Sarah Kinsley’s “The Escaper Tour” at Webster Hall
Nylon Magazine
On October 16, despite the chilly weather, crowds flocked to Webster Hall to see New York City based musician Sarah Kinsley at her homecoming show. Kinsley brought palpable energy to the sold-out venue, creating an unforgettable experience for her fans.
Drawing on her background in classical music and music theory from Columbia University, Kinsley blends orchestral elements with modern pop to craft a sound that’s both distinctive and deeply personal. Her unique approach first captured fans in 2021 with the viral success of her single “The King.” Since then, her fan base has only grown with the release of her EPs “Cypress” (2022) and “Ascension” (2023) and finally her debut album “Escaper” (2024).
Kinsley’s fall tour centered around “Escaper,” with stops across North America, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
At Webster Hall, Ha Vay– a San Francisco-based indie-pop duo– opened the show with intricate pop arrangements and rich harmonies that complemented Kinsley’s style beautifully, setting the perfect tone for the night.
Following Ha Vay’s performance, Kinsley opened her set with “Lovegod” from her EP “Ascension,” sending the crowd into a frenzy. She seamlessly wove older songs with new tracks from her album, and the crowd sang along to every word.
As Webster Hall marked Kinsley’s homecoming show, she infused the night with several special elements to make the show unforgettable. Departing from her usual setlist, she surprised the audience with a few additional songs, including a cover of “Dreams” by The Cranberries. Kinsley mentioned that this show was particularly meaningful as many of her loved ones were in the crowd. As the tempo slowed, she asked, “who’s here with a friend?” before introducing her song “Starling” – a tribute to the deep, enduring love she holds for her friends, a bond she considers even greater than romantic love.
Beyond a homecoming, this was the final show of her tour. Kinsley reflected on her journey and the growth she’s experienced since writing and recording “Escaper”. She explained to the audience that the album was written during a difficult period in her life, where she wrestled with grief and the desire to escape reality rather than confront her emotions.
She explained, “While recording the album, I dreamt of getting to reclaim these songs, watching all of you sing and dance along [...] and now that day has come.”
The audience matched her sentiment, belting out the melancholy lyrics and jumping along with infectious energy– perhaps having a cathartic experience similar to Kinsley’s. As she poured her emotions into each song, the audience was right there with her, having a collective expression of vulnerability and joy.
Kinsley’s pure talent was unmistakable. From her skillful command of multiple instruments to her creative use of a contact mic, she crafted a live sound experience that felt dynamic and immersive. Her voice, rich and hauntingly beautiful, filled the room and captivated the audience. This performance showcased an artistry that left no doubt about her skill and dedication to her craft.