ARLO PARKS WELCOMED TO THE CITY OF ANGELS

Arlo Parks at the Moroccan Lounge, LA by Jacob Alvarez

PARKS PLAYED ONE OF TWO SOLD OUT LA SHOWS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HER CAREER

Earlier this year, I was going through a rough time. With the dissolution of a relationship and the loss of my mother looming heavy, I took a road trip with my family to Utah. It was cold and the first time I got to see snowfall as well as try this fast food place called Freddy’s. While being on the road, one of the albums I had on rotation was Arlo Parks debut, Collapsed in Sunbeams.

I was introduced to her music when her label, Transgressive Records contacted me to make a few action figures for their team and a giveaway. I thought it was a very cool project so I executed it and and had a very good time talking with the team (some of the nicest people I’ve gotten to work with). I love the record because of the unapologetic storytelling Parks uses to speak her emotions. It’s no wonder she won this year’s Mercury Prize.

After a shipping error, I came up with the idea of hand delivering the pieces to Parks and her team while she was performing in LA. The team agreed and the day of the show came and I was on my way. I was heading in alone, so I decided to take the Metro gold-line which is near my house. It was a nice little ride through the city I’ve lived in all my life. I got off on Pico-Aliso station and walked towards the US Bank building that was lit up blue in support of the Dodgers-Giants series finale.

I met with Parks’ manager outside the Moroccan Lounge and was escorted in. He mentioned how Parks wanted to meet me and how cool it would be so I immediately became nervous but it would be an honor to shake her hand so I agreed. We went to the backroom where Arlo Parks was sitting with her bandmates chilling and we were introduced. She got up and talked a little bit about how she was excited to receive the pieces and I was able to get a picture of her with one! She was kind just like the rest of her team but I didn’t want to intrude on her relax time before she hit the stage so I said my goodbyes and headed to the main room where opener, Michelle, were dominating the stage.

All members of Michelle had charisma and I was a little ashamed that the audience wasn’t giving them the time of day they deserved. I definitely was grooving to each song and that continued into Arlo Parks’ set. The stage was decorated with sunflowers and plants that mirrored the tour poster. Parks brought this swagger that showed how comfortable she was on stage in LA for the first time even though she stated she was pretty nervous. The fans were here for her with every song, and when she decided to take a break from singing and perform the poem that kicks off her record “Collapsed in Sunbeams,” the crowd cheered loudly. Throughout the set, a family was dancing to every track which caught Arlo’s eye. After performing “Eugene,” Parks told the fan that she liked her vibe so she ripped out the poem from her notebook and handed it to her. It was a beautiful moment that I feel represents Parks as an artist.

It was a night full of true tenderness with understanding and good vibes that are much needed in today’s world. After the show, I took a walk to the train station where I learned the Dodgers took the series and were advancing. I looked back at the US Bank building and saw the city that I love. The city that represents me and many of the people I know. The music played by Parks gave the audience a sense of belonging and that feeling carried into my ride home. That’s what music should do. Make you feel grateful and lucky to be where you are. Nothing lasts forever, but sometimes the moments are very beautiful that they will keep a lasting memory.

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!