RY X at St Steven & St Thomas Church

After a year-long creative break, Australian singer/songwriter RY X is touring through Europe with a deeply haunting set. It’s a mix of old songs and new pieces that will appear on his new album, to be released at the beginning of May this year.

RY X could have chosen no better setting to perform his sensuous songs than the St Steven & St Thomas church in Shepherd’s Bush. Lit only with candles, the late bauhaus church creates the perfect platform for RY X’s emotional oeuvre, which is reminiscent of Bon Iver’s early work. 

“Doing something that isn’t cool or hip or trendy but just myself” is RY X’s main mantra — a mantra that is truly reflected in his moving and passionate songs. In between tracks, the singer talks more about his motivation to produce music. It is a profound process for him: he believes in the magic of music, not the money that lies in it. He recounts that performing his songs is like undressing to him and sharing something deeply personal. These little sermon-like personal interludes contribute to the intimacy of the concert and make listening to the songs that follow even more special.

Berlin and Howling are especially memorable, producing a truly rare sensation in the listener. It is almost as if RY X is holding a service for his audience — one that returns to the original thought of religion: the communal experience of magical moments.

RY X’s performance is a highly recommendable event for any lover of heartfelt music, accompanied by a bit of magic.

 

Luisa Kapp
Photos: Sophie Bluestone

For further information about RY X and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Berlin here: