Waterparks’ Fandom in Full Swing at the House of Blues Anaheim
Ushering in the much-anticipated “green” era, Fandom has been Waterparks’ most successful release to date. And rightly so.
Marking their Hopeless Records debut, the band’s third studio-album is a stunning follow up to 2018’s Entertainment and highlights the trio’s diverse sound, mixing elements of alternative rock, pop, punk, electronic, and even hip-hop influences.
Thus, after topping the charts and earning the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Emerging Artists, No. 2 on Alternative Albums, No. 5 on Top Rock Albums, and No. 32 on the Billboard 200, it was no surprise that frontman and guitarist Awsten Knight, guitarist and backing-vocalist Geoff Wigington, and drummer Otto Wood, were able to carry this explosive momentum into their most exciting tour yet.
Bringing their Fandom Tour to cities across North America, the Houston and Los Angeles-based trio made a stop at the local, House of Blues Anaheim, and SoundBite Magazine was thrilled to catch the packed show as fans eagerly poured into the over 2,200 capacity music hall.
DE’WAYNE JACKSON
Set to open the night were performances by New York’s Kitten, and LA-Houston artist, De’Wayne Jackson.
As a fellow hot yoga enthusiast and friend of Waterparks’ Awsten Knight, De’Wayne was a welcome last-minute addition to the tour package. Sporting a faux-fur coat and crop top, the artist radiated a spunky Los Angeles charm and quickly won over the crowd with his alternative rock meets rap sound.
Even going so far as to inspiring a raging circle pit to his latest singles, “Family Tree” and “Top Gun”, De’Wayne, as Knight himself proclaimed, is certainly “an artist to watch before he blows up and takes over the world”.
KITTEN
Next up were the ever energetic, Kitten. Composed of Chloe Chaidez (vocals), Dave Stagno (guitar), Parker Silzer IV (guitar), Max Tsiring (keyboard), Blu DeTiger (bass), and Rex DeTiger (drums), this wild sextuplet is a group of musicians not afraid to light up the stage.
A former competitive gymnast, frontwoman Chaidez wasted little time showing off her high-flying skills. And between landing several jumping splits mid-song, and crowd surfing back to the stage after launching off the balcony and into the audience’s waiting arms, it was easy to see the band’s passion on stage.
Yet, Chaidez and crew were not the only ones having fun as they made their way through their rocking 80’s tinged set. Audience interaction is key, and between crowd favorite tracks “Pink Champagne” and “ME”, one lucky fan had the opportunity to come up and dance with Chaidez and the band. In other words, it was certainly a performance everyone will likely remember fondly for quite some time.
WATERPARKS
Last up, and with a visible burst of excitement, the crowd seemed to erupt as Waterparks took to the stage for a vibrant headline performance.
Always a band with a humorous flair, green hair flew as fans jumped along with Knight as he flung customized guitar picks into the crowd, hosted a sing-along to his very own vocal warmups, and performed a surprising mid-set cover of “The Star Spangled Banner”.
However, it was songs off Fandom that truly electrified the already overjoyed audience. And whether it be chanting the defiant lyrics of “Watch What Happens Next” or gently waving illuminated star-shaped cutouts during the emotional “High Definition”, the bond between artists and fans appeared stronger than ever.
For updates and more, make sure to follow Waterparks on social media and catch the band on their European Tour starting January 2020.
Coverage by Jessica Nakamoto
Images may not be used, modified, or cropped without permission from Jessica Nakamoto or SoundBite Magazine. Please contact Jessica Nakamoto or SoundBite Magazine for use of photography.
For upcoming events and artists features, follow SoundBite Magazine on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. If you would like to be feature your event, art, music, or company on SoundBite Magazine, please contact soundbitemag@gmail.com for features and promotional inquiries.