LOS ANGELES, CA- March 14th and 15th were special nights in Los Angeles—not because of a championship game or a major political event, but because BØRNS performed his first shows in seven years. Two nights only, both sold out at the intimate El Rey Theatre, celebrated the release of his new EP, “Honeybee“.
Walking into the venue, the first thing that caught my eye was a striking white piano sitting center stage. It was impossible to ignore—dramatic, elegant, and a statement piece before a single note was played. It hinted at the classical elements woven into “Honeybee“, an EP that sees BØRNS expanding his signature psychedelic indie-pop with orchestral flourishes and live instrumentation.
Opening the night was Courtney Farren, an artist who carried a quiet yet compelling presence. Accompanied by a bassist and a keyboardist, she took the stage with peaceful energy. Her voice had a delicate strength—soft but unwavering, reaching high notes effortlessly. At times, she seemed slightly timid, but it only added to her charm.
Her song “I’m Not Alone (I’m Lonely)” stood out. The lyrics—“I could tell a joke then go up in smoke / I just want to laugh more often / Drift off on a train / Ride it all the way / Throw into the wind all caution”*—felt confessional, honest, and deeply revealing. I love when artists let their vulnerabilities show through their writing. Her set was short but left an impression. I’ll be following her development as an artist closely. Courtney helped build the anticipation for BØRNS, which was already undeniable. With fans having traveled from as far as Austin just to be there, we were ready for the night to begin.
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Dressed in a honey-colored shirt and a tie covered in tiny bees, BØRNS immediately set a playful, lighthearted tone. He cracked jokes throughout the night—calling someone in the audience a ventriloquist, teasing about stealing Courtney’s guitar, and reminiscing about how he was once labeled an indie artist but now truly is, given that his new work is independently released.
BØRNS made it clear early on that he wanted to give fans a diverse setlist. He seamlessly blended songs from Honeybee with the tracks that put him on the map. “Electric Love,” “10,000 Emerald Pools,” and “Past Lives” sent the crowd into full singalong mode. His newer material carried a different weight—more refined, deeply layered, and emotionally rich.
One of the night’s most striking moments was “Suddenly.” With the combination of his piano and a weeping guitar, it created a sound so thick with emotion that it was impossible not to get lost in it. The way he used the piano throughout the set felt natural—almost second nature. His fingers flew across the keys, channeling the spirit of artists like Elton John or Billy Joel. It added depth, a richness that elevated his live show.
Despite the time away from the stage, BØRNS showed no signs of rust. If anything, his time off had refined his artistry. He seemed genuinely happy to be back, often pausing to soak in the moment. There was an undeniable warmth to the night, not just in the music but in his demeanor. He wasn’t over-the-top with crowd interactions, but when he did speak, it was with an understated kindness. Whether hyping up his opener or making small jokes about his bee-themed outfit, he came across as effortlessly genuine.
One particularly endearing moment was the mention of his pet butterfly, Gershwin, whom he had raised and studied. It was the kind of offbeat, whimsical detail that reminded everyone why they fell in love with his artistry in the first place—and the inspiration for some of the exclusive merch sold at these two shows only.
When the final notes played and the night came to a close, the energy spilled out onto Wilshire Boulevard. Fans lingered outside the El Rey, snapping photos under the marquee, clutching merch, and reliving their favorite moments. I overheard a few fans buzzing about flying back to Austin the next morning, having made the pilgrimage just for these two nights.
Courtney Farren reappeared outside, grabbing a late-night DoorDash order and stopping to take photos with fans. It was a small but touching moment—a reminder of how music brings people together. BØRNS’ return wasn’t just about nostalgia. His evolution as an artist is clear, and his performance showed that he still has more to give. “Honeybee” is only the beginning, and whatever comes next is bound to be worth the wait.
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LIVE CLIPS
