Following the release of Claire Elizabeth Cottrill’s second studio album, Sling, the artist spent the next 3 years crafting an experience unlike any other. Singer-songwriter Clairo’s third studio album “Charm” released July 12, 2024 and is her first self-release album after her two previous releases under Fader and Republic. The album is categorized as Soft-Rock/Indie, and features gorgeous musical melodies and vocal harmonies. The sounds contained in the album are very complicated and feature a wide range of instruments, which you might assume could not be replicated live. However, you’d be VERY mistaken, as I had the pleasure of being given the opportunity to see Clairo live at White Oak Music Hall with Alice Phoebe Lou opening. 

White Oak Music Hall is a beautiful live music venue in Houston, Texas, with a huge lawn space where attendees can sit on the grass or on the hills. The stage features a moving light plate that lowers to provide a gorgeous background behind the artist. 

The event began with Alice Phoebe Lou, attempting to perform a few songs at 7:00 PM CST. Unfortunately, after several attempts to deliver, Alice was unable to perform a song to completion as there were many interruptions during each segment. Before her final attempt, she gave the audience a friendly reminder, “Drink Water!”  

Once it was time for Clairo’s team to begin set up, her team brought out several instruments and placed them all around the stage. Then, after a few minutes of waiting, Clairo and her band came out. The band sat around the center of the stage, chatting and drinking dark liquor with a “cheers” to begin the event. 

The line up mainly consisted of Charm songs, but also featured some of fan favorites, like pieces from Immunity, Sling, and diary 001 EP. The line up was as follows: Nomad, Second Nature, Thank You, Softly, Flaming Hot Cheetos, How - demo, Bambi, Terrapin, Add Up My Love, North, Echo, Glory of the Snow, Slow Dance, Partridge, Pier 4, 4EVER, Amoeba, Bags, Sexy to Someone, and finally a fan favorite from the new album Juna. 

Through the concert, Claire would speak with the crowd and they were encouraged to sing and dance throughout some of the songs. When speaking to the crowd she said, “On my way over here I was wondering what to talk to you guys about but then someone mentioned ‘Buccee’s’?” Surprisingly, someone was ready on the front row and asked if they could throw a Buccee’s mascot plushie on the stage. 

As for personal opinions, I loved every second of it. I have been a Clairo fan since the start of her career in 2017 with the bedroom pop craze and have followed her ever since. I am so thankful for the opportunity to see her live, because she exceeded every single expectation. My personal favorite, North, was even better in person. She and her band are incredibly talented and each song sounded better than the published version. For some artists, singing live does not translate well, but Claire performs and delivers as she sounded even better live. If given the opportunity, I will be there for her 4th studio album and am very excited to see where she takes us. Special thanks to White Oak Music Hall for making this event possible.