Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Indie pop starlet Anna Shoemaker is an exciting force breaking through from the New York scene. Settling in Brooklyn by way of Philadelphia, the singer-songwriter has firmly planted East Coast roots that seep into her music and aesthetic. With her discography of compelling alternative pop, thrifted garments, and a cool-girl demeanor, Shoemaker fit right in at Boston’s Paradise Rock Club on Friday night— noted as the biggest show of the tour. Opening up for pop-heartthrob Aidan Bissett on his “Supernova Tour,” the pair are what indie pop dreams are made of.
Opening up her 8-song set with the snappy Middle Part collab “It’s Depression,” the crowd of 900 were instantly perked up by the peppy beat and profuse energy. As her first ever show in Boston, Shoemaker addressed the crowd with her signature, contagious grin and dove into her ear-catching hits with the confidence of a seasoned pop star.
Recognizing multiple groups of fans in the crowd, Shoemaker’s attention spanned with her care for the audience and her own performance. Through smiles and waves pointed at fans throughout the show, squeals could be heard throughout the club as Shoemaker pointed her attention to those who happily sang along word-for-word and jumped with glee. This brought forth an intense feeling of inclusivity and eliminated the metaphorical wall between the stage and floor, allowing the crowd to relax in the comfortable atmosphere Shoemaker easily created.
Her newest single “Not Coming Back,” while fresh to listeners, instantly grabbed the attention of the crowd, followed by the ultra-catchy post-breakup anthem “Mariah.” Handing over the microphone to an eager fan in the front row to scream the track’s angsty line, “You are such a fucking liar,” Anna’s attentiveness and perceptibility continuously won over the room.
Two of the night’s standout tracks both come from her latest EP, June’s stellar Hey Anna. “ADHD” and “666” both twist into an alternative soundscape that drips with notes of sultry pop amidst rock instrumentation. It is a new side to Shoemaker that juxtaposes some of her more pop-centric tunes, providing just the right amount of contrast to appeal to a wide array of listeners.
Losing herself in the music, Shoemaker leaned against guitarist Richie Quake, while her drummer (who simply goes by Teeno) held down the beat with a ferocity that held each number captive.
“This next song is a little bit of an older one,” Shoemaker addressed the crowd with a grin. “I wrote it when I had a crush on someone. And tonight, Boston, I have a crush on you,” she introduced her 2021 single “If You’re Going (I’ll Go).” The crowd, as perceptive as ever, danced to the upbeat number that seamlessly transitioned into Hey Anna alt-pop standout “I Think I.” Shoemaker’s vocals soared here, reaching new notes and dancing across the stage with a juvenile essence that couldn’t help but be absorbed by the crowd.
Ending her set with popular single “Holly,” Shoemaker joyfully wrapped up a momentous debut in Boston, with a plethora of new fans on her side. Emanating an authenticity that is so often missing from the pop landscape today, Shoemaker is a refreshing and compelling new star on the rise.
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