GALLERY: Sampha
AUSTIN, TX | EMO’S | NOVEMBER 13, 2024 | BY ELINA CARRASCO
The evening opened with Elsas, Sampha’s keyboardist whose raw experimentation and vulnerability had the crowd transfixed. Performing solo, she layered echoes and effects live on her laptop, weaving an authentic and unpredictable atmosphere. When her laptop died mid-set, she quipped, "Is it a sign or a test? It’s a test because I’m not gonna stop," she says before rallying the crowd. Even when the audience was momentarily distracted, they snapped back with cheers, fully supporting her resilience.
Sampha up next with a beautifully crafted performance, seamlessly transitioning between tracks so smoothly the changes felt almost imperceptible. At one of two Texas dates, the crowd was treated to tender piano ballads like “No One Knows Me (Like The Piano).” These softer moments contrasted with the high-energy performance of “Blood on Me.” This track featured a powerful breakdown with thunderous claps from the crowd as strobing red lights illuminated hands raised high above their heads. Throughout the entire set the crowd remained attentive, soaking in every note of Sampha’s soulful artistry.
No encore was needed; both artists left an indelible mark, each owning the stage in their own unique way.
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