On Friday night (Oct. 18, 2024), the Observatory in Santa Ana vibed with smooth and soulful vocals as Emeryld and Lola Young delivered outstanding performances that showcased their remarkable talent and charisma. As one of the final shows of Young’s U.S. tour, the South London singer/songwriter revved fans up with bold storytelling illuminated in a rockin’ soul-pop sound, performing songs off her new album This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway, and then some.
Photography by Lilly Duran
Emeryld opened the night with a set that drew me in from the first beat. She effortlessly took over the stage and props to her, owning the big stage entirely on her own with just backing tracks and no band. Each song Emeryld sang resonated with the crowd. Every time she made her way to the edge of the stage, someone from the audience was there to meet her energetically, singing along. It was evident that she had a strong connection with her fans, making the experience feel intimate despite the Observatory’s size.
The Texas-raised singer-songwriter had us all laughing along with her in between songs. After her set, I ran over to her merch booth to tell her that she was awesome. It was very obvious that people came to see Emeryld AND Lola Young, as their music and fans blended seamlessly. We love to see the opener get the love and energy they deserve!
Following Emeryld, Lola Young took the stage with an undeniable presence. Walking out you could see her taking in the energy from the crowd, later offering a sweet and heartfelt thank you to everyone there. Her face, gorgeously adorned with gold jewelry, expressed her gratitude. Performing a mix of tracks from her latest album, she captivated the audience with songs like “Don’t Hate Me,” which showcased her lyrical depth and vocal range.
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I found her sound on TikTok, where snippets of the aforementioned song lured me in. Young’s ability to convey emotion through her music and exceptionally soulful and dynamic voice were a true joy to experience. Her sound blends strong, sultry vocals with lyricism related to her younger generation, delivering a body of music for everyone to enjoy.
It was a Friday night filled with beautifully unique female voices and fans wanting to share their love for the artists. Both sets absolutely commanded the room and provided an experience more than worth seeing. I would and will see Lola and Emeryld in the future. In the meantime, I now find myself listening to both discographies all day.
