A Weekend In Seattle With Maisie Peters
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
After the debut of her second album, "The Good Witch," Maisie Peters set out on a tour across the United States and Canada. She also had the exciting opportunity to open for Ed Sheeran during his stadium tour. In addition to these opening gigs, Maisie had arranged a series of intimate performances at theaters throughout North America, where she would showcase the songs from her latest album. As a devoted fan, I decided to extend my Ed Sheeran trip to Seattle so that I could not only witness her opening for him but also attend her solo tour. Just a few days prior to my trip, I received exciting news: Maisie had added a special signing event and acoustic performance the day before her show at the renowned record store, Easy Street, in Seattle.
Saturday, August 26th, started what Maisie affectionately referred to as her "Seattle Residency," she began by opening for Ed Sheeran at Lumen Field. Her opening set comprised a total of eight songs, with five of them stemming from her latest album, and the remaining three being delightful throwbacks for her longtime fans. The show kicked off with the electrifying 'Body Better,' the leading single from "The Good Witch." Maisie delivered an incredibly theatrical performance that left a lasting impression. Her boundless enthusiasm and vibrant energy were palpable, and it resonated powerfully with the enthralled audience. Wrapping up her segment of the performance was the infectious hit 'Lost The Breakup,' an absolute pop gem that ignited the crowd and set the perfect tone for the upcoming performances by Khalid and Ed.
The next day brought Maisie's much-anticipated signing and acoustic performance at Easy Street Records, a renowned record store located in West Seattle. To partake in this special event, fans had the option to buy either a CD or a vinyl copy of her album. Moreover, as an extra treat, the first 100 fans to make a purchase were rewarded with an exclusive tour poster for Maisie's "Good Witch Tour."
To kick things off, Maisie treated her fans to a captivating twenty-five-minute set, featuring a total of four songs, with three of them hailing from her latest album. Given the cozy confines of the venue, both the show and the signing operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Fortunately, securing a prime spot for the performance proved relatively hassle-free due to the intimate setting. During the pauses between songs, Maisie took the time to share her personal stories and provide insights into her experiences and the meanings behind her lyrics. This added layer of connection with the audience offered a deeper understanding of the emotional depth and context behind each song.
After the remarkable performance, it was time for the signing session. We were politely guided to form a line and select the items we wanted Maisie to autograph. Speaking from personal experience, I had never attended an artist signing before, but Easy Street Records set a commendable standard for how such events should be organized. The staff members were considerate to everyone and efficiently managed the process, ensuring that we could interact with Maisie as she signed our items and even snap a photo with her. Throughout the entire experience, there was never a moment when it felt like we were taking too much time or inconveniencing anyone; it was a smoothly executed and enjoyable encounter with the artist.
Maisie herself proved to be incredibly kind and gracious, taking the time to engage with each fan individually and express her gratitude for their attendance. Earlier in her performance, she had mentioned her previous experience with this shop and how much she adores its atmosphere, which further endeared her to her dedicated followers. Additionally, a member of her own team thoughtfully offered to assist fans by taking their phones and capturing pictures right from the start of the interaction, a gesture that was greatly appreciated by all.
On Monday evening, just before her theater show, Maisie had a special acoustic matinee performance. This unique session featured three unplugged songs, typically ones that weren't on the evening's setlist or previously performed. After the acoustic set, Maisie generously engaged with her fans. She took the time to answer a few questions from the crowd, creating an intimate and interactive atmosphere. Following the Q&A session, she went around the venue, section by section, to take group photos with fans while graciously accepting bracelets and gifts from her devoted admirers.
The full concert later in the evening was nothing short of phenomenal. It all kicked off with Grace Enger's opening performance, setting the perfect tone for the night ahead. Grace skillfully engaged with the audience, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Her musical vibe resonated with a mellow acoustic style, reminiscent of how Maisie's own musical journey had begun, creating a harmonious transition into Maisie's performance.
The title track of the album served as the captivating introduction to the show, with Maisie skillfully performing the opening notes from backstage before making her way onto the stage. It was a moment of anticipation and excitement, as Maisie's presence gradually emerged into the spotlight, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of music and connection with her fans.
The entire performance was phenomenal, but there were certain songs that resonated with me. 'BSC,' 'Coming of Age,' 'John Hughes Movie,' and 'You're Just A Boy (And I'm Kinda The Man)' stood out prominently. These tracks, spanning both of her albums, held a special place in my heart, and hearing them performed live only deepened my connection to them. Although Maisie possesses a rich catalog of music, time constraints prevented her from performing it all. In light of this, she cleverly arranged a medley, featuring selections from various stages of her musical journey. To cap it off, she treated us to a delightful cover of One Direction's 'Night Changes,' a poignant nod to the way her fans have grown alongside her, creating a powerful and nostalgic moment.
In the end, Maisie Peters' “Seattle Residency” became more than a series of concerts; it was an immersive and unforgettable experience, an opportunity for fans to connect with an artist who poured her heart and soul into every moment on stage and off. It was a testament to the power of music to unite, inspire, and create lasting memories. Maisie's journey had become our journey, and her music, the soundtrack to our hearts.