TÃLÃ's choice of venue for her debut gig is not some chic bar or multi-tiered concert hall, but instead a theatre. The Courtyard, a red brick building in the heart of Shoreditch, mainly houses plays rather than gigs – but it all seems appropriate when we witness the theatricality of the Columbia-signed singer's first live show.
Of Iranian descent and raised in London, TÃLÃ's music is a chaotic clash of cultures – thumping hip-hop drums and jagged synths lined with with rich Eastern melodies and big pop choruses. As soon as we step inside the building, we're asked if we want an envelope. Of course we do, and the pink sleeve we're handed comes stamped with the same wax seal that covered her debut EP, 'The Duchess'. Inside, a vial of fragrance – corresponding to one of three Acts that we're about to observe. Ours is for Act II ("Zion") and the scent of lemongrass ('Open and smell your vial during the relevant Act. Do not drink', it advises).
After gathering in a candlelit bar for drinks we pile into the performance area, where the strong smell of cloves floods the room. TÃLÃ emerges draped in a shawl, her intricate gold nose chain gleaming under the purple light. Act I commences with the south Londoner singing the words "habibi, habibi" closely followed by 'Alchemy' – the title cut from her latest EP. We're in good company in the crowd; we spot Kieran Hebden, who's always had an ear for music from around the globe. While a gang of her friends at the front whoop supportively, reminding us of how nerve-racking this whole thing must be.
Backed by an impressive light show of strips of vibrant yellows and purples, she's surrounded by an electronic drumkit which makes for an impressive sight of high-energy beatwork. The How To Dress Well collaborator leads us through 'Unfinished Business', 'Black Scorpio' and 'On My Own In Hua Hin' during Acts II and III (lemongrass and jasmine, respectively) – with each one bookended by a sudden blackout.
Mssingno is the guest DJ in the bar afterwards, which offers some specially-mixed TÃLÃ cocktails to sip on. While not without a slight hiccup and note missed here and there, for a first gig it's hugely impressive and exciting – packed with surprises, scents and sounds. It's not often you get transported to the Middle East on a Wednesday, anyhow.
Words: Felicity Martin
Related: Next Wave – TÃLÃ
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