rather wake up alone than be reminded / Of how it was a dream this time,” Clairo created an intimate ambiance as the band transitioned to two more tracks from the new album, “Second Nature” and “Thank You.”
She welcomed the crowd with an announcement: her grandparents were in attendance, and it was her grandpa’s 90th birthday. A round of applause filled the room, and glancing to my left, I realized her grandpa was sitting right next to me. Watching his pride throughout the concert was a surreal experience. Clairo then asked the audience a few questions.
“Alright, Nashville, who has heard my new album?” Clairo asked. “Ready to dance a little?”
Suddenly, a moon-shaped overhead light descended for the performances of “Terrapin” and “Add up My Love.” The groovy melodies brought a lively energy, giving listeners a refreshing shift from the earlier, more laid-back tracks. With electric guitars, synthesizers, clarinets, flutes, saxophones and more, Clairo’s latest album is a true mastery of instrumentation, marrying ‘70s jazz with indie pop.
One memorable part of the night was when Clairo announced that she would do something special for the crowd. She sat on the floor and performed a cover of her favorite David Byrne song, “Everyone’s in Love With You.” Adding a melancholic spin to the song, she sang of a deep connection — perhaps a tribute to her grandfather.
Then, a tune began that felt unfamiliar until she sang, “Is it ever gonna change? / Am I gonna feel this way forever?” Clairo and her band performed “4EVER” with a fresh style that had the audience up from their chairs, calling for more. She continued to reimagine her early songs, such as “Amoeba” and “Flaming Hot Cheetos,” adding an electric guitar and saxophone solos. This performance highlighted Clairo’s new sophistication and growth as an artist.
In light of the election, Clairo raffled off a signed Charm album to those who signed up for election updates.
Clairo brought the evening to a thoughtful close with a trio of songs — “Bags,” “Sexy to Someone” and “Juna” — each capturing a different facet of love. “Bags” is a song of heartbreak, while “Sexy to Someone” explores the vulnerability of unrequited attraction, and “Juna” depicts a tender celebration of comfort in a committed relationship. This sequence transformed the end of Clairo’s performance into a reflective journey, touching on the highs and lows of love.
Clairo’s concert was transportive, taking the audience back to their own first experiences of love or the longing to be loved. Her lyrics pull on the heartstrings and prompt the crowd to sing them right back to her. Clairo’s unique mix of indie, smooth jazz and soft pop, blended with unforgettable lyrics, makes her a true chameleon onstage.
As the final note lingered, it was clear that Clairo’s performance felt like second nature, a seamless blend of artistry and authenticity that left the audience in awe.
