BEYOND THE NOTES
Photo by Tara Radmard
May 9, 2025 | Sophia Cortez
As the sun started to set, more and more people filtered into the lobby of Hotel Ziggy. Some lounged on the velvet couches, snapping pictures, while others mingled and introduced themselves—all waiting in anticipation for “Here’s to Her Voice” to begin.
Fourth-year UCLA student Grace Masura darted across the room, checking every last detail before ushering guests into the performance space. Her senior capstone project was about to come to life.
Once the doors opened, Grace paused to thank everyone who had helped her transform her idea into a reality. With that, “Here's to Her Voice” was officially underway.
First to take the stage was Amelie Kalia, a singer-songwriter who delivered original acoustic songs rich in introspection. Her set covered everything from the universal frustration of being “mansplained” to dreams of a quiet, simple life on a farm. She smoothly transitioned into a crowd-pleasing cover of “Good Luck Babe,” prompting audience sing-alongs. With a bright smile and easy, carefree movements, Amelie was clearly in her element.
Next up was Bree Frances, joined by Katie Simpson on keys. Both shared their excitement to be part of a show that aligned closely with their personal values. Bree’s performance of her original song “Uncanny Valley” was intense and immersive, drawing in the crowd with its powerful delivery.
Hailing from Syracuse, New York, Bella Fiske opened her set with “Sign,” an original song detailing her loneliness when starting college without knowing anyone. She followed with acoustic originals from her upcoming EP, including “Liquid Christmas” and “Around.” Bella also performed a cover of “Multiply” by Dora Jar, and her take on Radiohead’s “High & Dry” maintained the essence of the original while adding a delicate, airy tone that gave the lyrics new dimension. She closed with “Break,” a raw exploration of the onslaught of emotions that emerged following her first breakup.
Closing out the night was Madeline The Person, armed with her sticker-covered guitar and a new omnichord. She performed “Rabbit Hole” a whimsical tune about daydreaming over a new crush you barely know, complete with playful “La La La” refrains. Her set also featured “Watercolor Flowers,” and she wrapped the evening with her viral hit, “MEAN!” While not a typical scream-along anthem, the crowd softly sang in unison, as her mom proudly filmed from the side of the stage.
“Here's to Her Voice” proved to be a heartfelt celebration of rising female artists, vulnerability, and creative expression. From Amelie’s folk-inspired daydream musings and Bree’s hypnotizing stage presence to Bella’s fresh interpretations and Madeline The Person’s whimsical nostalgia, each artist brought something unique and unforgettable to the evening.
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