written by Sophia Blanco
Fans gathered at The Factory in St. Louis for a night of Suki Waterhouse’s Sparklemuffin tour that was nothing short of magical. Braving the cold December weather, some arrived early to experience Waterhouse’s pre-show VIP experience, and the rest continuously poured in until there wasn’t an open space to stand.
Anticipation rose as the opener, Bully, took the stage with a high-energy performance with powerful lyrics and vocals, getting the crowd amped up for the remainder of the evening. By the time Waterhouse took the stage, the adrenaline rush that carried throughout the room was tangible.
Suki opened the set with ‘Gateway Drug,’ instantly showcasing her flawless vocals. As the night went on, you could see how she got lost in the music. The way she moved around the stage was mesmerizing—it looked as if she was floating. Forming dances that perfectly represented the sound of her music, she encouraged the whole room to participate. From that moment on, the crowd never stopped swaying with her.
The pure emotion on the stage was admirable. Waterhouse’s music beautifully blends pop and indie rock, showcased by her talented band. The instruments paired with her stunning vocals felt like a dream. The setlist itself took the audience through a journey, each song presenting something new. Enchanting lyrics, exploring ideas that ranged from romance to struggle to joy, and each song had something special. Bringing a fan onstage for Joanna, introducing Think Twice as her “wanna-be country song,” and letting the crowd take over choruses and call-outs throughout the night. Every aspect of Waterhouse’s performance felt well thought-out, intentional, and meant to feel like you’re in another world.
From the forest-style props decorating the stage to the anecdotes she shared between songs, the level of dedication she puts into her craft is noticeable–and it allows her fans to feel such a deep appreciation for it. Each time she spoke, she made sure to express gratitude and love back towards them. It was clear that there was a genuine connection in that room, proving that music brings us all together in more ways than one.
“You can feel energy from crowds and you guys are all really good people,” Waterhouse said as she took the chance to share her warmth and gratitude to St. Louis one last time. Closing out this enchanting evening with ‘Brutally’ and ‘Good Looking’ felt like a celebration of her music and the community she’s created with it. The crowd left that evening with an experience of impeccable artistry, feeling as though they just woke up from a dream. Suki Waterhouse left a striking impression on her fans of St. Louis, one that they will carry with them far past the doors of The Factory.
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