Since “U” was released this past March, I had been looking forward to the opportunity to see underscores perform live. Last Friday, I finally got the chance to experience her biggest headlining show to date. Approximately 4,000 fans filled Chicago’s beloved Radius, creating an environment that felt both massive and deeply communal. The crowd lit up with U-lights, colorful interactive lanterns synchronized to the set. From Filipino flags to the iconic headphone-inspired hair dye, fans found countless ways to show up and show out.
Longtime DJ and producer Umru opened the night before returning to the stage for the collaborative track “Poplife.” For most of the performance underscores was alone on stage, occasionally accompanied by her guitar. Yet her presence was so big that it seemed to swallow the entire room. The setlist featured every track from “U,” alongside a handful of collaborations and fan favorites from previous releases. She also surprised the crowd with Slayr during her encore, the two played their unreleased song “Promise” together, as well as Slayr’s “Sloppy Joe.”
What stood out most was the overlap between the artists and fans that make up the broader hyperpop and underground music communities. Jane Remover played on the pre-show playlist, Umru brought out special guest Baby Moracco, and underscores brought out Slayr during her set. The scene often feels small, only being able to find fans alike online, so collaborations are exciting to witness. Rather than existing in separate corners of the internet, these artists and their audiences continue to support and elevate one another, creating a sense of community not only online but inside Radius last Friday night.
Underscores finishes the rest of her North American leg this month before opening for Charli xcx in September. She’ll resume the Galleria tour this fall in Europe. Check out our gallery from the show HERE.
