Chelsea Cutler Live at The Wiltern

Photo by Max Christiansen

Going to concerts, I’ve found, will never not be interesting. From minor car accidents outside the venue to purchasing $8 cans of water to barely being able to see the stage, it’s always an experience where I never know what’s going to happen. Still, I’m excited to watch it unfold every time. But on November 9, 2022 at The Wiltern Theater in downtown LA where I was set to see Chelsea Cutler headline one of her last shows, my luck completely changed for the better. 

For only the second time ever since I started writing concert reviews, I arrived early enough that I was actually able to see the stage in its full glory at the back of the venue–no need to raise my arms up completely over my head to capture photos and videos over tall people’s heads! Normally, the varying heights between me and other concert-goers wouldn’t matter so much. But this time, I was glad to get a good seat because wow–does Chelsea Cutler put on an amazing show!

From the moment she ran onto the stage, I knew I was in for an incredible night. The stage was set up with a large digital screen behind a raised stage with an additional screen in the shape of a border at the front. Together, they played a different eye-catching video to coincide with each song, like flower fields, nature landscapes, tv static, clouds, and solid colors (these specifically changed with every drum beat for one song!) It was such a fun visual aid, perfect for her electronic music, one that I’ve never seen utilized before.  

Chelsea herself was as fun and charismatic as her stage set-up. Wearing an oversized t-shirt, baggy pants, chunky sneakers, and hair thrown into a messy ponytail down her back, she had a casual and high-energy approach to performing and a unique stage presence. It was inspiring seeing her at work, rocking out and jamming with complete freedom and inhibition. 

At one point, in an effort to create a “safe, fun concert” for us all and encourage audience participation, she led a few icebreaker activities for us to try: to cheer on both opening acts who had come before her, to turn and look at the people on the left and right of us, and to volunteer to play her electronic pad live, on-stage for a song (“The only stipulation is that you have to be sober,” Chelsea joked).  

That was definitely the highlight of the night (of which there were many, honestly), seeing someone who I presumed to be a huge fan of Chelsea hop from the pit and take to the stage. Even in smaller venues, I’ve never seen another artist so trusting and at ease with their audience. Throughout the song, they danced together, limbs wild, sung to each other, and hugged for good while long after the song ended.  

Of her setlist, the songs that stood out the most to me were “Sad Tonight” and “Crazier Things.” I’ve found they both sounded way better live than on the studio version. For the former, I enjoyed how Chelsea took a slower song about getting over a break-up at the bar and made it feel electrifying, all with lyrics that stuck with me, especially in the chorus. The latter was a highlight because the completely acoustic version she performed on guitar was a powerful contrast to an otherwise loud and vibrant performance; it was soft, vulnerable, comforting. 

That said, the top song highlight was without a doubt “The Men in the Moon,” the first song off her newest album and an unreleased one at that (at least until the following day). It was amazing to hear her say “This is the last time I will play this unreleased,” and then to hear her perform this slow but intense ballad about heartbreak that was unlike anything she’d performed so far. With the combination of relatable lyrics and shadow effects on the walls (more smart lighting and visual aid choices!), it made for a powerful closing moment to an unforgettable concert. 

I’d never heard of Chelsea before that night but I consider myself lucky to have seen her perform at this stage in her career, look forward to her next project, and am excited to see her continue to grow as an artist. And who knows, maybe I’ll be able to see her live again–this time, as a new fan.