LOS ANGELES, CA- When I heard that Towa Bird was opening for Billie Eilish on a string of dates this fall, I was curious. Who was this rising star? It didn’t take long for me to find out. After a quick search, I dove into Towa Bird’s Spotify playlist, and from the first track, I was hooked. There was an undeniable edge to her music—gritty guitar riffs paired with polished songwriting and a distinct vocal delivery that grabbed me immediately. Her sound reminded me of the rebellious energy of classic rock infused with a fresh, modern perspective.
Towa’s reputation as a guitarist preceded her, with critics lauding her skills not just as a vocalist but as a bona fide shredding force on the guitar. She had toured with Renee Rapp as a lead guitarist before stepping into her own spotlight, and even back then, her ability to command an audience was already evident. With comparisons drawn to the likes of Joan Jett and St. Vincent, she’s been noted as an artist to watch, not only for her on-stage charisma but for her clear musical vision. The Guardian highlighted her “bold, raw approach” to rock, while Pitchfork commented on her “ability to fuse emotion with raw energy.” I co-sign every bit of this acclaim. From the first moment I pressed play on her tracks, I knew she was an artist I needed to see live—and see live soon.
That opportunity came sooner than I expected. Towa Bird was headlining a sold-out show at The Echo, and I wasn’t about to miss it. However, it quickly became clear that I was late to the game. Despite arriving an hour before doors opened, a line stretched three blocks down Sunset Boulevard. As I made my way to park, I couldn’t help but notice a massive billboard towering across the street promoting her latest single, “Rat Race.” Towa Bird had clearly captured something special. Packing out a venue like The Echo, especially on a weeknight in Los Angeles, is no small feat for any artist—especially one so early in her solo career.
It wasn’t just the venue that was buzzing; her fans were electric. Towa Bird’s audience is as diverse as it is loyal. From edgy teens to nostalgic rock lovers, the crowd reflected a spectrum of music lovers ready to scream their lungs out. And the excitement wasn’t limited to Bird alone.
Max Leone, the opening act for Towa Bird, brought a refreshing presence to the stage with his blend of alternative pop and introspective lyrics. Though I wasn’t initially familiar with him, his performance left a lasting impression. Leone’s set was a carefully curated mix of vulnerability and energy, showcasing his knack for pairing emotive storytelling with catchy melodies. His music has often been compared to the likes of Jeremy Zucker and EDEN, and that influence was apparent in his sound—a fusion of indie-pop with electronic undertones.
One of the highlights of Leone’s set was his cover of Phoenix’s hit “1901.” The crowd responded enthusiastically, with many singing along to the familiar chorus. It was a testament to his ability to connect with the audience, even while playing a mix of originals and covers. As I watched, it became clear that Leone possesses an amiable stage presence and solid musicality. With the right direction, he’s sure to build on this early momentum.
Then, the lights dimmed, and the energy in the room shifted. As Towa Bird bounded onto the stage, her presence alone ignited the crowd. Without a word, she grabbed her guitar and tore into her opening song, “FML,” shredding through the track with precision and passion. The crowd responded instantly, as if they’d been waiting their whole lives for that moment. From that point forward, it was clear we were in for a wild ride.
Her latest album, American Hero, which has received praise for its sharp blend of rock and indie sensibilities, served as the backbone of her set. Critics have had plenty to say about her debut record, with Rolling Stone UK describing it as “a fearless, defiant entry into the rock scene.” But as far as I could tell, the critics’ voices were drowned out by the sheer adoration of the audience. These fans weren’t casual listeners—they were die-hard devotees who screamed along to every lyric of every song. And this wasn’t just some superficial fandom. This was genuine, heartfelt support that could propel an artist from local favorite to global sensation.
The truth is, you can’t buy this kind of loyalty or excitement. It’s built on authentic connection, which Towa Bird has clearly established with her young, engaged fanbase. They hung on her every word, whether she was ripping through her hit “Rat Race” or bringing the house down with a live rendition of “Sorry Sorry.” And while her album might still be gaining critical acclaim, the real magic is happening in these sold-out shows, where fans are converting others through word of mouth, social media, and packed venues.
During her set, she covered MGMT’s “Time to Pretend” and Blur’s “Song 2” that proved that she could rock a crowd with anybody’s songs and make those songs her own. But when she rocked out on her own songs, especially her closer “Drain Me!”, the symbiotic relationship between Towa and her fans was most evident—they fed off each other’s energy in a way that only the most compelling live performances can elicit. As she closed out her set, the roar of applause and cheers felt less like an ending and more like the beginning of something even bigger.
Towa Bird isn’t just riding a wave of success—she’s building a movement. Her music speaks directly to the young generation, offering them a soundtrack to their lives. And as I left The Echo that night, it was clear that Towa Bird wasn’t just a rising star; she was a force to be reckoned with. There’s a wildfire of fandom around her that no critic, label, or industry insider can manufacture. It’s real, and it’s spreading fast.
In a few years, we may look back at this Echo performance as the moment Towa Bird ascended to the next level. But for now, she’s in the perfect place, with a loyal following who are ready to follow her wherever she goes next.
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