Concert Review: Andy Shauf at Scoot Inn

Rap Music Director

Saskatchewan-native singer-songwriter Andy Shauf has a true gift for storytelling through concept albums. His latest 2023 project, Norm, further proves that statement. It’s the crazy story of a guy named Norm, who essentially is a stalker. Elements of God and Christianity are intertwined throughout the narrative as well, with Shauf posing the record’s motivating question to be, “What if God didn’t understand what love was?” I felt that this other avenue of what “romance” could look like to be refreshing, as we don’t get to hear much music from a perspective such as this. It’s important to highlight that he enjoys writing lyrics as stories rather than personal narratives, especially in regards to an album like Norm.

I was first introduced to Shauf back in 2016, when I stumbled across the music video for his song “Quite Like You.” I was immediately captivated by this song, not only because of the wacky cartoon visuals and Shauf’s distinctively unique vocals, but mostly because of the story that was being portrayed through the lyrics of the song. This led me to check out his 2016 album, The Party, which tells different vignettes of these people at the same party throughout different tracks on the record. All of these connected humanist narratives come together to weave together a beautiful project that sells itself through its relatable storytelling and whimsical instrumentation, and if you haven’t listened to either of the records that I’ve previously described, I highly suggest you give them a listen.

: Andy Shauf is seening playing his guitar and singing into the microphone while by illuminated by purplish lighting and covered by shadows casted by leaves. His band mate can be seen playing the flute behind him. — Andy Shauf at the Historic Scoot Inn. | Kate Vita

All of this is to say that I’m a really big fan of Shauf and what he brings to the table. Getting the opportunity to cover his show at Scoot Inn was super exciting, as well as a new experience for me as a live show coverage journalist who has only written about my experience with rap artists.

This was my first time at the Historic Scoot Inn venue in Austin, and I really hope it wasn’t my last. I thought it was a wonderful venue that was big enough to hold a great crowd yet still small enough to feel intimate with the performer. I loved the rustic atmosphere; it paired really well with the crowd that drew in to see Shauf as well as with the music that was performed.

Andy Shauf is seening playing his guitar while being illuminated by pink and orange lighting. His band mate can be seen behind him playing the flute. His microphone stand is wrapped in fake botany and leaves. — Andy Shauf at the Historic Scoot Inn. | Kate Vita

The show was opened by Texas-raised singer-songwriter Katy Kirby. She had an acoustic set with just herself and her electric guitar. She had one of the most beautiful voices I had ever heard live, and I thought she was the perfect person to warm up the night before Shauf’s set. Kirby and Shauf have a similar origin story, both coming from sheltered religious families and getting their first experience with music through the church. I recommend checking out her album, Cool Dry Place, if you haven’t heard from her before.

After Kirby closed out her last song and disappeared behind the wall with her guitar, the night was spent waiting for Shauf to arrive. Upon his arrival, claps and cheers filled the area in anticipation of what was to come. He opened his set with “Wasted on You,” the opening track to his latest album, Norm. He then proceeded to continue playing the album chronologically, but after the song “Norm,” he then threw it back to his 2020 and 2016 albums The Neon Skyline and The Party, where he played the projects’ biggest hits, which amounted to around six songs, and then continued to finish out the rest of the songs off Norm. I’ve always wanted to hear an album played out in its entirety at a concert, so I’m really happy that Shauf gave me that experience with this album tour.

Andy Shauf is seening playing his guitar and singing into the microphone while by illuminated by blue lighting and covered by shadows casted by leaves. His band mate can be seen behind him playing the flute with his keyboard below him. A corner of the drum set can also be seen in the bottom right hand corner. — Andy Shauf at the Historic Scoot Inn. | Kate Vita

I really enjoyed the instrumentalists that performed alongside him. We got to hear a keyboard, flutes, clarinets, bass, guitar, and percussion— all of the sweet instruments that give Shauf that dreamy and sentimental nature to his songs. The stage lighting was supplementary as well, creating the perfect ambience for certain songs and moods. He even had a shadow lamp that cast leaves on him the entire night, which made me feel as if he was timid and trying to use the shadows as something to hide behind. Regardless, I loved what that lighting effect did for the stage visuals, and I found it to be very in-character for Shauf.

The night wrapped up with an encore performance of “The Magician,” one of my favorite songs by him. I decided to leave the bar area where I had been sitting all night to join the crowd down below by the stage. Overall, Kirby and Shauf brought a mellowness that left me very pleased with the night. It was definitely a concert experience I had never had before, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really got to just chill out and enjoy some great music. If you’re a fan of live music and chill vibes, make sure not to let the next time you see Shauf performing near you pass you by.