On a packed night at Colours Hoxton, Jessica Baio delivered the kind of performance that reminds you why live music still matters. The singer-songwriter brought an emotional, relatable energy to the stage, blending melodies with the kind of lyrical honesty that makes a room full of strangers feel connected for an hour.

Before Jessica took the stage, support act Odhran Murphy set the tone perfectly with a folk-inspired set that immediately grabbed the room’s attention. His sound stood out against the night’s pop-heavy atmosphere, offering something more raw and intimate. One moment in particular that shows his professionalism was when a guitar string snapped mid-song — the kind of thing that could easily throw off a performance — but Odhran barely reacted, carrying on as if nothing had happened! The crowd seemed to respect him even more for it, and it added an unplanned bit of authenticity to an already impressive set.

When Baio finally walked on stage, the atmosphere shifted into something personal rather than overly rehearsed. She was constantly interacting with the crowd between songs and making fans feel part of the experience rather than just spectators. Her stage presence carried the entire night — confident without feeling forced, emotional without losing the fun.

One of the biggest surprises of the evening was just how strong her live vocals were. Studio recordings already showcase her range, but hearing her voice in person added another level entirely. Several of the night’s high notes earned huge reactions from the audience, and deservedly so. Rather than relying on production or backing tracks, Baio let her voice take centre stage, and it paid off.

Standout performances included “Made for You” and “Proud of Me,” both of which perfectly captured the emotional core of her song-writing. The crowd sang nearly every word back to he. There was a genuine sense of connection in the room, especially when Jessica would hold out her mic (which was the covered in sparkles/gems, so cool!) where the audience almost carried the choruses themselves.

A particularly memorable moment came when Baio stepped into the crowd mid-performance, turning the venue into something closer to a communal singalong than a standard pop show. It’s a small gesture, but it reflected the tone of the entire night: personal, appreciative, and completely engaged with the fans who came to see her.

The encore performance of “Other Side” closed the night on a high. By that point, the audience was fully locked in, singing every lyric back with the same emotion Baio brought to the stage. It felt like the perfect ending to a set built on vulnerability and connection.

Jessica Baio left Colours Hoxton proving she is far more than just another rising pop artist online. Her vocal ability, stage presence, and song-writing all translated even better live than on record — something that cannot be said for every artist. If this show was any indication of what’s ahead, she has the talent to move far beyond venues this size. Here at Vibing hope she comes back to London soon!

Photo Credit: Bobbie Paisley Photography