Review: Ravyn Lenae in San Diego, On Tour with Omar Apollo

 

☆ By Shellsea Lomeli

 
 

FOLLOWING THE RELEASE OF HER CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED DEBUT ALBUM HYNOS - singer and songwriter Ravyn Lenae shimmered in front of thousands during her performance in San Diego this past weekend.

The Los Angeles-based artist has been dedicated to her craft for years. She first introduced herself as an artist in 2016 and has risen as a fan and critical favorite since then with each exciting project release. Ravyn creates music that makes listeners feel as if they are walking through a moment alongside her- with precise production choices, vocal layering, and intimate lyrics that explore her experiences “as a young black woman like heartbreak, love, joy, sadness, and loneliness”. 

Having toured with renowned R&B talents like SZA, Ravyn is no stranger to the stage. She proved this once more as she pulled her incredible vocal talent from the studio and to the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre - the second stop on her North American tour, in support of Omar Apollo.

Ravyn’s gift for storytelling persisted as she glided along the stage at San Diego State University, bringing her discography to life with performances of beloved tracks like “Skin Tight”, which features frequent collaborator Steve Lacey on the studio recording. The Chicago-born artist spoke about her experiences between songs and held the hands of fans as she sang, connecting on a deep level with the crowd which can often be challenging during a non-headlining set.  The combination of her charismatic gracefulness and powerful backing band captivated both fans and first-time listeners alike as the amphitheater filled.

To conclude her performance, Ravyn revisited “Sticky”, the 2017 track that helped her build the dedicated fan-base she has now. With her elegant tone and rhythmic setlist, she brought a certain vibrance to the night that headliner Omar Apollo harnessed and built on when he took the stage shortly after.

Ravyn’s ability to shine through her art and deliver a mesmerizing performance humbly demonstrates that she is well on her way to becoming a household name in the music world.  

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