Considering it was a 1:15 set on the last day of Lollapalooza 2023, August 6, UPSAHL really got our day started with some energized dance music.
Her set was on the Bud Light stage and with a little help from voiceovers and sound effects, her upbeat music really delivered. Although dance pop usually, at least nowadays, is sometimes reliant on everything but the artist’s vocals, Taylor Upsahl was much more than a D.J. or face of a song.
Her vocals were so strong, that at times she seemed to overpower her own voice-over. However, Upsahl truly shined when she let the auto-tuned vocals drop away.
She was also a great performer, inspiring and encouraging the crowd to dance along.
Unfortunately, not all of the crowd was there for her. Already, this early in the day, a few die-hard Lana Del Rey fans had set up camp. Blankets sprawled here and there covering the few dry/clean spots. It had rained the day before and some of the grounds were a mud pit.
Dancing to UPSAHL
Despite how early in the day it was, dance room was already limited at best. Which was a bummer since her set was such a party. Yet the sad girls of summer just sat on their blankets ignoring the fun, cheerful vibe. To be fair I did go and catch a part of Lana Del Reys set.
UPSHAL’s set was mostly party hit after party hit with songs fit for a club. But a few slow ballads snuck their way in letting her voice shine.
She Performed “People I Don’t Like.” Which was a song about being at a party with a bunch of fake people. Relatable and creative.
Towards the end of her set, she had the crowd scream singing I’m a “Lunatic.” A crazy, wild song. It was incredibly catchy and easy to sing along to.
After Lollapalooza, I made sure to add some of her songs to my playlist. Maybe I’ll finally be the D.J. at the next party.
UPSAHL will be back in Chicago opening for Tove Lo on September 6 at the Salt Shed. If you were not able to snag a ticket, they are unfortunately sold out, but she is also opening for Tove Lo outside of Detroit 2 days later at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. Tickets for that show are still on sale in the $40-$70 range.
