The Weekly Croissant: Big Thief at The Ryman

What I think I learned

Let me start by saying this was the best show I’ve ever seen. Or at least that’s what I told George when I got back, and was still enjoying the fruits of a microdose of mushrooms.

I’ve had a chance to unpack a bit with Riley and Viv who im currently on the road with. Here’s our hot takes (stream of consciousness cuz this croissant is late)

There’s no replacement for a band band, for a long term musical chemistry developed over time

Discomfort is ok on stage

Playfulness in music is so important SPUD INFINITY

It’s okay to prioritize the music over the show

Audiences are more on your side than you might give them credit for - or maybe this is something you have to curate? The crowd wants you to succeed, or are we on their side because we are already fans, or do you have to find the fans who want you to succeed ?

So maybe it’s that we should curate that support in our fans? To find those people who want us to succeed

As a performer time feels slow and intense on stage. But there’s a perception gap between that feeling and what the audience feels

The limitations of money in creating a true band that develops over time - how the brutal musician economy has killed the ability for anyone to invest time into a real group project

Everything we learn about music is just so that we can then unlearn it in the process of creating

Change up the layout - placement of instruments and band members should always be up for discussion (drums were on the far right for this show)

Silence between songs is okay if it feels genuine, it builds tension, it can make the audience feel more a part of the show

they were letting themselves be seen as musicians, as whatever felt good in the moment

each song felt special to its own moment- like it is being created uniquely

Adrienne seemed to be taking on the emotions of each song, rather than reciting them

Has anyone seen BT on this tour? Drop your hot takes below