Show Review – Ria Mae

By: Katt Keuleman

When: Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Venue: Drake Underground
Where: Toronto, ON

The Drake Underground is a quaint and dimly lit venue, decorated with phosphorous Bang Bang signs and multiple disco balls hanging from the ceiling. It is the perfect setting for a dance party, and a great spot to catch the latest musical acts. I stopped by on Wednesday to catch Haligonian artist Ria Mae’s performance.  Opening for Elle King, it was a femme-powered evening with great music.

Ria Mae was effortlessly cool throughout the entire show. She approached the stage with a certain comfort, embodying a humble presence. With a voice that sounds similar to Dolores O’Riordan of the Cranberries, her talent is undeniable.

Her set was short but sweet, playing only five songs, but it really set the mood and got the crowd ready for the rest of the night. She ended with her latest single “Clothes Off”, written with fellow Haligonian Classified. This song is a dance-party staple, and is definitely going on my summer play-list.

On top of her music, she was able to form a strong connection to the audience. Joking about how un-cool and un-sexy the small village of Halifax is, her approachable demeanor and songs about heartbreaks and jerks definitely made her a relatable figure to the crowd.

Ria Mae will be playing across Canada throughout the summer. Be sure to check her out online to keep posted on her upcoming shows.

Website: http://riamae.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/riaMAEmusic  
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/riamaemusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/riaisawake
Instagram: http://instagram.com/riaisawake
Vevo: https://www.youtube.com/user/RiaMaeVEVO

Katt Keuleman

My name is Katt and I am a born and raised Torontonian who loves everything about music. I am a rock n’ roll fanatic, with a particular passion for psychedelic and anything fem-powered. I am currently finishing up my postgraduate certificate in public relations at Humber College and hope to continue to work in the music industry- helping budding musicians make their dreams come true. I love a cold beer on a hot patio, all-dressed chips and cats. I also love road trips and secretly wish I were a trucker.