Kia Forum Show Cements Arena Evolution
Filipino British singer-songwriter beabadoobee brought her “The Powerlines Tour” to the Kia Forum on October 21, marking a definitive shift from her indie-pop origins to a rock-driven stadium sound.
Rural Power Lines Inspire Cinematic Stagecraft
The tour—the artist’s first headline arena and amphitheater run—began October 1 in Connecticut. According to the Daily Bruin, the show’s aesthetic draws from the electrical towers seen along rural roads, a theme reflected in the stage design.
While beabadoobee rose to prominence with the 2017 track “Coffee”—which gained viral traction on TikTok in 2020—her set list prioritized songs from her album “Pylon,” and during the performance, she utilized props including a telephone and the stage’s pylon tower to add theatrical elements to the show. Attendee Jacob Rodriguez noted that the production was a significant step up from previous tours, citing the tower-climbing segments and pyrotechnic sparks as highlights.
Acoustic Nostalgia Meets High-Energy Anthems
The set list created a bridge between the artist’s quiet, jazzy catalog and her new, louder era. The Daily Bruin noted that the performance of an acoustic version of “Coffee” served as a moment of intimate connection, with the audience illuminating the venue with phone lights.
Other songs from the new album, such as “Memories,” encouraged audience participation through upbeat, cheerful instrumentals. Fans like Jalaena Alcala noted that the track has become a staple for friendship, while others, such as Alexa Marmolejo, pointed to the emotional depth of tracks like “Satellite.” The transition between these styles was underscored by changing lighting schemes and visual backdrops of highway scenery, raindrops, and sunsets.
Shoegaze Openers and 105-Minute Headlining Sets
The evening opened with a performance by Wisp, a friend of the headliner. Her set featured a blend of shoegaze and metal sounds, performed under white strobe lights. According to the Daily Bruin, Wisp wore a Victorian-inspired skirt set and a thorn-like crown, creating a moody, ethereal contrast to the high-energy rock that followed. The headlining set itself, which lasted approximately 105 minutes, included two unreleased tracks alongside the core rotation of “Pylon” songs and previous hits.
Answering Key Questions About the Production
How many people can the Kia Forum hold for this tour?
The Kia Forum has a capacity of up to 17,500 attendees, a venue size that prompted questions from fans about how the artist’s intimate, bossa nova-inspired sound would translate to a large-scale arena.
What is the significance of the “Pylon” stage design?
The stage design was inspired by the electrical towers the artist observed while traveling on tour. These structures, along with props like telephones, were intended to evoke the imagery of connection across distance.
What was the inspiration behind the artist’s stage attire?
During the tour, the artist wore tattered tank tops, cargo pants, and a camo tool belt. The Daily Bruin reported that the rugged, military-inspired look represented a departure from the more polished indie image associated with her earlier releases.