Live: Leith Ross Brings Intimate Queer Joy to BK
With a pure voice, Leith Ross draws people in with their knack for writing songs that resonate. “We’ll Never Have Sex” propelled the singer to fame in 2021 as people resonated with the short acoustic songs about comparing relationships.
Two years and several songs later, Ross is on a headlining tour for their latest album To Learn. This week, Ross performed a sold-out show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg.
As Ross’s six-piece band strode out on stage, they arranged themselves in a semi-circle. While the lights bathed them in cool white, Ross kicked off their set with album opener “5am.” The audience immediately fell silent as Ross’s delicate light vocals rose above the band.
With an acoustic set, the audience sang along quietly to let Ross’s voice shine through. It was mesmerizing to hear Ross’s voice floating above a sea of voices from the crowd. Highlights from the show included "Monogamy," "I'd Have to Think About It" and "Music Box.” With a warm and inviting atmosphere, several couples were swaying or slow dancing to the songs.
Widely smiling the entire night, Ross showed how much they enjoy connecting with their audience. Adding an interactive element to the show, Ross had what they called “the question box” and took the time to answer fan questions in between songs. Questions ranged from asking what their favorite Disney movie is to asking for advice about pursuing music. The answers being "The Little Mermaid" and take your time and focus on building a community and keeping good company.
Two young fans in the front row held up signs throughout the entire show. One read “I love you Leith” and the other a decorated poster reading “Motherwell,” the name of Ross’s 2020 debut album. Noticing the fans, Ross asked what their favorite song was off Motherwell and played “Understood” to the fan’s utter delight.
"This is my favorite part of the show," Ross said into the mic before introducing their bandmates (all artists of their own accord) and performing one of their songs. Brooklyn enjoyed Anna Abondolo’s “Clouds.”
Teasing the crowd by saying, “This is the last song,” Ross quickly added, “with the band.” Acknowledging how silly encores are, Ross joked about how everyone has to pretend to be surprised when they leave and return again. Telling everyone to “scream if you’re gay,” the venue erupted in screams as Ross and the band launched into "(You) on My Arm.”
A fan favorite, it was heartwarming to see everyone sing and dance together to the upbeat song. A fan project had everyone holding up their phone flashlights, lighting the venue with colored hearts. As the track faded out, Ross said, “Happy Pride." I was experiencing some queer joy there.”
The last song of the night had Ross standing on stage alone with just their guitar singing, “We’ll Never Have Sex Again.” The under-2-minute song always has me wishing for more, especially as it closed the night. Filing out of the venue, everyone had massive smiles matching Ross’s.
Leith Ross continues touring the U.S. and Canada through June, before kicking off their Europe and UK Tour this October. If you’re looking for a truly special live show, Leith Ross is not one to miss.
See photos from the show here.