With over-sized building blocks, teddy bears, and a baby doll dress, Melanie Martinez made herself at home inside a packed Mercy Lounge Thursday night.
The New York native was confident and composed before the screaming fans that sang almost every word right along with her. Martinez's debut album, released in August by Atlanta Records, is a concept album centered in a dark, weird world of an insecure girl, Cry Baby. The title character is based loosely on her own life and insecurities.
Backing Martinez's pitch perfect vocals on stage were her drummer and guitarist, both of whom were donning matching teddy bear hats. The stage setting was fitting for the title character of the new album. Building blocks aligned both sides of the stage spelling out "Cry Baby." Martinez also donned a baby doll dress with bright blue ribbons to fully embrace Cry Baby’s persona.
Martinez, a former contest on “The Voice,” was back in Nashville before a great crowd. She took several moments between songs to thank all the fans in the audience. Her previous visits to Nashville were in the High Watt, the smaller venue at Cannery Row. That step up in venue size is just another sign of her growing success.
The crowd turnout, not to mention the energy they emitted, was impressive. It looks like a bright career ahead for Martinez.
In addition to her stage presence and vocals, the theatrics of the performance were also very good. Channeling her Tim Burton influenced world, Martinez was able to fully create the environment that Cry Baby is set in, one delicately balanced between a dysfunctional childhood and a cold, sometimes mean, adult world.
The Cry Baby tour will be making its way across the U.S. Many of the dates are already sold out. Check out Martinez’s
here for official webpage for dates and locations.