How do you know an artist is onto something? Sold out shows, yes. In demand guestlist, tick. Top quality support acts, booked. More photographers down the front than you can shake a speedlight at? Oh yes.
This is the last night of the TTSSFU tour and she’s on fine form. I’ve been keeping an eye on this one since I reviewed her first single ‘I Hope You Die‘ back in 2023. Since then TTSSFU live shows have become something of an event. With a spot on the Mad Cool line up next year it looks like the right people are starting to pay attention.
First up however, the support. I arrive just in time to catch the last couple of tracks by Essex native Maximilian Tanner, and I’m very glad I did.
A melancholy style disguises some really catchy synth pop tunes. It’s 80s fun with a bang up to date vibe and I highly recommend a browse through his bandcamp tracks. Here’s a banger to try out…
Gliding onto the stage next is Lonnie Gunn. Based in Brighton but with a very cool unidentified drawl, this is a musician with a quality, charismatic band and they’re brilliant. They’ve also obviously made friends with the techies because their lighting in the otherwise dark and moody White Hotel is superb. Check out new single ‘Lovebite’. Plus I’ve thrown in another track beneath for good measure.
Then out steps our headliner, Tasmin Stephens aka TTSSFU. Taking to the stage in what’s become a trademark blonde wig with tonight some businesslike attire, there is anticipation in the air.
For those interested in setlists, here’s what she played. It all goes down a storm.
I’m very glad to see ‘Baggage‘ on the list and when announced someone in the crowd shouts ‘tune!’ Indeed my friend, indeed. In fact it’s one of my absolute favourites of last year. I don’t know what inspired the song exactly, but I know the theme will strike chords the world over, and when someone this fresh manages to genuinely connect with people in the way TTSSFU does, its nothing short of astounding. Exactly what we need from our musical heroes.
After a bit I decide to get out of the way of the photography enthusiasm and head down the back to get a shot of the jam packed crowd. While I’m negotiating my way up onto a concrete block, our leading lady rips her blonde wig off and maybe a bottle of champagne is uncorked? I can’t be sure though, the crowd seems to devour TTSSFU for a second.
And I’ve no doubt that’s what will keep happening. The final track (that first single I mentioned earlier) sends the crowd into a frenzy. I feel sure this singular, unique, talented artist will keep her momentum, her head, her sense of humour and her sense of self while the stages only get bigger and bigger. Who knows what’ll happen the wig, it’ll definitely be interesting to follow along.
Keep up to date with TTSSFU on Instagram and listen to new single ‘Forever’ here.
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Review and photography by Breige Cobane