Girl In Red

By: Walter Williams

Girl in Red Lights Up Seattle: A Night of Intimate Connection and Unforgettable Moments

Girl in Red, the acclaimed project of Norwegian singer-songwriter Marie Ulven, brought an electrifying performance to the Paramount Theater for the second night in a row. Mixing tracks from her "Chapter 1" and "Chapter 2" EPs with the title track from her latest album, "I’m Doing It Again Baby!", Ulven captivated the audience with her blend of heartfelt lyrics and dynamic stage presence.

Ulven officially welcomed Seattle with a charming opening monologue, including a humorous shoutout to viral comedian Britney Broski, mentioning how she can't watch Ratatouille without thinking of Broski's viral TikTok. This personal touch set the tone for an evening that felt both intimate and exuberant.

Engaging directly with her fans,

Ulven took a moment to sign memorabilia, read signs, and even share a laugh over a fan’s request to "sign my tits," which she declined humorously due to her relationship. Instead, she signed posters and a pride flag, demonstrating her love and acceptance for her fans.

As the show continued, Ulven delivered hits like "we fell in love in october" to a chorus of screams and sing-alongs. The emotional peak of the night was perhaps her performance of "Serotonin," delivered from a high podium, where she threw guitar picks into the crowd, ensuring everyone left with a piece of the night.

Kicking off with "New Love," the venue was bathed in a vibrant rainbow of lights, reflecting the joy and awe of the crowd. As she transitioned into "Body and Mind," Ulven encouraged the audience to give their all, and Seattle didn't disappoint, dancing and singing with infectious energy.

One of the night's standout moments came when Ulven sat down at a red piano, humorously reflecting on her brief break from touring. She joked, "I’ve had 10 days back home and I’ve forgotten how to play a show!" before delivering a stunning rendition of "I’m Back," a powerful anthem of self-love from her new album. Throughout the show, Ulven’s genuine, carefree demeanor shone through, making the performance feel like a shared experience between friends.

Ulven’s storytelling added depth to the set, sharing the backstory of why she initially removed "DEAD GIRL IN THE POOL" from her setlist and how fan messages brought it back. The audience's response was electric, dancing and singing along with renewed fervor.

In a surprise move, Ulven stage-dived into the crowd, creating a moment of unity and joy as she surfed above her fans. As the night drew to a close with "I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend," Ulven orchestrated a playful "wall of death." She stood in the middle of the floor, surrounded by the crowd, and gave instructions before the beat dropped, resulting in a rush of hugs rather than chaos.

Ulven’s connection with her audience was palpable, each band member had their moment to shine, and the night ended with heartfelt thanks to Seattle for an unforgettable two nights.

Opening Act: The Beaches

The Beaches, fresh off their win for Best Group at the 2024 Juno Awards, set the stage perfectly for Girl in Red. Performing hits from their latest album "Blame My Ex," they engaged the crowd with lively banter and infectious energy. Lead singer Jordan Miller expressed her gratitude for the tour and the fans, marking a sweet highlight of the night. Their closing song "Blame Brett" had the audience cheering, setting the perfect tone for the main event.

If you're considering catching Girl in Red on her "Doing It Again" tour, do not hesitate. Ulven's show is a blend of raw emotion, playful interaction, and unforgettable music, making it an absolute must-see.