Art is always inspired by something. An idea, an event, a person, a muse, something out in the ether causing inspiration. With music, love or love lost from someone else tends to be one of the biggest driving forces in music. Music can be the biggest love language’s, and way of immortalizing your feelings towards someone else. Fiji Blue is an artist that is on the cusp of releasing his debut album Glide, with many songs inspired by his wife Natasha. Fiji Blue was supposed to embark on their Glide North American Tour a little earlier in the year, but Natasha battle with brain cancer delayed the tour so he could be at his wife’s side. Thankfully, after a successful surgery back in September, Fiji Blue was ready to hit the road again, truly kicking off the Glide Tour at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. Emotions were high as Natasha was in the crowd, and many fans were there to support Fiji Blue’s music and be there for him emotionally.

Opening the night was an artist known as Crying City. She is a Korean American songwriter based out of the Bay Area of California. Crying City brought some lo-fi music with introspective lyrics. The music allowed the crowd to just sway in the audience and vibe with the tunes, while Crying City sang about the musings of life. The music often felt like we were being transported into a dream state. We were no longer in Los Angeles but flying off to our own version of self reflection. Crying City only played a 20 minute set which featured songs like “Urn,” “Lucky,” “better (with you),” and “The Way You Do,” but she left an emotional impact on the crowd. Whether you wanted to get the night started off by getting in touch with your feelings or not, Crying City brought your emotions right to the forefront.

As the curtains pulled back and Fiji Blue emerged onto the stage, the crowd was thrilled to finally see the artist. Vocalist and guitarist Trevor Dering was animated and charismatic on stage. Even busting out a guitar solo right at the beginning of the show as he was just feeling the energy of the crowd. The name Fiji Blue comes from the blue spectrum of emotion that the band tries to capture in their music, and though the lyrics can be a bit introspective and self reflective, the instrumental of the band brings uplifting and a bright aspect to the songs. Fiji Blue blends indie pop. Electronic, and R&B to craft their unique sound that gets people grooving and dancing in the crowd, and it was a beautiful sight to see. Fiji Blue had us rocking out with songs like “Angel,” “Start Over,” “Peppermint,” “Waves,” “It Takes Two,” “Outside,” and “Butterflies.” In between songs you could see the love, passion, and happiness that Trevor was performing with. He would often tell the crowd how happy he was to have his wife Natasha in the audience after her ordeal. Though Trevor was making this declaration to the crowd, it felt like he was constantly having to remind himself that she is here with him watching him do what he loves.

The El Rey Theatre was filled with emotion this night. From both Crying City and Fiji Blue’s music, but also from the love one man has for his wife. The audience was along for the ride the entire time, and there to get in touch with their feelings. The music was beautiful, but the people were more beautiful, and the night was enchanting. Fiji Blue continues his tour next year starting in February, and if you feel like getting in touch with your emotion, this should be the tour for you.