Open Book Anniversary Show via Kalie Shorr
Kalie Shorr is the most admirable artist of this generation. She refuses to conform to societal expectations and embraces her true self. Her authenticity encourages fans to do the same, creating a ripple effect of confidence and self-love. Five years ago, Shorr released her debut full-length album, Open Book. The project was the cathartic result of the hardest year of the singer’s life. After experiencing the devastating loss of her sister and discovering her boyfriend of six years had been unfaithful, Shorr poured her heart into this album. With her candor, she brilliantly crafted a stunning album that holds nothing back and gives listeners an insight into her inner thoughts.
In honor of this flawless album, Shorr hosted an anniversary show at The Hotel Café in Los Angeles. She invited listeners to sit back and relax while she performed the entire album from beginning to end. This included some songs she has not performed in years or has ever performed. The set was completely acoustic– just Shorr and her guitar. This enhanced the authentic nature of the album and the artist, emulating an intimate vibe to the show. Furthermore, the artist has such a comedic and natural stage presence that her shows have become my comfort concerts, making me feel seen while also being entertained. Those who follow her on social media know she is hilarious online… she is even funnier in person. If you have the opportunity to see her live, I highly recommend attending. You will leave with a smile on your face and a new story or two to share with your friends.
Kalie Shorr Performing "Alice In Wonderland"
Going in knowing the setlist, I was excited to hear songs I hadn’t heard her perform for a while, such as “Alice In Wonderland” and “Vices.” However, I was even more excited to hear the ones I had never heard live like “Messy” and “The One.” These four songs are my top favorites on Open Book, so hearing them all in one set was something I was looking forward to. Shorr mesmerized the audience as she went through every track. For all thirteen songs on the album, she shared backstories and context them, some that I had heard before and some that were brand new to me. Her descriptions gave me a brand new perspective on some of the tracks, especially “Thank God You’re A Man” (IYKYK). Shorr “kept her yapping to a minimum,” allowing her extra time to sing two additional songs. She gifted the audience with an unreleased track from her upcoming sophomore album, “When In Rome.” The poetic lyrics showcase her unrivaled songwriting, twisting the common phrase to mean something more melancholic. This track gave fans a glimpse into her new era, while seamlessly tying into the theme and sound of Open Book. Then, she closed the show with the Open Book Unabridged track, “Eighteen.” This is one of the best songs Shorr has ever written, calling out her ex-boyfriend who took advantage of her at a young age. Ending the concert with her most tragic break-up song was on brand for the singer, leaving the audience with devastating emotions to cling to.
Kalie Shorr Performing "Eighteen"
With an album that explores deep and vulnerable themes, listeners came in knowing they would hear tough subjects. While I know Open Book front to back like the back of my hand, I was still not emotionally prepared to hear track nine, “The World Keeps Spinning.” The gut-wrenching song was written the day after Shorr’s sister passed away from a heroin overdose. The song eloquently shares how unfair it is that when your entire life is flipped upside down, it feels cruel that the rest of the world continues like nothing happened. Anyone who has experienced grief can resonate with this concept. “The World Keeps Spinning” was one of only two songs that Shorr played on the piano, rather than the guitar. This bolstered the emotional, tear-jerking atmosphere, emphasizing the raw emotions. While I love Shorr and her impeccable guitar skills, I was grateful to have heard this track in such a beautiful way.
After losing her sister to this tragedy, Shorr has dedicated her time and her platform to fighting the opioid crisis in America. She has worked with lawmakers and local, regional, and national media to prevent overdose-related deaths. The singer has helped enact change, using her voice to advocate for those who cannot. While this concert was to celebrate the album, it was also a benefit show for End Overdose, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to ending “drug-related overdose deaths through education, medical intervention, and public awareness.” Proceeds from the show were donated directly to the organization and Shorr had her Venmo and CashApp information on display, promising that all donations would go to the nonprofit. Prior to the show, she handed out pamphlets on the warning signs of an overdose and what to do when someone is overdosing. She also handed out fentanyl test strips and Narcan, ensuring the audience left the show with items that could protect themselves, their loved ones, or even strangers they meet at a party. Shorr’s advocacy is admirable, making me proud to call myself a fan. She is the most caring, down-to-earth person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She cares for the lives of all people, wanting no one to have to experience what she and her family has. If you’re interested in learning more, visit EndOverdose.com to get involved.
Shorr is one of my favorite artists for many reasons. She is a phenomenal singer and an excellent songwriter. Her lyrics have stuck with me in a way that cannot be compared. She has a way of utilizing clever wordplay without making it seem forced or cringeworthy. Her songs touch on dark, relatable content while simultaneously making people want to sing and dance along – i.e. “Gatsby” and “F U Forever.” When she sings live, her voice sounds identical to the studio version. She is authentic in everything she does – the way she sings, the way she writes, the way she interacts with her friends and fans, and the way she advocates for the causes she believes in. She is a force to be reckoned with and deserves to be on everyone’s top five artists at the end of every year. I cannot wait to see where her next chapter will take her. Make sure you follow her on all socials to keep up to date with all new releases and announcements! And for exclusive updates, join her Patreon to get new information before anyone else!
Kalie Shorr Performing "Gatsby"
Written By Karlee Skipper
*copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.