JP Saxe Brought Dangerous Level of Introspection To DC
Date: November 7th, 2021
Venue: Lincoln Theatre
Washington, DC
What’s up, everyone! Derek here, a.k.a. The Photographic Ginger and I’m back again with another incredible night of music in our nation’s capital. On this evening in particular I came prepared to be punched in the heart by some sad songs. I was in luck as JP Saxe and opening act Victoria Canal have plenty of those to offer. It truly was about to be a night that unlocked some Dangerous Levels of Introspection. That also happens to be the title of not only a song but his most recent album released this summer. That album has since grown a little larger. This November, the deluxe version was released shortly after this show. Speaking of the show, let’s dive in.
To get the night started, JP walked out on stage and welcomed everyone before introducing Victoria Canal. Canal is a Spanish-American singer and songwriter who excels at writing songs that find themselves being relatable to many while also being sung with pure emotion. Songs were accompanied on this evening so elegantly by the stripped-back sounds of a piano or guitar. Songs such as “Drama” act a big F U to that voice in your head that creates self-doubt.
Following that, she performed “Slow Down,” a song written about a personal experience in which “I love you” was said too early in a relationship and the speed of the relationship began to pick up. She then went on to mention a career-changing moment in which she posted a Regina Spektor cover online only to be seen by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. He then reached out to her and signed her to a label. Which led her to then perform a beautiful cover of “Yellow” all before closing the set with lyrics written from the perspective of a friend that imagines what their parting words from this world may be with “Swan Song.”
Shortly after, it was time for JP Saxe to play his first headline show in DC. In fact, technically DC is JP’s hometown as he was born here, and shortly after he and his parents moved to Canada where he still resides. The evening was filled with songs of love, love lost, love’s growth and everything in-between as many of his songs center around the subject. One of those types of love that Saxe recommends is told through the lyrics of “Line by Line” which also gave us a little guitar jam session.
Other moments throughout the evening found JP sitting alone at his piano for songs such as “4:30 in Toronto” and “3 Minutes.” The latter built into a jam session with the entire band and the audience as we all sang and chanted the lyrics “f**k em all.” Then another of my favorite songs came to life in a way that only JP can create as he sings heartbreak songs and finds a way to put a fun spin on the sadness that comes with the loss of love. One of those songs was “Sad Corny F**k.” Shortly before this song, he introduced us to a brand new song titled “Soft Landing” that is now available on the Deluxe Edition of Dangerous Levels of Introspection.
We even had a few dance parties as songs like “For Emilee” got us grooving while also explaining that some people are shit and your friends want to protect you from them. Even more special was the fact that Emilee was also there watching the show and hearing the song written for her in a room filled with strangers who quickly showed their love and support for her.
Sometimes the saddest songs come from the happiest people and it was clear that throughout the night JP, as well as his band, were thoroughly enjoying their job and all of the love shown from the crowd. Although the songs are sad most of the time, we know that “If the World Was Ending” he’d be right beside featured musician and real-life partner Julia Michaels.
Although the US tour is coming to an end, you can certainly keep tabs on what shows may be coming up in 2022 here, and be sure to check out his and Victoria Canal’s music now on all your favorite music services.
If you happened to capture any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.
