By Samantha Oesch
Music Journalist
Indie-pop Austinite, Molly Burch, had a firecracker of a record release show for her new album Romantic Images at the Mohawk in the Red River Cultural District on Saturday, September 18th.
Resound Presents made the night possible by creating a safe, outdoor environment by requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours. With local support from Christelle Bofale and Cynthia Lee Fontaine of Rupaul’s Drag Race, the night was jam-packed with three charming, bubbly performances that left the audience roaring in joy.
Fellow Austinite and friend of Burch, Christelle Bofale, kicked off the night with an intimate solo set that left the audience excited that they showed up right on time. Bofale is the middle name of the Congolese indie singer-songwriter, Christelle Bofale Miller. Miller accompanies her strong, yet soothing voice with soft guitar tones and lyrics that heavily hit home. Miller felt all the Austin love that night.
“I feel like Molly brings out such a soft, romantic crowd,” Miller said. “I feel like everyone was so sweet.”
Miller has been gracing Austin with her voice and guitar since she returned to the stage after over a year of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She plans on keeping her sets intimate and easy-going for the time being.
“All of my shows lately since the pandemic have been solo and I think they’re probably going to stay that way while I work on new things,” Miller said. “I’m in my plotting phase.”
Miller is well-known for 2019 EP, Swim Team, with over 14 thousand Spotify monthly listeners. Since then, she has released her 2020 single “Miles” with over 418,000 streams on Spotify. Miller performed some unplugged, unreleased tracks for the early, yet enormous crowd.
“Since Swim Team has been released, I’ve written quite a bit and I’m finally getting to a point now where I think I might be ready to start recording,” Miller said. “Hopefully, at some point, I’ll have my first full-length album. Like I said, I’m just plotting.”
The night swiftly continued with former Rupaul’s Drag Race contestant and fellow Austinite, Cynthia Lee Fontaine. Fontaine competed on seasons eight and nine of the hit reality TV drag show competition. Fontaine has also made a cameo appearance in Burch’s music video for “Took A Minute.” Fontaine performed a short, yet unforgettably energetic performance for her city in support of her close friend, Burch. Fontaine radiated with love and appreciation for her city, Peurto Rican heritage and her dear friend Burch.
Fontaine performed her 2018 single “Pegajosa” as well as an exceptional and crowd-pleasing Selena cover. The crowd was jolted by Fontaine’s electric energy as she twirled and danced in circles around them. Fontaine had the crowd in the palm of her hands as they sang along to Selena’s smash hit, “Como La Flor” together in unison.
There was a strong sense of unity that was successfully bonded by the nostalgia of Selena’s music and Fontaine’s infectious energy. It is no wonder that Fontaine was crowned Miss Congeniality for her first season competing on Rupaul’s Drag Race. Fontaine ended her performance by lovingly introducing Molly Burch onto the stage to close the night off with a bang.
Burch was accompanied by three band members on guitar, keys and drums as she sweetly commanded the stage with graceful movement and poise. Burch performed mostly new tracks from Romantic Images with a few surprises up her puffy green sleeve of a vibrant, custom-made dress tailored by Austin designer and musician, Sloane Lenz. The mic stand was wrapped in white faux flowers that complimented her designer dress and added a pop of floral vibrance to the stage.
Burch performed crowd favorites “Wild” from her 2018 record, First Flower, and “Heart of Gold,” the single of Romantic Images. The set had a mix of old and new tracks that effortlessly highlighted the artist’s musical progression and growth while making Romantic Images the star of the show.
Burch had a vulnerable performance of the new record’s title track, her dreamy cover of Ariana Grande’s “Needy” and reintroduced her friend Fontaine back to the stage to perform “Took A Minute.” Fontaine and Burch’s collective energy and unapologetic love for each other radiated as they danced and praised one another throughout the duet performance.
Burch and the night’s supporting artists effortlessly pushed fans, old and new alike, out of their comfort zone to create a one-night community filled with love and city pride. There was a common theme of genuine friendship and camaraderie between all three artists that generously fed the crowd and left everyone more than satisfied.
Stream Molly Burch’s Romantic Images on all streaming platforms and follow her for upcoming tour updates with Tennis.
Featured Image by Samantha Oesch
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