As the atmospheric river pummels California with a level of rain you’re more likely to see in the United Kingdom, the multitalented Suki Waterhouse kicked off the American leg of her Coolest Place In The World Tour right here in Orange County, California. The British model-turned-actress-turned-entrepreneur is now adding established singer-song writer to her long list of incredible talents. While she’s always been a talented musician, 2022 was truly a breakout year for her musical endeavors. After releasing her debut album I Can’t Let Go (via Sub Pop) and touring with Father John Misty, she’s now headlining her first tour across North America. Starting off in Santa Ana, the tour will zig zag its way through the country, with stops in San Francisco, Portland, Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and back to its final show in Los Angeles. When I heard the show in the OC was her opening night, I knew this was one to catch. Let’s hop into a couple of my highlights.

Supporting Suki Waterhouse at this show was Jane. Jane hit the stage to warm up the crowd. The multi-instrumentalist artist rocked the stage with a keyboard, guitar, what appeared to be a drum loop, and a mic amongst other things. The crowd swayed back and forth as Jane took them through a music journey littered with heavy synths and rolling basslines. In a roundabout way, there were moments in his set where I felt like I was witnessing the second coming of Tame Impala.

Soon after, Suki took the stage and the crowd erupted with excitement. Jane returned as an integral part of her supporting band on the guitar. Suki re-introduced him to the crowd as his first name, Raj, alongside Emilia on the drums, and Michael on bass. Being her first headlining North American tour, I understand why they went with the Constellation Room over the main room, but when she hit the stage, the energy in the room skyrocketed. I haven’t seen so many fans so in love with the acts who headline the small room. While she may only be really leaning into her music in recent years, it was clear that the room was packed with not only fans of Suki Waterhouse music but fans of Suki Waterhouse, the multitalented person. Looking around the packed room, I saw faces light up like Christmas morning as she weaved through her set. Some memorable moments in her set were the songs “Johanna,” “Coolest Place In The World,” and “Nostalgia.” “Nostalgia” was my personal favorite, but the majority of the room latched onto every word and sang along to her encore song, the TikTok viral sensation “Good Looking”. She then wound down her set, took a couple selfies with the crowd using a few lucky fans’ phones (and a polaroid camera), and thanked everyone for such a great start to her first headlining North American tour.

All in all, there was no better way that Suki Waterhouse could have launched her Coolest Place In the World Tour. Not only was this show sold out, out of the 23 dates on the tour, 11 of the dates are also already sold out. Tickets are going fast. Cop yours fast if she’s coming by your city. At the rate she’s blowing up, I don’t know how many opportunities you’ll get to see Suki Waterhouse again up close and personal in a small room.