On Friday, August 8, the AJR “Somewhere in the Sky Tour” concert was a showcase of a diverse lineup of musical talent. The show featured a compelling lineup of different artists at the Northwell at Jones Beach Theater. The evening began with singer-songwriter Madilyn Mei, known for her indie-folk and indie-pop style. Following her, was the Canadian indie-pop band Valley, whose hooks and energetic sound have garnered widespread attention.
The atmosphere shifted with Goth Babe, the rock project of Griff Washburn, who brought his chill wave and folktronica blend. Finally, Chelsea Cutler, an American singer and producer known for her electronic pop. Headlining trio, AJR, brought their established hits and innovative visual effects to the waterfront amphitheater.
Madilyn Mei: The Clown Of Bedroom Pop
Madilyn Mei is a singer-songwriter from Arizona who has quickly gained a following with her distinct style of indie-folk and bedroom pop. Known for her poetic lyrics and clown outfits, she creates whimsical and comforting music that brings people into her world. Mei records all her music from her bedroom, a DIY approach that has allowed her to build an authentic connection.
In just over two years, she has released a full-length album and several EPs. Her music, influenced by a range of artists, from Joni Mitchell to Phoebe Bridgers, and her early love for vinyl records, has evolved her artistic style. This commitment to her storytelling has earned her award nominations and a growing legacy. For her performance, she featured songs like “Call Me The Bard,” “Poppin Skittles,” and “At Least I’d Be a Cowboy!”
Valley: Awards From Accidents
Valley, the acclaimed Canadian indie pop band from Toronto, has a unique origin story. The trio of vocalist Rob Laska, bassist Alex Dimauro, and drummer Karah James formed in 2013 by sheer coincidence after a recording studio accidentally double-booked them. This set the stage for a musical story defined by their self-produced, indie pop sound.
After their lead guitarist departed in 2024 to pursue music production, they continued as a trio, releasing their album Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden on August 30, 2024. The album, produced, earned a nomination for Alternative Album of the Year at the 2025 Juno Awards. With a broad range of influences and a deep commitment to the creative process, Valley has also received previous Juno nominations for Breakthrough Group of the Year in 2020 and Group of the Year in 2022, solidifying their place in the indie pop genre.
For their performance at Jones Beach Theater, Valley’s setlist was a blend of their latest work and a well-known cover, curated for a quick and engaging 20-minute set. The band performed five songs, including tracks from their critically acclaimed new album, “Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden.” The setlist featured “Bass Player’s Brother,” the album’s title track, “Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden,” “Bop Ba,” and “When You Know Someone.” Additionally, they performed their cover of MGMT’s “Kids.” This selection of songs created an immersive indie-pop experience, preparing the crowd for the acts that would follow.
Goth Babe: A Unique Indie Rock Project
Goth Babe is the solo indie rock project of singer-songwriter Griff Washburn, whose music is deeply connected to his off-grid lifestyle. Originally from Tennessee, Washburn lives on either a sailboat named Lola or in a tiny house in Washington with his dog, Sadie. This adventurous life, which includes exploring and surfing, is the primary source of inspiration for his music.
For Washburn, music is about “free thinking and enjoyment,” not just industry success. He created his debut album, Lola, entirely on his sailboat, linking his lifestyle and his art.. Goth Babe’s sound is American indie rock, and his personal story, shared through mini-documentaries, creates a compelling connection with his audience.
Goth Babe’s performance at Jones Beach was a 40-minute set that showcased his unique indie rock sound. The show included a careful selection of songs that resonate with his fan base. The setlist featured tracks including “Moments/Tides,” “I Wanna Help Your Mind,” “Running Around,” “Canary Islands,” “Spinnaker Days,” “Casita,” “Sun Comes Up,” “Crocodile,” and “Weekend Friend.” The performance also included collaborative pieces like “Encinitas,” a song with Louis the Child. These songs, drawn from his debut album, Lola, and other releases, created an immersive and memorable experience, reflecting the artist’s deep connection to nature and his free-spirited philosophy.
Chelsea Cutler: The Independent Heiress
Chelsea Cutler is a multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and producer from Westport, Connecticut, whose career began in high school by producing electronic music and posting original songs and covers on SoundCloud. While attending Amherst College, she continued this DIY approach before deciding to leave to pursue music full-time after being offered a spot on Quinn XCII’s 2018 national tour. Cutler is a pioneer of bedroom pop who transitioned into the mainstream while maintaining creative control.
Her sound is a blend of pop and electronic genres, known for emotional chords and compelling lyrics. She has achieved billions of streams and collaborated with artists like Kygo and Jeremy Zucker. Her commitment to authentic storytelling allows her to form a deep connection with her audience, and her extensive discography includes successful albums like “How to Be Human,” “When I Close My Eyes,” and “Stellaria.” She is a role model for independent artists, showcasing how mainstream success can be achieved.
Chelsea Cutler’s discography was reviewed for her performance at Jones Beach, which showcased her vocal and emotional range. She most likely performed “Stay Next to Me” with Quinn XCII, as well as her well-known collaborations with Jeremy Zucker, “You Were Good to Me” and “This is how you fall in love.” Chelsea Cutler’s live performances are renowned for their unadulterated authenticity and the connection she creates with her audience because she frequently shares personal experiences. “The Lifeboat’s Empty,” “Black and White,” “AF1s/310 Bowery,” “If Not Yours,” “Crazier Things,” “Your Shirt,” and “Your Bones” were among the fan favorites and collaborations on the set list. Due to her ability to captivate the audience with her strong vocals.
AJR: The Three Home Studio Brothers
In 2005, the pop brothers Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met began performing on the streets of New York City. This early experience in direct audience engagement laid the groundwork for their highly interactive and theatrical live shows. Since their creation, the brothers have maintained a DIY essence, as they write and produce all of their music from their home studio. This independent spirit allows them to consistently innovate their sound, which is a mix of indie pop, hip-hop, EDM, and jazz. The band’s discography includes albums like The Click, Neotheater, OK Orchestra, and their latest, The Maybe Man.
AJR’s headlining performance was an electrifying end to the evening, featuring a setlist that showcased their theatrical style. The show lights festival throughout their discography with songs like “Way Less Sad,” “Karma,” and “Burn the House Down.” They performed tracks like “100 Bad Days” and “The Good Part.” Along with hits such as “Bang!” and “Yes, I’m a Mess.”
The performance included older hits like “I’m Ready” and a special solo performance of “Inertia” by Ryan Met. For an intimate touch, they played “World’s Smallest Violin” and “Wow, I’m Not Crazy” from the audience. The main set ended with “Sober Up.” The encore followed, and AJR performed their hit song “Weak” with the Farmingdale Marching Band. This created a memorable finale and supported what AJR’s concerts are known for: blending music and theater perfectly.
The Jones Beach performance by AJR was a great success. Notably, thousands of people showed up, and as a result, they had a memorable time. Together, this lineup of musicians provided a diverse selection of modern pop and indie sounds. The reviews from fans were overwhelmingly positive. Many also praised the fantastic performances and the welcoming environment for families, with the unique “Weak” finale a significant highlight.
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