From staging fake fights with his bass player to singing sweet emotion-filled ballads, indie rock artist Briston Maroney brought an unforgettable energy to his show at Providence’s Fete Music Hall on Monday, September 30.
Maroney is an American singer-songwriter and musician from Knoxville, Tennessee, known for blending introspective lyrics with raw, guitar-driven melodies. His style often incorporates elements of folk, rock, and indie-pop, drawing comparisons to artists like Kurt Cobain and Neil Young. Maroney first gained some public attention when he auditioned for American Idol in 2014 at age 16, making it to the Hollywood round. Though his stint on the show was brief, it was a stepping stone for his career. Since then Maroney has amassed over 2 million monthly listeners.
Maroney is known for his lively performances that mirror his unpolished, emotive recordings, and this show delivered just that. Maroney ran on stage at 9 p.m. adorned in a flannel shirt and a knit beanie, starting his 15-song set with his single “Body”. With a catchy chorus and incredible guitar riffs, Maroney set the bar high for his show.
He did not disappoint with the rest of his performance, playing some of his most popular songs like “Small Talk” and “June” showing off his dynamic vocals and introspective lyrics. He also surprised fans by playing an unreleased song called “Swimmer” keeping us all on our toes for its release. For Maroney’s last song before the encore, he played his hit single “Freakin’ Out On the Interstate” and ended his set with “Caroline” off his third EP “Indiana”. Maroney exited the stage with a heartfelt goodbye, leaving the audience itching for more.
Overall, Maroney put on a great debut show in Providence with his eclectic vibe and spirited band, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement for the next time he will appear near us.