LOS ANGELES, CA- I first stumbled across Trousdale when I heard “Do Re Mi,” a cute, upbeat little ditty that immediately caught my ear. It wasn’t just the lyrics or the hook — it was the blend. There was something about their take on classic three-part American harmony, laid carefully over modern pop production, that just hit different. Think Wilson Phillips with more edge, more intent, and far better A&R instincts. From that moment, I was in. I’ve been following them for a while now, spinning their early releases and admiring how each song managed to balance vulnerability with pop sensibility, all while keeping vocal harmony front and center — a rare thing in today’s sonic landscape.
Despite my longtime fandom, I’d never seen them live. So when they announced their LA date at The El Rey Theatre, right after dropping their latest album Growing Pains, I locked it into my calendar as a non-negotiable. There’s something about Growing Pains that feels like a coming-of-age record — not in the teenage sense, but in the grown-up, been-through-some-shit sense. Critics have praised the album for its emotional depth and vocal intimacy, with The Honey Popcalling it “sonically lush and lyrically grounded,” and Ones To Watch lauding their “timeless warmth wrapped in modern insight.” And the lead single “Secondhand Smoke”? That track alone had me sold on the idea that Trousdale wasn’t just a harmony group with cute vibes — they were artists with something to say.
There’s a deep emotional intelligence embedded in this new batch of songs. “If I’m Honest” walks the line between confession and confrontation, while “Over and Over” aches with the kind of repetition that only heartbreak makes you feel. It’s a record that dares to sound soft and stay powerful. So I walked into The El Rey ready for the songs I loved to unfold in real time… and Trousdale did not disappoint.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By the time Trousdale hit the stage, the room was buzzing. Packed shoulder-to-shoulder with family, fans, and a whole lot of friends, the vibe was overwhelmingly warm… like a high school reunion where everybody actually wants to be there. I ended up outside for a bit in the smoking section and struck up a conversation with one of the singer’s uncles (I think). We traded stories of our respective failed music careers, laughing at how hard it is to “make it”. Then he beamed with pride and told me how far the band had come. “They’ve really worked for this,” he said, and I believed every word.
When the band opened with the title track from Growing Pains, it hit me: these songs weren’t just good on record… they were built for the stage. The harmonies were rich and immediate, the instrumentation hit harder, and the sound just felt bigger. “Movie Star” followed early in the set, and that’s when the room collectively got the memo that we were in for a ride. Perfect unison vocals melted into lush three-part harmonies, all delicately woven over acoustic guitar. It was a flex of subtlety and precision that sent shivers up my arms.
Lauren took a moment early in the set to pause and reflect, recalling the last time Trousdale played The El Rey. “We didn’t have management back then,” she said with a laugh, her voice mixing humility with a sense of arrival. “We didn’t really know what we were doing.” The crowd chuckled along with her, but there was no mistaking the growth since that last visit. This wasn’t just a return… it was a homecoming. The venue was full, pulsing with energy, and the band stood center stage as a group fully stepping into their moment. They looked calm, confident, and undeniably grateful to be there.
They also shared that they raised over $12,000 that night for The Ally Coalition, drawing loud applause from the crowd. It was a moving reminder that their work isn’t just about melodies and lyrics, but about using their platform to contribute something meaningful to the world. That same sense of purpose echoed through the night’s performance.
Before launching into “Sleeping at the Wheel,” Georgia addressed the crowd with a moment of quiet truth. “Singing in harmony too is something that the world needs a little bit more of right now.” That line struck a chord. In these chaotic times, the idea that musical harmony could be a metaphor for unity felt timely and deeply resonant.
Their set consisted of songs that swept through emotional highs and lows with elegance and precision. “Never Come Back,” “Out of My Mind,” “Cold Heart,” “Secondhand Smoke,” and “If I’m Honest” all felt elevated in the live setting. Each track carried the weight of experience, unfolding like personal letters read aloud. Their vocals moved in perfect tandem, enveloping the crowd in sound and sentiment that felt both intimate and expansive.
They even worked in a medley of songs from Wicked, offering a theatrical twist that showcased their versatility and sense of fun. It could have felt indulgent, but it didn’t. It felt like a well-earned exhale and one that still maintained vocal excellence.
As I made my way to the exit, I was still glowing from the experience. The entire night had been remarkably tight, emotionally honest, and musically rich. Trousdale has always had the talent and songwriting skill to stand out, but now they’re backed by something even more powerful: a sense of self, a sense of mission, and a roomful of people ready to follow them wherever they go next. If this show is any indication, their journey is just beginning, and it’s going to be a beautiful one.
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LIVE CLIPS
Trousdale Dazzles a Packed El Rey with “Growing Pains” Tour Stop in Los Angeles
