Mitski, a Rising Star in Indie Rock, Plays MGM’s MGM Theater

Mitski creates music that’s both sparse and stoic, leaving listeners feeling everything from sadness to madness. Her songs are like short vignettes heavy with painterly symbolism; connecting indie rock riffs to ambient ballads while her chords never seem to resolve in an expected fashion. Her tunes appeal to introverted listeners or anyone yearning for someone they once loved without conflict. She sings for both introverts who struggle with intimacy as well as anyone yearning for someone they wish would leave quickly before yearning too longingly for them both!

But her music remains melodic despite its sad subject matter. She understands the power of succinct songwriting, as demonstrated by “Washing Machine Heart’s” succinct three-minute length. Furthermore, this helps her stand out in a genre where many artists market marginalized identities for attention – “There can be pressure to focus in on one aspect that you find most comfortable so as to be seen as being part of one community,” says Hyphen. “But I don’t put this burden upon myself; instead I want my work open to multiple interpretations.”

Mitski donned a long black dress adorned with white stripes down its side for her performance at MGM, standing on a raised platform surrounded by six band members playing guitars and drums; singing 23-song set for an attentive crowd. This tour marked Mitski’s second headlining tour since 2018’s Be the Cowboy album was released; inspired by Butoh dance theater from postwar Japan which involves drawing upon chaotic emotions but depicting them with precise yet repetitive gestures, Mitski decided to add choreography into her shows inspired by Butoh; her first headlining tour since 2018’s Be the Cowboy release as well.

At MGM was the third of four sold-out shows during Mitski’s tour, and her audience responded in kind: most were sitting down throughout her set, except when she returned for her encore performance.

Mitski has quickly emerged as a star in the music world over the past two years, and her live shows have only grown more impressive with each performance. One of few touring acts capable of commanding audience attention while maintaining audience interest through her quiet strength and distinctive style, Mitski will continue her U.S. tour until September when it wraps up at Stanford, California.