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LOS ANGELES, CA-
“…The night opened in a refreshing, collaborative spirit, with an “artist-in-the-round” performance featuring Nia Ashleigh, Buffchick, and Beane, each taking turns sharing original material and backing each other with harmonies that, at times, felt almost as dialed-in as the headliner’s.
Nia Ashleigh had a presence that was both low-key and magnetic. Originally from New York and now based in LA, Nia’s artistry is shaped by a rich background in jazz and musical theater. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, she studied at the prestigious Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, where she honed her craft not only as a vocalist but as a songwriter and producer. That training showed.
Her songs carry a kind of narrative wisdom, often unpacking relationships with a poet’s phrasing and an R&B tilt. She’s been steadily releasing singles since 2019, building a catalog that feels intentional and cohesive. Watching her live for the first time, I was struck by how effortlessly her voice filled the room. Onstage at The El Rey, she brought poise without pretension, commanding attention not with volume but with control. There’s a maturity in her delivery that speaks to both training and life experience. Whether crooning solo or harmonizing with her artist-in-the-round peers, Nia Ashleigh felt timeless.
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Buffchick brought a different kind of energy. It was more stripped-back and indie-leaning, but equally captivating. The LA-based artist, born Sofia Zorian, has quickly carved out a niche in the alt-pop landscape by pairing dreamy, lo-fi production with razor-sharp lyrics that cut through the haze. A Berklee College of Music alum, Buffchick’s roots in classical and jazz piano inform her approach to songwriting, but it’s her knack for sardonic storytelling and confessional wit that sets her apart.
At The El Rey, backed only by her voice and a few friends on harmonies. If there was something that I took away from her set, I noticed that didn’t rely on spectacle; it relied on relatability. She seems to taps into the space between humor and heartbreak, sarcasm and sincerity. If her recorded work draws you in, her live performance holds you still.
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Beane, who some may recognize from American Idol Season 19, is a seasoned performer with a voice built for drama. Born Brennan Hepler and hailing from Pennsylvania, Beane turned heads on the Idol stage with his unique tone, gender-fluid fashion, and fearless song choices, earning praise from judges and fans alike for bringing authenticity and theatricality to every performance.
A Berklee College of Music graduate, his foundation in vocal performance and songwriting shows in the way he commands both stage and story. Since his Idol run, he’s continued to evolve as a solo artist, releasing emotionally resonant singles like “Don’t Know What to Say” and “Cutting Ties”; tracks that balance pop accessibility with honest introspection. At The El Rey, his delivery was tender, theatrical, and emotionally fluent. Whether pouring his heart out in solo moments or blending in with the others during the artist-in-the-round set, Beane felt locked in, not just musically, but energetically.
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When all three artists sang together, their voices fused with a clarity and warmth that made it easy to see why Trousdale suggested they start their own trio. It wasn’t just a throwaway compliment; their blend was genuinely tight, and the mutual respect on stage made the whole set feel special. Beane’s presence elevated the moment, leaving an impression that lingered long after the spotlight shifted…”
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