“Shout out to not marrying the wrong person!” [air horns blasted]
That was my introduction to singer, songwriter, and producer Madison McFerrin, not to be confused with the college student on Instagram who shares the same name. I missed the opening song due to the long line down the block and a super anxious security worker at the front. However, that didn’t dampen a smooth night on the town or make me miss McFerrin and Yukimi’s message to everyone in attendance.
On that Sunday night, Los Angeles was in for a treat. In collaboration with radio station KCRW, Yukimi of Little Dragon stepped out on the Fonda stage to commence her spring North American solo tour following the release of her debut solo album, For You.
Madison McFerrin warmed up the crowd, hot off her performance at Tiny Desk for NPR. Excitement still radiated through her pores as she sang crowd favorite, “God Herself,” from her 2023 album, I Hope You Can Forgive Me, and a few tracks from her up-and-coming album, titled “Scorpio,” including “Ain’t It Nice,” “I Don’t,” and a sneak peek of her third single, accompanied by Donis on drums.
“If you don’t want to end up in art, don’t f*ck around with an artist” – Madison McFerrin.
Words to live by.
When the lights dimmed and the voices lulled to a murmur, Yukimi and her bandmates, Angelica Kvarby, Erik Bodin (also the producer of Yukimi’s solo album), Andre Karlsson, and Oscar Calle Broberg, opened with one of my favorite songs on the new album called “Make Me Whole.” The opening track’s lyrics created a centralized peace throughout the room:
“Something to make me whole
Something you think I need
These urges I can’t control
My emptiness to feed.”
As I immersed myself in Yukimi’s enchanting melodies, I noticed the crowd around me. Faces turned upward, eyes closed, swaying gently to the rhythm, united in a moment of tranquil bliss. It was a beautiful way to begin a performance.
The night unfolded beautifully. Couples sat at softly lit tables on the left, wrapped in warm embraces, their singing blending with the gentle melodies. People swayed and twirled in the crowd, hands held high in joy. Front and center, a fan got lost in the songs while air drumming, perfectly matching the rhythm and adding to the vibrant atmosphere of love and music.
For the Little Dragon fans, Yukimi didn’t forget about you at the show, adding “Pink Cloud” to the setlist right before “Peace Reign” and following “Runaway” and “No Prince.”
Yukimi and her fantastic band wrapped up the night with a jam session followed by a three-song encore. The encore included “Jaxon,” a song dedicated to her firstborn son, and “Feels Good To Cry,” a song that I thought we all needed during our trying times in life.
“When you’re happy, jam out; when you’re sad, jam out until you’re happy.” – Erik Bodin, drummer.
The night served as a reminder that self-reflection is necessary to reach the points we need to get to. It is always OK to let go and cry. It is OK to release relationships and journeys that no longer serve you. It is OK to get lost in the music and let it be your salvation.
Thank you, Yukimi and Madison McFerrin, for a night of tranquility.
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