On March 31st, colorful miniskirts and sparkly hairclips took over the House of Blues San Diego for New Zealand-born artist BENEE’s headlining show. Best known for her 2019 hit “Supalonely”—a quirky, dance-pop track about isolation that achieved virality on TikTok in 2020—BENEE has since evolved her sound. Her latest album, Ur an Angel I'm Just Particles, takes a more alternative-pop direction with hyperpop influences that bring a high-energy, electronic edge to her setlist.
Before BENEE took the stage, Brooklyn-based hyperpop artist BAYLI opened the night, successfully hyping up the crowd. When BENEE emerged, she opened with “Sad Boiii,” before launching into “Cinnamon,” one of the standout tracks off of her new album. Her energy was dazzling, matched by an outfit that perfectly matched her eccentric, playful brand: a bouncy white skirt, blue T-shirt, oversized fluffy boots, signature hair clips, and a structured white vest with shoulder pads. She felt truly unapologetic in her identity, which made one aspect of the show feel all the more surprising: the lighting.
Throughout her set, her stage lighting remained subdued, a stark contrast to her otherwise spirited persona. With minimal front lighting, BENEE felt like she was performing in the shadows. This became even more noticeable towards the end of the show when I moved further back in the venue. Despite the relatively intimate space, her facial expressions and other details were lost as she blended into her background, diminishing the immersive experience. Even so, her stage presence remained strong throughout the night.
The crowd erupted in cheers during “Supalonely,” breaking out into dance as soon as the song’s familiar intro began. The energy persisted through “Off The Rails” and “Green Honda,” two of my favorite tracks on the setlist.
While BENEE and her team could benefit from revising the stage lighting to better align with her brand, the show was ultimately a night of pure fun, nostalgia, and dancing. As she continues to carve out her place in the alternative pop scene, BENEE proves that she’s an artist worth watching (and listening) to.
