Dodie Opens North-American Tour at Brooklyn Bowl

Dodie standing in the spotlight. (Zach Watkins)

Bringing pride and grace with her, Dodie opened up her “Not For Lack Of Trying” north-american tour Friday at Nashville’s own Brooklyn Bowl.

The album that the tour is named after explores themes from love to loss and delves deep into the grace one gives themselves while fighting to escape the depths of depression.

Dodie, who has been vocal about mental health struggles, uses her music to express ideas that words alone may not fully convey.

The concert opened with a performance from singer-songwriter Andy Louis, who also serves as Dodie’s acoustic guitarist.

Between raspy, authentic vocals and soaring whistles that littered his songs, Louis showed a similar zany artist perspective that drew many to Dodie's music in the first place.

Andy Louis opening the concert. (Zach Watkins)

After Louis’ 35-minute set, the lights dimmed as stagehands flipped the stage to prepare for Dodie's opening night.

When the time came, the band took the stage and began the droning overture that celebrated the arrival of the English artist.

She opened with the song “Arms Unfolding,” the first song that Dodie ever produced by herself, to a crowd of fans singing along.

The alternative artist, known for her vocal stance on LGBTQ+ issues and representation, continued her campaign of pride with this stop, taking a progress flag from the audience and sticking it in her hair before continuing her performance. 

Dodie putting a progress flag from the audience in her hair. (Zach Watkins)

It was a message that resonated with much of her audience.

“Watching her progress and coming out when she first released ‘Shades’ and using rainbow [lighting], performing now and being able to be so vocal about it is great,” said Elias Pucket, a more than 10-year listener of Dodie. “I feel like I've followed the same path on the same timeline she has.”

Dodie, who explores her life in retrospect while crafting her music, finds that this process has helped her grow as a person, not just as an artist.

“I think it's really interesting to write over such a long time and find patterns in your songs,” Dodie said after playing “Now,” and introducing her next song, “When,” with a light laugh. “Clearly, there's something going on, and I have a problem with time.”

Dodie leading the crowd in applause. (Zach Watkins)

One of the most notable moments of the night was when Dodie criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“Guys, guys, guys, what is going on?” she asked the audience. “I think I find it hard sometimes to not be a complete nihilist and just cry at home... let's just try this out,” she added before leading the audience in an anti-ICE chant.

An action that reminded audiences of the important role artists have in the political landscape.

“Artists are who we see, they are who we talk to, and god forbid someone might not be watching the news, but they might come and see Dodie and hear what's happening,” said fan Lee Goodman. “I feel seen and heard by her, and she is not even from [The United States].”

This article was written by Zach Watkins.