Sigrid at Somerset House

Just over a year ago, Norwegian synth-pop singer Sigrid played a small bar in Hoxton. She now stands on the stage of Somerset House at a sold-out show.

The crowd is mostly young. That’s because she is relatable; unlike glamorous pop stars, she is dressed simply. With a ponytail, denim jacket and jeans, she looks as if she has stopped by the stage on the way to the shop. Hearing such an incredible voice coming from a normal-looking girl is fascinating. Even her name sounds simple, yet her music is not. Schedules is definitely a hit – with its fun, electronic beat and catchy lyrics, it’s a track we will be hearing on mainstream radio stations everywhere. She thanks everyone, as if she can’t believe they’re cheering for her. 

Although only 21 years old, this singer-songwriter gives off the impression that she has been performing for a long time. Everything about the concert is natural, from her basic dancing to the way she commands the audience by pointing. She looks small, yet her voice is so big. There are no effects here, just a one-colour background and barely even a smoke machine. Nothing is hidden, particularly not in Fake Friends. Sigrid ensures that everyone contributes to the song, including her guitarist, who performs an amazing solo. It is obvious people can relate to the tune in the passionate way they scream “might as well shut down”.

She is the happiest pop star – still smiling, despite announcing that she’s going to sing about “sad stuff”. Dynamite shows how astonishing her vocal range is; the crowd struggles to sing along. In Vain follows, where she makes belting out the high notes look as effortless as speaking. The catchy chorus of High Five has the fans singing again, definitely not struggling. “Everybody loves a show.” Indeed, especially if it’s a Sigrid show.

The minute the artist says we may know the next track, the audience realise what it will be. Of course, it is her biggest hit, Don’t Kill My Vibe. Somerset House listens. Her vibe is definitely not being killed, unless that consists of people dancing like they’re drunk and shouting the chorus. The venue becomes animated with phones and voices, just like in the movies the singer references in her final song, Strangers. People scream for more, but Sigrid does not return. The only negative thing about the performance is that it wasn’t long enough.

Regan Harle
Photos: Jon Mo

For further information and future events visit Sigrid’s website here.

Watch the video for High Five here: