Back when I was cutting my teeth as a photographer in the live music world, I would take any assignment my editor at the time would give me, which sent me to the Coliseum many times. Now that I’ve made a home for myself in the DIY/hardcore scene, though, this was a bit of a culture shock. Equipped with my press pass, I entered the venue through a side door and made my way to the photo pit. 

Pretty Sick was the opener, and truly, who I was here to see. The New York three-piece made up of singer/bassist Sabrina Fuentes, guitarist Ben Arauz, and drummer Eva Kaufman has been one of my favourite new bands since they released their Come Down EP in 2021. Since then, they’ve gone on to release a full length album, start a clothing brand, and have landed many coveted opening and festival spots. 

Sabrina Fuentes of Pretty Sick

The trio took the stage to the sounds of thousands of screaming girls. I immediately noticed a new touring member taking over bass duties. “I wanted to get off the bass for a few songs to be able to use my whole body while performing and not be so glued to my bass and the mic,” Fuentes tells me later that night after the show. “I wanted to dance!” 

As a bass player and singer myself, I completely get it. It’s also got a lot to do with the band now playing these huge venues where it’s important to be able to put on the kind of performance that will captivate larger crowds. “The only time we have played to crowds this big is at festivals, so it’s really insane to see everyone out there for Bea. We’re so proud of her, and happy to call her a friend,” Fuentes says about the first show on this tour. 

After shooting the first three songs, I made my way to the merch table eager to see if any pieces from Sabrina’s clothing line “PS by Pretty Sick” would be there. They were, and I’m not confirming or denying if I spent $120 on merch (I did). “It’s been so fun designing clothes and working with my friends on photoshoots and pop-up shops!” Fuentes says about PS. “It’s nice to have another creative outlet other than music. I feel like it gives my brain and body a rest, especially after long tours.” 

I put on my new PS hat and made my way back to the crowd to watch the rest of their set, which was fantastic; they played an unreleased new song and some crowd pleasers like “Headliner” and “Dumb.” They’ve definitely evolved since the last time I saw them when they opened for Yves Tumor, and I mean that in the best way – It’s clear they are constantly one-upping themselves. Nothing seems off limits for the future of Pretty Sick, and I can’t wait to see what they do next. 

When beabadoobee took to the stage the crowd erupted in some of the loudest screams I’ve ever heard. I was immediately captivated. The whole crowd seemed to know every word to every song and beabadoobee’s constant smile made it clear she could hear and feel the love too. 

Her guitar tech handed her a bright pink guitar, a Fairlane Zephyr guitar — in Paisley Pink to be specific — and the crowd once again went insane! She broke into “Talk” and even though I was not that familiar with her music going into this night, I was like “Oh, okay I get it.” This person has star power and damn catchy songs. To quote the meme: I’m sorry beabadoobee, I was not aware of your swag. 

I watched the rest of the set from the wings just vibing on the good energy and then went home and did a deeper dive on the beabadoobee lore, and I can now say: I am officially a fangirl!

bebadoobee

Pretty Sick

Pretty Sick

Pretty Sick