Chicago, Il – Poet. Rapper. Pop Singer. Literary Artist. Badass. Minnesota native Dessa performed several fan favorites and hits on Saturday night to an energized crowd at Thalia Hall in Chicago. Starting the night with “Good Grief” from her album Chime, Dessa took the stage with the crowd singing along. Backed by Chicago locals Monakr, who previously had played a fantastic set earlier in the evening, Dessa gave a solid run through from her musical library throughout the years. Performing classics as well as fan favorites like “Dixon’s Girl” and “Matches to Paper Dolls” from her 2010 release, A Badly Broken Code, as well as “Annabelle” from her 2013 release, Parts of Speech.
While Dessa also performs as a member of the rap group Doomtree, her solo work is quite versatile. Most of her songs included rap, although she can switch gears for a ballad or a pop song without missing a beat – which she also openly spoke about to the crowd. Her freedom as an independent artist has allowed her to explore different genres, whereas a major record label may have wanted her to strictly perform one genre and stay in that lane. As Dessa described it, she can forge ahead and play a pop song that she wrote, “Because I fucking can!”
Dessa has a style, sound, and soul that is all her own. She’s a strong woman who commands the spotlight on stage, and her lyrics are quick-witted and razor-sharp. This night she had the audience in the palm of her hand, singing along to every song and dancing on the majestic floor of Thalia Hall.
DESSA Setlist:
Good Grief
Dixon’s Girl
Matches to Paper Dolls
The Chaconne
Seamstress
Annabelle
Jumprope
Gradeschool Games
Boy Crazy
Half of You
Good For You
Warsaw / Velodrome
Fighting Fish
Fire Drills
5 out of 6
Shrimp
Dessa Photo Gallery
DESSA Online
Facebook | Instagram | Website | Youtube | Twitter
Show Date 9/7/2019
