I couldn’t believe I was finally there. I went to see Bladee, the Swedish Prince live, and honestly … wow. I didn’t even realize how much I wanted this until I was there. I’ve been into his music since I was sixteen, back when I was figuring out what I even liked and trying to understand myself. Ripsquadd opened the night with an electrifying set that perfectly set the tone for what was to come. Their glitchy beats fit right into the Drain aesthetic. The genre is pretty difficult to describe as I feel every song is so unique. It’s experimental, dreamlike, and weird in a way that makes sense if you’re also kind of lost and trying new things. I was mostly following him, Ecco2k, Yung Lean, Thaiboy Digital—basically the whole Drain Gang scene—back in 2020. It was such a weird time for me, but Drain Gang music somehow just fit. I’d embarrassedly call myself a drainer back then, but honestly, after that concert, I know I’m still one at heart.

Even though I hadn’t kept up with his newer stuff, I knew I had to go to this concert. Part of me wanted to give sixteen-year-old me the thing she never got, a chance to relive the music that once defined her. But I couldn’t help wondering if it would still hit the same. I’ve changed, grown, become someone else. And yet, the moment I got there, hearing songs I hadn’t touched in years, I felt this insane connection to that younger version of myself.  

Being there felt surreal. The moment the first song started, I was hit with this wave of nostalgia and realization all at once. I knew every word, every beat, and it was weirdly emotional to feel while the crowd was absolutely insane, people jumping, yelling, pushing, just losing it. It was kind of overwhelming at first, but in a weird way, it made everything feel even more real. Despite all the chaos, I felt safe. There were moments where I just stopped moving, let everyone else go wild, and looked up at Bladee on stage. The lights flashing, his voice echoing through the venue—it didn’t even feel real. It was like time slowed down for a second, and I just stood there taking it all in.  

Bladee had this presence that was hard to explain, calm and confident all at once. He wasn’t trying too hard or putting on some fake act—he was just there, completely himself, and it made everyone believe in what he was saying. When he talked about chasing your dreams and staying true to yourself, it actually hit. He made you believe it. 

I think sixteen-year-old me would’ve completely lost it. She would’ve screamed, jumped, cried, danced like crazy. And honestly, I kind of did all that—but in my own way. I’m so glad I went. It wasn’t just a concert. It was reconnecting with that old me and celebrating where I am now.