Haiden Henderson at the Garage
How do you bridge the gap between digital fame and real-world intimacy? Haiden Henderson’s live shows give us just the answer. Before Broken In even starts, Henderson is already cheekily asking the crowd, “I’m curious how many of you know this one,” making the venue feel as welcoming as an old friend’s living room. It’s glimpses of unscripted interaction, like this one, that really demonstrate to us how far the Californian singer-songwriter has come since his social media days.
While many artists might shy away from direct engagement with their fanbase, Henderson thrives on it. His easygoing, participatory attitude makes every person feel like part of the production beyond mere spectators. And what’s interesting is that it isn’t limited to the bigger instances, but also extends to small gestures, like stepping into the crowd and taking time to sign items during quieter times.
Whether he’s reading signs from the back of The Garage or playfully accepting a fake marriage proposal from the front row – complete with a ring thrown his way – it’s obvious that he’s as invested in his audience as they are in him. The event was less about performing to a room and more about creating a shared experience where everyone feels involved.
Musically, Henderson’s versatility and stage presence are undeniable. He effortlessly moves between pop, alternative and rock, each genre revealing a different side of his creative persona as he commands the stage with expressive movements. Fresh Blood is a standout, a track with a powerful call-and-response where Henderson urges “OGs” to sing along. His vocal delivery here is striking, full of emotion and unfiltered drive. Then, You Don’t Even Like Me takes a softer, more introspective vibe. This stripped-back ballad, which Henderson refers to as a “yearning” song, demonstrates his range both sonically and emotionally.
The audience’s excitement peaks during the infectious Sweet Tooth, the first track Henderson wrote for his latest project, Tension. He mentions that it’s “impossible to be nonchalant” about this one, and the attendees agree, singing along with the kind of passion you can only get from fans who truly connect with the artist’s vulnerability. The night reaches a high point when roses are thrown at him during Good TV, further blurring the line between performer and the masses.
But just when the close-knit atmosphere feels complete, the energy takes a sharp turn. Bleachers has all the concertgoers jumping, followed by Hell of a Good Time, which brings the gig to an exuberant close. It’s a fitting end to a night that seamlessly moved between sensitivity and exhilarating celebration.
One of the most personal phases of the night, though, comes from when Henderson introduces his disposable camera tradition. After snapping a group shot, he hands the camera to a fan with the directive for people to pass it along and take candid shots of each other. It’s a lighthearted gesture, yet it highlights how Henderson’s shows genuinely revolve around the collective experience. In that moment, everyone in the room – artist and fans alike, even the crew behind the scenes – is part of the story.
Dionysia Afolabi
Photos: Tae Fukishima
For further information and future events, visit Haiden Henderson’s website here.
Watch the video for tension here:
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