There is something absolutely humble about the concept of a rising star grown from the seeds of their own popularity; when independent talent is recognised and gravitated into the upper echelon of publicity. With thanks to the creativity possible with TikTok, a star has risen – and deservedly so.
Caity Baser’s string of viral short videos through lockdown saw her popularity grow with her legions of fans, and now she stands on the front porch of fame.
This had to be seen to be believed when on Monday night at the University of Leeds campus, I rocked up to be mesmerised by the hundreds of people lined up waiting for doors to open. I had no idea where to look when I was guided by security staff to the very back of the line – all the way down the hall from the venue, down some stairs, around a meeting point for students…..and into a closed café.
I had underestimated just how brightly Caity’s star is shining.
Finally, making my way through the crowds of diehard young women, it became crystal clear this was an audience with a sincere connection to the headline act. After all, here was a twenty year-old artist from Southampton who paved her own way to this point, with the relatability of heartbreaking breakups.
This sincere connection to her audience helped Caity Baser pack Leeds Stylus out, and as I emerged through the waves of people I recognised the buzz in the air as the supporting act arrived.
Michael Aldag graced the stage first with a bittersweet symphony of high-energy synthesized tunes that all dealt with his coming to terms with social anxiety. Despite all of the issues he discussed in the vibrant song, I would have to say that the youthful redhead performed with an animated exuberance that more than held the audience to his every line. If there is one thing to say for his group’s set, it would be that it provided an incredible transparency – feeling as if the curtain was tucked back, and we were able to see what was going on behind the scenes. This was the charm that the trio brought to the stage.
Leeds Stylus has been home to thousands of gigs over the years, since it first opened its doors at the turn of the millennium. Prior to this, the University of Leeds Student Union was home to legendary musicians such as Bob Marley and the Wailers, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, and The Who (who recorded their 1970 live album, ‘Live at Leeds’ at this very site).
I have been to this venue for gigs of many sizes, small and large.
I have seen Caity’s work described as having a “fuck you” energy to it, and I absolutely believe it. There was a whimsical phenomenon that had the audience encapsulated in the palm of her hands from start to finish. With a bouncy, jovial and energetically positive stage presence, her rapport with the audience was impressive. It would lead to the humourous questioning of what wild safari animals her bandmates would be and why; but would also lead to the emotional answers of her diehard fans, detailing their worst breakup ever. (I feel incredibly remorseful for the 24 year-old who spoke about her past with a 46 year-old man. The whole of Stylus is glad for your freedom for you).
The perception I had more than anything from listening to her, and the subsequent jamming to her discography on Spotify, was that she was an artist by the fans, for the fans. After all, here is a lady who growing up found it hard being able to afford to attend concerts and festivals – to such an extent, she personally went ahead and capped the ticket price to allow for as many of her fans to attend as possible.
And that gamble paid off – Stylus was about as jam-packed as I have ever seen it. And for the value of the ticket, such a performance was more than worth the admission.
With the future ahead of her, Caity exclaims her biggest heartbreaks to her millions of listeners, with no end in sight.
Caity Baser is coming to the end of her “Thanks For Nothing, See You Never” Tour, concluding Thursday at London’s sold out O2 Arena. While you can check out her stuff over on TikTok or Spotify, you would be hard-pressed to find a better night of your life than to catch the Brighton-based singer if she plays near you. To keep in the know, visit http://www.caitybaser.com.
Michael Aldag is a breakout electro-pop artist based in Liverpool. With a brand new single “girlfriends” available on Spotify and Apple Music, it comes six months after the release of his first EP, titled “SOCIALIZING”. He embarks on a new three-date tour playing Birmingham, Manchester and London across the first weekend in May. For more information, head to https://www.michaelaldagmusic.com.
All photography by Maddie Armstrong.
