Faye Webster at the Moody Amphitheater

September 19, 2024

Written by: Vincent Reid

If you don’t know what a Faye Webster concert entails, you may be surprised that the first word of her set is “Banana,” sung in the tune of "But Not Kiss" by a minionized Webster. Her false start gives way to a full performance of that same song, but catches an audience member off guard to remind them that even if they listen to everything Webster puts out, they still don’t know what’s in front of them. 

Faye Webster, fresh off the release of her most recent album Underdressed at the Symphony came to Austin on September 19th as part of her US and Canada Fall Tour, performing at Moody Amphitheater. Webster comes alive on stage, making you realize the full power of her voice behind the softness you hear in her music otherwise. The stage was an homage to the stylistic look of her album, with laundry machines lining up the side of the stage– light occasionally pouring out of them– blue denim on hangers, and one enormous white t-shirt featuring the occasional projection. 

Love was undoubtedly in the air and the audience was teeming with couples. A couple who are friends of mine said that seeing Faye together “[felt] so warm.” Even if you aren’t in love, Webster’s music is for everyone who has ever felt its power. From “Jonny” to the encore song “Kingston,” everyone will find someone to relate to in her arc of a setlist. “Rockstar Webster,” as someone nearby was heard calling her, is truly personable on stage. She laughs delightfully during “Tttttime” and screams cathartically during “Cheers.”

Webster’s music is a reminder that good music doesn’t have to be gloomy and tortuous or self-deprecating. Her music captures what it means to fall in love, to commit yourself to the feeling, and accepting the heartbreak when a love isn’t serving you anymore. She reminds us to maintain our sense of self through it all, but also to relish in the feeling. The gentle percussives and guitar ricocheted off the grass of the Moody Amphitheater, and bubbles filled the air, calling the audience to stay present, and relish in the beauty of it all. Webster’s concerts should be psychologically considered a form of universal self-care.

A special shout out to the opener, Miya Folick, who’s haunting lyrics and sultry voice transport the listener to the body of Carrie Bradshaw on a walk back from a bad date with Big. With a new project coming out soon, those on the lookout for a new woman singer-songwriter should be ready to give her stuff a stream or two. Additionally shoutout to Webster’s brother Jack, who celebrated his birthday on stage!

Anyone who’s ever liked a song by Webster owes it to themself to see her in concert. From the top of her set, Webster dares the audience to fall in love and introspect, but also, to not take things so seriously.