I can say with a smile on my face and my hand on my heart that Lola Young and Emeryld have officially become artists that are favorites on my list. Not only was this my first time seeing them live, but also my very first concert ever, and it couldn’t have been a better experience. The cozy atmosphere of The Cambridge Room gave the night an intimate, personal touch, even though at first I was worried the venue might feel too small for such powerful artists. Looking back, though, the size allowed for more of an up-close and personal experience, making it more special.
The evening kicked off with Dallas born and raised, Emeryld had the voice of an enchanting siren with the way she captivated the room with her voice and magnetic energy. Her music echoed her bubbly personality and kept the vibe going throughout the whole night, something that is not easy to do in a full crowd where some didn’t know the lyrics, but I know others that will be bigger fans after tonight. I remember the crowd gagging when she grabbed someone’s phone mid-performance and recorded herself performing making the night more memorable for some. Both Emeryld took time to engage with the audience, and those moments were just as great as her music.
Meeting Emeryld’s family gave me a deeper appreciation for her as both an artist and a person. They exuded an energy of warmth and pride, and it was obvious how much they believed in her. This connection made her set feel all that much more authentic and genuine, something not easily found these days. Some stand out tracks from the night included “Bloodline” and “Bombs Away,” with the crowd vibing to every tune. I, for one, might have enjoyed her set a tad bit more than Lola’s, which was just as enchanting, but in a different way.Â
But let’s not forget Miss Lola Young, and her piece of cake too, because she ate with every song, even despite the threat of some technical difficulties at the end. A true pro, Lola didn’t let those issues stop her and made sure that the concert was an unforgettable experience for the entire audience, pouring her heart into each performance. It was these moments that demonstrate Lola’s commitment to her music and craft.
Not gonna lie—the way the atmosphere of the room changed when “Don’t Hate Me” from her previous album came on. I WAS SHAKEN, to say the least.The crowd knew that song word for word, which is not surprising given the song’s viral success on TikTok. I just wish the other songs she sang that night were appreciated as much and received the same love as that one.
When she sang “Big Brown Eyes” from her new album This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyways, it was so impactful that it brought her to the point of tears … and the crowd felt every bit of it. The emotional weight of her performance along with “What is it about Me?” had everybody in their sad girl era feeling the music on a deeper level.