Redveil is REAL

Redveil's first headlining show in Toronto was definitely one for the books!

Pre The Axis Club

This was the second of three concerts that I went to during finals week, so as you can imagine, I was a little behind on my schoolwork. I planned on being productive the night before, but instead, I stayed up until 3 am watching Metro Boomin's Coachella live stream. I had to wake up early and finish an essay before leaving for the concert (I haven't checked my grade for that either).

@ The Axis Club

I got kinda lost when I got off the streetcar, so I took five minutes to figure my life out. When I got to the venue, there were only a few boys in line. I was shocked because I thought more people would want a good spot. I was a little scared to line up with them because high schoolers scare me, so I went across the street to Shoppers to get a Vitamin Water.

Eventually, I got into the line and stood awkwardly stood behind them until I finally said something. I can't really remember what I said, but they were nice enough to let me into their conversation. They told me that they had just met Redveil and his openers just an hour before. I met Redveil back in November at the Denzel Curry concert, but I was too scared to ask for a picture so I was determined this time to get one this time.

Benji and Hailey (much less intimidating high schoolers) joined our group a few minutes later. Benji was finishing a crochet hat for Redveil which looked amazing. We all compared the concerts we had gone to recently and the ones were looking forward to attending. Benji and Hailey made a convincing case for me to get Weezer tickets, so stay tuned for that!

Post The Axis Club

I was starving after the show, so I ran across the street to Tim's. I saw Hailey and Benji there so it was nice to get the chance to debrief. There were some people still waiting for Redveil outside the venue, so I joined them while eating my bagel. People started showing up for the event The Axis Club was running after the concert, so the outside area got a bit congested. The security started to ask people to leave who weren't there for the club event, but I knew Redveil was going to come out eventually, so I just avoided eye contact with her. About 30 minutes into waiting, Femdot came out with his cart of merch, and he was nice enough to talk to me for a few minutes. I congratulated him on a great show and somehow found the courage to ask for a picture that I knew future me would appreciate. Sidenote, his grills were so cool, and it solidified my need for them (sorry Mom and Dad).

This concert was such a special one for so many reasons. This was my first time being at an artist's first headline tour, and it was such an amazing experience. Also, thank you to my line besties for such a fun day!

Hailey (L) & Benji (R)

Ben holding the gift bag from the "giftbag" music video

Redveil's team also came out to meet us, which was super cool (I really hope we made it into the tour vlog). Ben, Redveil's photographer, sat with us for a bit which made the wait more fun.

When it got closer to doors, the group made a plan to secure merch and barricade spots. It was kind of a disaster, but somehow, we pulled it off. As it turns out, there actually wasn't a barricade, and we ended up being right against the stage.

D'mari Harris was the first opener. I had heard D'mari in collaboration with Redveil, but I wasn't really familiar with his solo work. One of the guys I met in line was a stan and hyped him up for hours, so my expectations were high. D'mari had a pretty good set, and there were a few songs that I'd eventually like to revisit. However, I was fighting for my life when he put those sunglasses on and initiated the moshes. I was successful in not getting sucked into the pit, but there were a few close calls. I was literally gripping the stage for my life to hold my place.

Femdot was the second opener, and OMG, wow. I wasn't familiar with his discography, but I LOVED his set. I ate up his rap style and cadence. The songs were more chill than D'mari's, but the energy was still there. Also, Femdot's lyricism is fantastic and can't wait to listen to the rest of his songs. I would totally go see him if he toured as a headliner.

Redveil was UNREAL. I still can't believe someone so talented is only a few months older than me (Happy Belated Marcus!!!). He opened with "giftbag," my new favourite of his and it was insane.

There was also someone in the crowd with a sign asking to rap JPEGMAFIA's verse on "Black Enuff," and Redveil actually invited him on stage.

The setlist was good, but I was disappointed that he didn't perform some of his old stuff. Especially, "Weekend (feat. D'mari Harris)," because D'mari came back out for his verse on "Drown". I also would've loved to hear "Callback" because it's iconic and he's yet to perform it in Toronto. Even though there were audio issues, Redveil's performance was amazing, and the ticket was worth every cent.

OTW Home

After meeting Redveil, I ran into his team and D'marri Harris while I was waiting for the street car. I didn't ask for a photo because I got too scared, but they were kind enough to talk to me for a few minutes.

On the streetcar, I ran into the girl who was also waiting to meet Redveil (Janet, if you're reading this, hey queenie!) We debriefed about the meet-and-greet and that horrible man who thought he was the main character.

I ended up getting off at the wrong stop and had to walk back, but thankfully made it back alive and with more than enough time to watch the Labrinth's Coachella stream.

By the time Redveil came out of the venue, there were only four other people waiting to meet him. The guy before me took FOREVER. He started talking about some person on Discord that I think was a mutual of Redveil's or something and it was so annoying because he acted like he and Redveil were BFFs. Whoever that guy was with was just as bad because they didn't signal for him to stop talking when it was very clear that he needed to. During that excruciating conversation, I made eye contact with another girl waiting, and we silently expressed our discontentment. When it was finally my turn, I knew I had to make it quick. He was so nice and said that he saw me rapping along with him LOL. He also signed my shirt, and we took some photos.

OTW to The Axis Club

The Streetcar ride from my dorm to the venue was about 30 minutes. I was stressed because there was traffic and it looked like I was going to arrive around 2:30 pm. Doors opened at 5 pm which meant barricade was in jeopordy.

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