From a semi-finalist on The Voice in 2018 to headlining Parklife this year, Becky Hill is currently touring for her new album, Believe Me Now?. Our writer, Milind Parwani, went to see what all the fuss is about…
Believe Me Now? accommodates those listeners who prefer more emotive forms of lyricism with this album, in her words, “trying to fill this void of feeling so isolated”. The album follows a different path to the rest of her discography, with lyrics relating to the current troubles and toils she is facing in her professional career, where she has mentioned her struggles of maintaining a sustainable work-life balance. Although this album may not resonate with those most familiar of her through her largest singles, I still believe that the majority of her audience can relate to the themes of loneliness portrayed through their own personal experiences throughout the pandemic.
I had the pleasure of attending her show at the Motorpoint Arena, where she delivered an exhilarating set including some of her largest hits, Lose Control, Afterglow and Disconnect to a sold-out crowd. In between songs, Becky Hill had heartfelt interactions with the audience where she initially stated her gratitude towards those in attendance of coming to see her despite the cost-of-living crisis and stated: “Words don’t really cover how much of a dream come true this is for me”. Honestly, I could hardly notice a difference between the studio and live versions of the songs as Becky Hill’s vocal range was on full display, effortlessly moving from powerful high notes to more emotional tones during slower songs.
Prior to her performance, the evening began with support from two-talented acts, Charlie Boon and Catching Cairo. Catching Cairo successfully engaged the audience with her standout hit, Touch, which, in conjunction with Charlie Boon’s upbeat house set, built up the buzz in anticipation for Becky Hill’s arrival on stage.
A standout moment from the night derived from when Becky Hill brought out RILEASA, a feature on her song One Track Mind as well as a contestant on the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Though I lack knowledge regarding the famous reality show, the response from the crowd was roaring and it was obvious that the crowd was appreciative of Becky Hill’s decision to have her perform alongside her.
"Becky Hill’s performance was a testament to the journey she has faced within her career"
The sound system, lighting and stage design within the arena were phenomenal; during her drum and bass tracks, Afterglow and Disconnect, the venue was filled with lasers and captured the awe and energised the crowd which juxtaposed the atmosphere curated by her slower songs.
Despite my confusion approximately halfway through the show where she vanished from the stage and appeared on a raised platform within the centre of the arena, it was then where she performed one of the slower songs on her new album, Man of My Dreams, with an exceptional pianist which accentuated the emotions conveyed through Becky Hill’s vocals. This was one of the standout moments from the night where her stage presence and proximity to the crowd made it a more memorable and inclusive experience, especially for those seated within the back of the arena.
Becky Hill’s performance was a testament to the journey she has faced within her career, from being dropped by her first record label, being an opening act back home for the festival, Redfest, in 2020 to winning the BRITS in two consecutive years for the best British Dance Act as well as headlining festivals and selling out arenas. Her Believe Me Now? tour concludes in early January with shows in North America, Australia and New Zealand. With this being the third time that I have seen her perform, it is a pleasure to see her career progress in her journey to becoming a staple within modern British pop music.
Milind Parwani
Edited by Bethany Coldwell
Photos Courtesy of Becky Hill on Instagram
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