Venice
27th November 2020
The Civic, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Alexis Brook. Photography by Doug Peters.
If you are going to launch yourself as a serious and committed career artist, then a fully professional stage production in one of the prettiest theatres in the Auckland metropolis is the way to do it. Debuting a solid set of originals including her full EP ‘Dreamboy’, Venice Qin threw down the gauntlet at the Civic Theatre last night, and honestly, if you did not know this was her first public performance, you would likely be none the wiser.
Every headliner needs a supporting act, and this evening was no different, with fellow St Kentigern’s alumni Flaxxies performing a twenty minute set of originals with a cover of Sticky Fingers’ ‘Willow Tree’ thrown in for good measure. Dressed like 90s boyfriends, I could guess that their musical style would be in the indie-pop/surf-rock spectrum before a single note left the stage. They are however on the line-up for this year’s Rhythm & Vines festival, and kudos to them for being so, as I feel that that audience would suit them more. What was abundantly clear from their performance last night, was that they were having an absolute ball on stage, particularly with their songs ‘Erica’ and their EP title track ‘Better Days’. Do yourself a favour and check them out on Spotify.
The majority of local fledgling artists begin their careers playing small local venues; inviting their friends, family, and flatmates along to enthusiastically support, whilst simultaneously finding through forums other upcoming bands who want to put on a show with them. Through this process they sow the seeds for building a following before hopefully moving on to increasingly larger venues.
So just how did Venice Qin’s debut at the prestigious Civic come about? Well, through a video shared on her mum’s LinkedIn account, Venice’s family found themselves in contact with renowned sound engineer, Ratu Gordon, who worked on the Las Vegas shows for none other than P!nk and Lady Gaga; and it appears he was pretty thrilled with the raw talent presented before him. So from there the idea of the phenomenal debut was discussed and the decision made to just go for it. And go for it they did; self-funded, with full lighting rig, several videographers, backing vocalists and a talented band to support her on stage, walking out to your name in lights is a truly memorable way to begin.
Vocally mature and confident, with lyrically clever hooks, there are all the elements here to make it as the international popstar that Venice has announced she inspires to be. Through her more balladlike songs such as ‘Found Myself’, ‘Dreamboy’ and the “just written last week” ‘Lighthouse’, you are reminded of soulful storytellers such as Norah Jones, Regina Spektor and Adele, and it is in these moments that, for me, Venice’s voice truly shines. But wait… there’s more! Not only does Venice have chill ballads, but some pretty catchy up-tunes as well. ‘Let Me Down’, ‘I Love You’ and unreleased single ‘Mistakes & All’ having the ability to make you tap your toes and want to have a little seat dance. Dressed to impress in a range of dresses from Stolen Girlfriends Club, and with several video cameras to capture and promote this moment in time, it definitely was a show to remember.
It would be interesting to see her perform again with a mix of seated and standing, as I feel having a few attendees sending those dancing vibes back to the stage would have settled some of those brief glimpses of nerves. However in saying this, considering last night was her inaugural concert, nerves were entirely expected. Afterall, even the most experienced artists still suffer from the occasional little blips on stage.
So who is Venice? Songwriter. Tick. Pianist. Tick. Guitarist. Tick. There really is so much talent wrapped up in just eighteen years. With the right contacts supporting her, the future is certainly looking bright for this young woman, and I guess the next decision will be which side to launch on the overseas market first – Ballads or Pop? Either could go far.
One thing is for certain though, in the years to come, we will all be talking about the day Venice launched her career in little ol’ NZ.
Were you there at The Civic Theatre for this highly enjoyable pop gig? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Set List:
- Found Myself
- Let Me Down
- I Love You!
- Dreamboy
- Cool Enough (For U)
- Lighthouse
- Cold Shoulder
- Queen of the Night
- I Know Him, I Love Him
- Light On [Maggie Rogers Cover]
- Kissing on the Dancefloor
- Mistakes & All
- I Love You! [encore]
- Let Me Down [encore]
- Mistakes & ALL [encore]
Note: [AD] Venice Qin / Skip Ink Publicity provided passes to Ambient Light to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only.
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