Loveland invites listeners into Waterhouse’s fantastic vision of love and self-discovery
Suki Waterhouse is the artist who just gets you.
Standing on a stage set on the lawn at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the indie-pop artist was steadfastly relatable, dressed in satin lingerie, sunglasses and a feathered robe, dancing around a stage seemingly designed to resemble a blush-pink canopy bed in a young girl’s room.
Waterhouse kicked off her Loveland tour Thursday with her opening song, “Supersad,” flawlessly setting the tone for the night. Singing, “I look so much better, when I don’t care,” Waterhouse danced as if she were alone in her bedroom, shaking off all the angst that comes with entering the land of love. The performance was both sensual and moody, with an element of childlike fun throughout.
Released July 10, Waterhouse’s new album, Loveland, consists of 14 tracks co-written with collaborators including Amy Allen, Aaron Dessner, Joel Little, Dan Wilson, Jules Apollinaire and Natalie Findlay. A bonus track, “18,” was released digitally on July 14.
The aptly named album transports listeners into the dreamy world of romance, which Waterhouse portrays as both a place and a feeling. Reminiscent of a modern Stevie Nicks, the tracks remain upbeat while maintaining a soft, groovy sound. Each tune elicits an involuntary sway, particularly “Jukebox,” which features a standout piano riff as Waterhouse sings of a late-night flirtation.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Waterhouse described Loveland as an album that reflected both a personal and private revolution.
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“I felt like I’ve been through such a seismic change. … The record, it’s always sort of somewhat of a surprise to me, the shape that it takes,” Waterhouse said. “I think Loveland is this place that I’ve arrived in within myself.”
Credit: Debi Del Grande/Hollywood ForeverFans, armed with blankets and picnic baskets, flooded the lawn, staking out the perfect spot to see Waterhouse. Hollywood Forever, one of Los Angeles’ oldest cemeteries, has hosted concerts for nearly two decades, including performances by Billy Idol, Lana Del Rey and Olivia Rodrigo.
The audience was split between bohemian casual looks and soft-grunge fits, best described by the abundance of brown suede and black leather knee-high boots scattered across the cemetery lawn.
Based on the wide range of ages in the crowd, Waterhouse is a musician whose lyrics resonate across generations.
Nevaeh Anderson attended the concert with her mom, Jessica Alvarez, who said she was most looking forward to watching her daughter’s face light up when Waterhouse performed her favorite song. Anderson, 16, said she is drawn to Waterhouse not only for her lyrics but also for her overall “aesthetic and vibe.”
“I like the way she dresses,” Anderson said. “Sometimes she looks like a fairy, especially with her old outfits and everything.”
Longtime fans Izabella Smith and Karina Antonino came to the show dressed to impress Waterhouse. Smith donned bright green heels that Waterhouse had signed at the last show Smith attended. Antonino found her own matching pair, which inspired the duo’s looks for the night. They also came prepared with roses for Waterhouse, picked up in the Fashion District while thrifting for their outfits.
“‘Teardrops’ is one of my favorites,” Smith said of the new album. “She makes really cohesive, thoughtful songs. Loveland kind of expands more on her love life, and it’s more personal.”
The theme of the night seemed to be empowerment. Through love, heartbreak and growth, Waterhouse had the crowd dancing through it all, hands perpetually in the air.
“I want you to seize the moment right now. Kiss the guy. Ask for whatever you want,” Waterhouse told the crowd midway through her performance.
As the set came to an end, it was evident Waterhouse was grateful for the Los Angeles crowd. Struggling to find the words, she addressed the audience as a “sea full of new friends,” saying she was overwhelmed with gratitude. During an encore performance, she invited singer, songwriter and record producer Beck onto the stage, calling him a “massive inspiration.” She addressed him as her neighbor, and chuckled as she labeled them both as “the resident weirdos.”
Hand in hand, Beck and Waterhouse harmonized to Loveland’s “Weirdo.”
Credit: Debi Del Grande/Hollywood ForeverWaterhouse’s show is one to bring your besties to — bring the family, too — but only bring your man if he knows how to have a good time.
Waterhouse’s next stop was Anaheim to House of Blues Anaheim. She then performed at the Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco on Sunday before continuing across the country. Tickets for the Loveland tour are available on her website. Shows in Chicago and Seattle have already sold out.
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