I feel like if you’re on #booktok, you’ll have heard of Austin Giorgio.
Austin Giorgio was on The Voice, but as I don’t watch talent TV shows anymore, I had no idea who he was. He just popped up on my Spotify one day, and I was hooked. I think he sounds a little like Michael Bublé but a lot edgier. He started reading A Court of Thorns and Roses, which started him down the rabbit hole of romance, dark romance, and #booktok.
His newest album, Chronicles of the Darkest Hour, was released February 14 this year. It’s so darn good! I listened to it on repeat as soon as it came out. So when I saw that he was coming to Toronto I knew I had to get tickets.
He was at The Baby G on Dundas, which I’ve never been to before. It had nostalgic Velvet Underground vibes circa 2010. Man, I miss that place. I won’t lie—it looks like a complete dive. But it’s a small, intimate location with pretty good sound. There were a couple of moments where the sound didn’t quite come through, but overall, there was nothing to cry about. I’ve had worse sound at Scotiabank Arena or Budweiser Stage.
Opening Act: Little Luna
I had never heard of Little Luna before this show, but call me a fan! I usually do a pre-concert search of all the artists playing, but I ran out of time and completely forgot to do that. So I went into her set completely blind. I’m not even mad about it.
Little Luna’s vibe is the cutest. She’s a colossal hippie (self-proclaimed), but you can tell by the way she dresses! I’m obsessed with her whole vibe and her glasses. I met her after the show. She graciously signed my CD cover, and she was just the sweetest. I’m so excited for her on her first tour, and I can’t wait to support her the next time she comes to Toronto!
She sang quite a lot of songs. I think it was her EP “Wildflower Woman” and a cover of “As It Was.” My favourite song was “Told Me,” but they were all fantastic. I love how all her songs are about growth and figuring out life. They hit me deep, as I feel like I’m constantly on that journey.
You can find her on Spotify and Instagram!
Chronicles of the Darkest Hour
And then, Austin Giorgio came out! He was on stage with a drummer, keyboardist, and guitarist. They were all so freaking amazing! Loved that he had a keyboardist. He jumped right into three songs, kicking it off with Overdrive. He brought Little Luna back on stage to sing a duet and DAMN he can make chemistry happen on stage.
There were some fantastic musical solos. Colton (the guitarist) can PLAY. “Moon” is my favourite off the album (if I had to choose) and I love how he sings it live. His whole set consisted of 19 songs (including his encore). I’m so very glad that he sang “You Put A Spell On Me” as an encore because that song probably was my most listened to last year.
- Overdrive
- Ghost of You
- Lips of a Witch
- Somebody/Against Me (duet with Little Luna)
- Drip Off
- Moon
- Burning Lines
- She’s an Actor
- Chokehold
- Hands On
- Alive
- Wannabe
- Cost Me TIme
- Tennessee Whiskey
- No Mercy
- Come and Get It
- Where or When
- You Put a Spell on Me
- Dangerous Hands
His voice is so good live, and it was so much fun to vibe to the music. I always forget how much I love live music until I’m at a concert! I can’t even really put into words how much I truly enjoyed this experience.
One of the best parts of the night was that he came out after and met people. I know the whole band came out to meet people too, but sadly, I couldn’t stay that long. Andrew had to work, and I had to be up for the boys in the morning. It was a school night! Next time, I’ll be more prepared and plan to stay (if he’s still doing that).
I’m pleased as punch to have been able to see Austin Giorgio
I can’t wait to see how he grows as an artist and what venues he’ll return to Toronto to play. Although I hope that he sticks with smaller venues because they’re so much more fun!
Find him on Spotify and Instagram!
J x
