SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne returns with his Mariah The Scientist concert review, with opening performances from Chxrry22 and DVSN’s nineteen85.
A drove of fans gathered at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto for the latest stop on Atlanta singer-songwriter, Mariah The Scientist‘s To Be Eaten Alive Tour. As she explained to the crowd, this is her first performance in two weeks after taking time to nurse her voice.
She was particularly happy to be in Toronto and stated as much. As she mentioned in her interview with SHIFTER, she has always has a love for Canadian music producers and the City of Toronto, mentioning it in her music. With the long lineups and the venue filled all the way up to the balcony, it’s clear that Toronto loves her back.
But first was the homecoming for Toronto native, Chxrry22, who performed in front of a hometown crowd. She was all smiles as she referred to Toronto as “the best city in the world” and told the crowd that she brings them with her wherever she goes.
She brought a blend of vocals and sex appeal, but the prior is not to be diminished by the latter. As a live performer, Chxrry22 has some of the strongest, clearest and most controlled vocals we’ve heard, as she performed song like “Ride 4 Me” and “More”. Chxrry22 is a local treasure who still doesn’t get enough mention when we talk about Toronto’s top musical exports, but she belongs on that list.
WATCH: SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne, aka KB The Boss, interviews Mariah The Scientist
Then DJ and producer, nineteen85, one half of the R&B duo DVSN, took to the stage, spinning R&B classics from the 2000’s to today, with help from etalk anchor Tyrone Edwards who hosted the set and joined fans in a sing-along of hits like Alicia Keys’ “No One”, Usher’s “U Don’t Have To Call”, and Muni Long’s “Made For Me”.
Then Mariah entered the stage as she performed some of her biggest singles and songs from To Be Eaten Alive (2023), RY RY WORLD (2021), and MASTER (2019)
As she made her way through songs like “Good Times”, “Aura”, with its Toronto reference, and “Beetlejuice”, it’s easy to see why Mariah considers herself more of an “Alternative & Blues” artist than a Rhythm & Blues artist (despite the success of “From A Woman” which was the biggest track off To Be Eaten Alive). Her performances are less about belting out big notes and executing complicated runs and more about her tone and songwriting.
What also makes her appealing is her ability to connect with her fans on stage, her gratitude for the love they give back to her in return, and her coming across as a normal person. Despite looking like a star, she feels like the girl next door who just happens to be famous for making dope songs. Because of this, she has a devoted fanbase, who along with her songwriting and sound, will keep her around for a very long time.
Kevin Bourne is SHIFTER’s Toronto-based editor and Senior Entertainment Reporter focusing on Black music and film & TV. He was named one of 310 international voters for the 81st Golden Globe Awards by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.
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