LOS ANGELES, CA- When I received the invite to catch LØLØ at The Belasco Theater, I was more than curious. A publicist sent over a few streaming links, and one title in particular caught my eye: “Faceplant.” As soon as I hit play, I was pulled into LØLØ’s world—a vibrant blend of pop-punk energy and unapologetic attitude. I’d heard whispers about the headliner, Jxdn, and while his music hadn’t yet crossed my radar, I was intrigued by his emo-tinged pop-punk. The night’s opener was a rocker named GUNNAR, an artist entirely new to me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but that’s what live music is all about—discovery.
GUNNAR, the night’s opening act, is carving his niche in the rock scene with a no-nonsense approach to his craft. While he might still be under the radar for some, his set at The Belasco made it clear that he’s someone worth paying attention to. GUNNAR’s music carries the weight of someone who’s lived through some heavy moments and come out the other side with guitar riffs and gritty vocals as his weapons of choice. Hailing from a small town, Gunnar’s journey into music was born out of a need to escape and express. His lyrics often reflect the struggles of growing up in a place where dreams are scarce and opportunities even scarcer.
Though I wasn’t familiar with his discography, I found his performance entertaining. GUNNAR’s raw energy and connection with the crowd spoke volumes—this was an artist pouring his soul into every note. His stage presence hinted at a deep well of life experience, suggesting that his music is more than just catchy hooks; it’s a narrative of personal triumphs and struggles. The crowd was right there with him, absorbed in the sonic waves he sent crashing through the venue.
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LØLØ burst onto the stage like a firecracker, and the audience lit up in response. Known for her pop-punk aesthetic and anthems that speak to the disillusioned and the daring, LØLØ has quickly made a name for herself in a genre that thrives on rebellion and raw emotion. But LØLØ’s rise to prominence hasn’t been without its challenges. Behind the catchy beats and rebellious lyrics lies a story of perseverance and grit.
LØLØ, born Lauren Mandel, hails from Toronto, Canada—a city known more for its indie and alternative scenes than for producing pop-punk powerhouses. Yet, it’s from this very city that LØLØ began to carve out her path. Initially starting as a singer-songwriter, her early music leaned more towards the pop spectrum. However, as she began to hone her craft and draw from her personal experiences, her sound evolved into the punchy, in-your-face style that defines her today.
Her music isn’t just about catchy hooks and infectious beats; it’s a form of therapy, both for her and her fans. LØLØ has been open about her battles with anxiety and depression, often weaving these themes into her songs. Tracks like “wish I was a robot” reflect her struggles with feeling overwhelmed by emotions, while “kill the girl” touches on the pressures of societal expectations. These are not just songs; they’re declarations of self-empowerment, urging listeners to embrace their imperfections and fight against the constraints placed on them by society.
Her set at The Belasco was a testament to her journey. Kicking off with “junkie,” she immediately captured the crowd’s attention with her explosive energy. The transition into “kill the girl” and “debbie downer” showcased her ability to turn personal pain into anthems of resilience. By the time she reached “Faceplant,” the track that first caught my attention seemed to be a crowd favorite, and it didn’t hurt that the track seemed to perfectly encapsulate her aesthetic: fun, fierce, and unflinchingly honest.
LØLØ’s performance of “omg” and “hot girls in hell” further solidified her as a force in the pop-punk revival. These songs, which on the surface might seem like just another set of catchy pop-punk tracks, are layered with deeper meanings—critiques of societal norms and personal battles wrapped in infectious melodies. Her ability to balance these elements is what… I believe… sets her apart in a genre that can sometimes feel saturated with similar-sounding acts.
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Headliner jxdn took the stage with the confidence of an artist who’s been in the game for much longer than his years suggest. His rise in the music world has been meteoric, fueled by a blend of emo, pop-punk, and a social media presence that keeps his fans engaged and invested. But beneath the flashy exterior lies a young artist who’s had to navigate personal demons, including battles with mental health and the pressures of sudden fame. His music is his outlet, and that rawness translates into his live performances.
jxdn, born Jaden Hossler, first gained attention on TikTok, where his charismatic personality and relatable content quickly garnered millions of followers. But it wasn’t long before he transitioned from social media star to bona fide musician, signing with Travis Barker’s label, DTA Records. The influence of Barker—a pop-punk legend in his own right—has been instrumental in shaping jxdn’s sound, which blends the angst of emo with the high-octane energy of pop-punk.
Opening with “Stray,” jxdn immediately set the tone for the night—a mix of introspection and rebellion. Tracks like “candles” and “Friends with benefits” kept the energy high, while “dead or alive” and “so What!” tapped into the angst-ridden ethos of his sound. His lyrics often explore themes of heartbreak, self-doubt, and the search for identity, resonating with a generation that’s grown up in the digital age, where emotions are often filtered through screens and social media.
The acoustic segment of his set, featuring stripped-down versions of “Drugs,” “baccarat,” and “when the music stops,” offered a moment of vulnerability, showcasing jxdn’s versatility and emotional depth. It was a reminder that beneath the polished production and viral hits, there’s a young artist with a genuine passion for music and a desire to connect with his audience on a deeper level.
As the night drew to a close with the anthemic “Angels and Demons,” it was clear that jxdn is more than just a flash in the pan. He’s an artist who’s here to stay, one who’s connecting with a generation that craves authenticity in their music. The Belasco Theater was buzzing long after the final notes faded, a testament to the impact of an evening filled with discovery, connection, and the undeniable power of live music. In a world that’s constantly evolving, it’s artists like GUNNAR, LØLØ, and jxdn who are keeping the spirit of rock alive, each in their unique way. And after witnessing their performances, it’s safe to say that the future of pop-punk—and rock as a whole—is in good hands.
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