The night at the space
The Space is the type of music venue that feels quintessentially Vegas, evocative of the city’s eclectic past and (likely) future. Antique-style furniture and cheeky neon signs begging to be featured on your IG feed co-exist in the lobby like an old speakeasy from an alternate universe. I arrived early, ordered from the bar, and waited for the main room to open. As more guests trickled in, all buzzing about which artist they were there to support or most excited to hear, the main room opened. The night began with Audrey Brazelle, who opened with "Layered," entrancing the crowd with ghostly, twangy guitar chords and folksy vocals. Though songs like “Back Home” focus on themes of maturity, moving on, and navigating adulthood, you can’t help but feel optimistic watching Brazelle’s set. Sporting a bolo-tie, swaying freely, and cracking jokes with the audience, Brazelle has an air of lightheartedness to her that feels comforting. More of Brazelle’s fresh attitude and alt-country sound can be expected with her upcoming EP set to release soon.
Following Brazelle was Maybe Katie , whose math rock-infused sound commands attention and makes it impossible to stay still. From the deep bass, drums, and unbeatable energy of "Science Fiction" to the vulnerable and dreamy melody of "Accident," Maybe Katie's set was a showcase of musical experimentation and emotional intensity. (Seriously, I almost cried during the latter.) Drawing influences from Daughter, Radiohead, and Fleetwood Mac, the band achieves an incredibly textured, rich, occasionally brooding sound that doesn’t hold back. Maybe Katie is set to re-release her EP by the end of summer.
Maejoy set was a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way possible. Exposed yet powerful vocals dripping with emotion earned an outpour of support from the crowd as Mae shared her tears with us during “Younger Mind ,” a heartbreaking tribute to those with a loved one dealing with dementia and Alzheimer's. Twinkly guitar, pleading vocal style, and punchy sound on songs like “Whisper” recall indie artists like The Japanese House, but dramatic solos and angst-filled lyrics demonstrate an impressive marriage of indie and emo. Maejoy’s newest single, “GHOST TOWN,” offers the most well-rounded sound yet, and is now available to stream.
Rhaina Yasmin began her set with "Magician," instantly captivating the audience the moment the song burst with flourishing horn, explosive drums, and string. Regardless of the song’s energy, Yasmin seems to surrender herself completely on stage—a testament to her passion and prowess not only as a singer-songwriter but as a performer. Surrounded by the layered, swirling sounds that Yasmin consistently employs, the crowd had no choice but to lose themselves in the haze, too. Another standout was "Albatross," which heightened the already dark and melancholy atmosphere thanks to Yasmin’s evocative vocals. Yasmin’s latest release, “Stars ,” is currently available to stream, and we anticipate more shortly.
At the end of the night, I left The Space feeling like I just had a good therapy session. My emotions had been put through the wringer, but I loved every second of it. Listen to and follow the artists who performed below:
Audrey Brazelle
Maybe Katie
Maejoy
Rhaina Yasmin
Written By: @strawberryslugs/ Natasha Quiñonez-Gajda
Photos of Audrey by: Jane Robles/@janer.photo
Photos of Maejoy by: Aniya Washington (@shotbyxniya)
