Nottingham-based singer-songwriter, LYVIA, stops off at Manchester Academy 3 for The Honey I’m Home Tour.
Words & Pictures: Micha Thompson
LAUREN JEAN
Opening the night was Manchester’s own Lauren Jean, performing to her hometown crowd. Having only released her debut single earlier this year, the up-and-coming artist showcased an undeniable stage presence and powerful vocals that had the audience hooked.
A highlight of her set was 21st Century, a heartfelt reflection on the struggle of finding love in today’s world, resonating strongly with the audience.
LYVIA
Kicking off the set with a burst of energy, LYVIA gave the Manchester crowd a start they wouldn’t forget. Little White Lie sparked an instant connection with the crowd and had fans singing along from the very first lyric. The stage glowed in a luminous purple light as her empowering vocals filled the venue, backed by groovy bass and electric guitar rhythms, adding a rich texture to the performance.
The crowd was eager, waves of excitement flashing throughout the venue.
Next up was Rock With Me, a smooth, keyboard-driven groove took centre stage. “Hello everybody, how we feeling?” LYVIA beams. “Manny, I’m home!” The crowd roared, with an intimate crowd making the venue feel like an arena. Fans swayed, danced, and sang every lyric.
During the set, LYVIA opened up about her upcoming debut mixtape, due next week, teasing new material while celebrating the present. In the track Monday2Sunday, the crowd jumped and shouted lyrics back in unison, immersed in the blend of instrumentals in the glow of purple lighting.
EMBRACING EVERY MOMENT
“This is the third stop on tour,” she shares, “I’m just trying to embrace every moment.” That sentiment echoes as she performed Kiss You, a deeply personal song paired with intimate blue lighting. The emotional weight was palpable. “Her songwriting, which draws from personal experiences as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, deeply resonates with her fans,” and nowhere was that more obvious than here.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the show came when LYVIA dedicated a song to a fan who had beaten cancer, presenting her with flowers on stage: a beautiful act of kindness that moved many to tears. The show’s emotion continued with Invisible (who was dedicated to a fan), introduced by LYVIA admitting, “I never normally like singing this song because it’s so sad. I wrote this when I was in school.” Despite its moving message, it became a highlight of the night. “That was one of my highlights of the tour so far, thank you.”
With Barriers, LYVIA flipped the energy again, a bouncy anthem inspired by her experience navigating the music industry as a woman. Its message hit hard while keeping the crowd moving. By the end of LYVIA’s set, she had created a night packed with emotion, atmosphere, and a balance of sadness and joy. The kind of performance that stays with you long after the last note.
Listen to LYVIA’s debut mixtape here.
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Categories: Live Reviews
