I’m Still Breathing
w/ Mvssie, Negative 25, Senses
The night kicked off with Mvssie (pronounced MASSEE), a solo artist whose dynamic stage presence and captivating vocals immediately set the tone for what would be a thrilling evening. Accompanied only by her drummer, Myssie managed to fill the stage with an expansive sound and an engaging performance that effortlessly bridged the gap between the stage and the crowd. Her vocal range was nothing short of impressive, effortlessly hitting powerful, soaring notes that resonated throughout the venue. Her voice was a perfect blend of raw emotion and technical precision, evoking a sense of awe among the audience.
What truly distinguished Mvssie's performance, however, was her unique interaction with the crowd. Twice during her set, she dashed to the bar, singing with fans in the pit and maintaining a palpable connection with the audience. This included an electrifying moment during her Paramore cover, where she leapt into the crowd, jumping and singing alongside her fans. Myssie also took a heartfelt moment to dedicate a song to her son and reflect on her journey, sharing a touching tribute to both her younger self and her child. Her stage presence wasn’t just a performance, it was a celebration of love and connection, and it felt incredibly genuine.
Next up was Negative 25, who took the stage with a burst of energy that had the crowd buzzing before they'd even begun playing. The anticipation was almost tangible as fans screamed with excitement, a clear indication that the group had already won over the room. Negative 25’s set was laced with humor, creating an approachable atmosphere. They engaged the crowd with a playful "Keep your hand up if..." challenge, asking fans whether they had watched Shrek more than ten times or recently peed in the shower or pool. My personal favorite moment came when they joked about the driving habits of Philadelphia locals, encouraging the audience to raise their hands if they had ever gone 30 over the speed limit, a relatable and humorous nod to the city’s notorious driving culture.
Despite the lighthearted banter, the band's performance was filled with raw, unrelenting energy. Their set featured tracks from their latest album, with songs that reflected both their struggles and their passion for music. One song, in particular, focused on their journey to pursue their dreams despite life's obstacles, something that resonated deeply with me and many others in the crowd. Negative 25’s performance was a reminder that music isn’t just about the sound, it’s about the stories that come with it, and their authenticity was evident in every note they played.
Finally, Senses took the stage, and what followed was nothing short of a revelation. As soon as she began singing, I was blown away by her ability to hit soaring, intricate vocal runs that immediately reminded me of Hayley Williams in her prime. Despite being clad in towering 3-inch Doc Marten platform boots, Senses’ energy was palpable, she bounced and jumped around the stage, her charisma unmatched. Her voice was powerful, yet emotionally vulnerable, and the crowd responded in kind, singing along with every word and reveling in the sheer joy of the performance.
What stood out most about Senses was her profound connection with the audience. Throughout her set, she stopped to make heart-shaped gestures with her hands, held fans' hands, and even leaned into the crowd, letting them hold the microphone as they sang together. The meaning behind her songs was deeply personal, and you could feel the emotional weight behind tracks like “Me Against Me,” which explored the internal battles we all face, and “Nosebleeds,” a defiant anthem about overcoming doubt and watching those who doubted her from the very heights of success.
Prior to the show, I hadn’t listened to Senses much, but by the time her set ended, I found myself an avid fan. Her vocal prowess, paired with her undeniable stage presence, left a lasting impact. As I walked out of the venue, I found myself still reflecting on her performance, and by the time I was on my way home, I was already listening to her tracks on repeat.
In the end, the night was a perfect encapsulation of what live music is all about—passionate performances, engaging interactions, and the undeniable power of music to connect us all. Each artist brought something unique to the table, making for a truly unforgettable evening.
Photography by Sam Giovacchini
