Review: Empress of in Portland
EMPRESS OF IS READY TO TAKE ON THE LIMELIGHT. Lorely Rodriguez, known as Empress Of, is fresh on the second leg of her tour promoting For Your Consideration. The artist began her night at Wonder Ballroom in Portland performing her most latinx forward songs “Preciosa” and “Feminine”, both coupled with wispy hair choreography and unapologetic brash vocals.
Translated into a live experience, the performance of the evening falls on the audience’s ears in a similar vein. The banter in between each song contrasts with a series of slightly timid and humble anecdotes. Rodriguez even recalls that her last time performing in Portland was on tour opening for Carly Rae Jepsen. Jumping back into each song, Empress Of showcases more confidence than the previous track, radiantly performing more of her underground pop discography.
Towards the end of the setlist, Rodriguez laments the history of some of these earlier songs, such as “When I’m With Him”, noting to the crowd that this is a song specifically many of us voted to hear on the tour. She reminded everyone, including herself, that this is what music is after all. The sacrifice is not lost on the crowd and Empress Of equally acknowledges the support with a three-song encore to close out the night.
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