Grace Mitchell: SeaLove

Grace Mitchell w/ St. Lucia
03.01.16
Showbox Market

After interviewing Grace Mitchell, we were curious just how her unique pop and hip-hop songs would translate to a live performance – the difference between headphones and a live show. We had the treat of watching her open for St. Lucia, who was on tour for their sophomore album release, Matter.
Having missed the previous night’s show with St. Lucia due to highway traffic headed to Vancouver B.C., Grace Mitchell was ready to unleash as she opened up her set at the Showbox. This Portland native singer is coming off the release of her second EP, Raceday, with a full length album still yet in the mix. Dressed in all black, she joined her two touring band mates; drums stage left, with keys and guitar stage right. With a simple instrumental intro and synthesizer opening by Mitchell, she started her set with “Broken Over You.” Simple lighting kept distractions to a minimum. With her mic pressed close to her lips, her hands became an extension of her lyrics.

Breaking into a hip-hop vibe, her second song “Jitter” had completely different looks. She didn’t waste any part of the stage, moving around and occupying the edges. During “Breaking Hearts,” she reached out for open hands and generally stayed as close as possible to the crowd. For her fourth song, Mitchell took on the challenge of covering Hall and Oates’ hit song “Maneater,” and she destroyed it. Her voice was simply made for this song. The depth of this song, matched with Mitchell’s vocal range, made for a seamless fit. Reaffirming this was the largest applause of the night by a pumped up crowd.
Taking advantage of a pause midway through her set, she mentioned the surprising events of Super Tuesday, stressing that “voting is very, very, very, very important. If you do anything as an American, you should vote. I don’t care who you vote for, just vote. Use your right as an American.” The cheers continued…

The entire venue sang along during the solo on “Your Design.” Screaming and applause came to a fever pitch with Mitchell’s last song, radio favorite “NoLo,” as fans grabbed for their phones to relive the night over and over again. Lots of love was given by the PNW, and it was clear that the best way to enjoy Grace Mitchell’s powerful voice was from a live performance.

St. Lucia took advantage of a happy crowd, decorating the stage in cactus plants and lending the feel of a warm desert night under the stars. Light and uplifting sounds, created by two percussionists and some heavy synth pop, made for a unique modern pop sound with some hints of jazz. Lead singer Jean-Philip Grobler was more than pleased about his new wireless mic, now able to access the full performance experience. During “Love Somebody,” Grobler jumped off of the stage and spent the entire song immersed in the crowd. He finished the evening with “Elevate,” a track from his 2013 debut album When the Night.

Grace Mitchell Set List:
Broken Over You
Jitter
Breaking Hearts
Maneater
Your Design
Raceday
NoLo

St. Lucia Set List:
Spoken intro
Rescue Me
Do You Remember
Closer Than This
Wait For Love
Dancing on Glass
All Eyes on You
Love Somebody
Winds of Change
Home
September
Physical
Help Me Run Away
Before The Dive
Elevate