REVIEW: ‘Pink Noise: For the Girls’ was Community Healing in Practice
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY AMANDA COLLINS ☆
Kay Wolfer
FEMME COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION IS NOT DEAD — On October 13, The Moroccan Lounge in downtown Los Angeles hosted “Pink Noise: For the Girls,” bringing together artists and supporters for a night of live music and community outreach. Presented by Pink Noise Magazine and Altadena Girls, the show was marked by an atmospheric camaraderie. Headlined by alternative rock singer-songwriter ALYSSAD, with opening sets from Rey Solei and Selma Eriksen, the night was a success. “Pink Noise: For the Girls” was a realization of its goal: to create space for girlhood, bring proceeds to a deserving nonprofit and to support live fem-led music.
Born of a pressing need to support adolescent girls and those who identify with girlhood, the event directed its proceeds to Altadena Girls, a nonprofit “dedicated to supporting teen girls and those who identify with girlhood before, during and after crisis by providing essentials, emotional support, and community.” The organization is boots on the ground when it comes to community outreach. With a dedicated space, the nonprofit holds classes, workshops, and space Mondays-Thursdays for girls ages 13-17 affected by fires, disasters, crisis, and other forms of traumas.
Rey Solei, an indie-pop artist whose sound incorporates electronic elements, started the night off wonderfully with a gifted stage presence and introduced herself and her sound.
Selma Eriksen, Norwegian born, Los Angeles-based indie singer-songwriter, also left a lasting impression. In theme with the night’s purpose, she did a stunning job at crowd interaction and building an audience bond. At one point, Eriksen invited the crowd to learn a phrase in Norwegian, “jeg elsker deg,” meaning “I love you.” The crowd’s repetition, and the shared experience, gave her set a clear warmth. By the end, Erikson teased her upcoming releases which showcase her newfound shift towards a more alternative, guitar-heavy sound.
Following a heartfelt introduction from an Altadena Girl’s representative, headliner ALYSSAD finished the night off with a bang. The alternative rock singer’s performance could not have been more fitting for the night’s theme of shared girlhood and community. Growing a fanbase with her strong rock-leaning vocals, ALYSSAD’s music is not only genuinely moving, but it is also lyrically unafraid of calling out injustice.
She introduced her song “bitter taste of a god” as being about falling for someone who is idolized, only to discover that their reputation is a facade. This justice oriented song is a reflection of the redemptive, crusading energy she radiates in her performances and throughout her music. The pedestal may be high, but ALYSSAD is not going to keep it that way for those who are undeserving. She is a light to be cast on what is hidden, and her dignified stage presence does not fall short of this feeling. With upcoming releases on the horizon, ALYSSAD continues to establish her place in the LA alt-rock scene while bringing girls, women, and fem-identifying people to the stage with her.
Events like “Pink Noise: For The Girls” are community healing in action. Keep a lookout for similar ones in your area!
