A safe space for ‘sad girl’ music fans: Inside Electric Fetus’ boygenius listening party

As 4 p.m. approaches, Minneapolis’ Electric Fetas record section throngs with attendees dressed in classic “sad girl” musical attire. It’s a safe space… so say the people in the room.

The speakers blare and the first song from The Record by Boygenius (a supergroup created by Julian Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus) begins playing. Hands hold each other tightly and tears begin to flow. It’s the moment they’ve all been waiting for.

Ellie Lazarcic, 17, and Sophia McKillan, 15, attended with Ellie’s mother, Jennifer.

When the music first started, Ellie said she was stunned. she said.

Sophia sent Ellie an Instagram post about the event and they agreed – they had to be there.

“Yeah, this was happening no matter what,” Sophia said of her attendance.

Listening parties have been around for decades, according to Electric Fetus music buyer Jim Novak. Some, like Taylor Swift’s 2019 album Lover, are kept secret.

Others may be attending parties with artists and other industry insiders.The pandemic made in-person musical gatherings nearly impossible three years ago, but Novak He said it is now making a comeback.

Bands and labels work with local record stores to host simultaneous scheduled listening parties in cities all over the world. Fans can experience new music days in advance and get access to free exclusive merchandise. It also allows the music industry (both labels and stores) to advertise to their audiences with fan-centric experiences. It’s a win-win.

“Everywhere in the world, people are experiencing music at the same time. It only adds to that sense of community. I can feel it,” said Novak.

Recent listening parties at Electric Fetus have included artists such as Lana Del Ray, Paramore and Fall Out Boy.

Novak said Tuesday’s Boy Genius party outnumbered everyone with the largest crowd. For many, it was their first time attending such an event.

“A good way to connect with other fans of an artist and have a good time…the idea of ​​listening [the album] The early days are fun and make you feel special,” said Beth Tompkins.

All of this comes at a time when concert ticket prices are on the rise. ‘s Ticketmaster has drawn outrage and scrutiny.Minnesota’s US Senator Amy Klobuchar has led the fight against the company in Congress.

“A lot of these high fees continue because when you’re the only company in town, you don’t have fair prices, great products, or incentives to innovate,” she said in an interview with NPR. .

Listening sessions, on the other hand, offer a similar musical experience for free. Novak says that the way fans socialize has also changed, with more records than ever before.

“Having a physical medium is like having a band t-shirt. It’s more physical, it’s more intense because you have to listen.”

With over 150 people in the room, it’s clear the fans feel the same way.

Carly Michalkiewicz, Calli Hadler and Kate Maiers all dressed up in Boy Genius gear and waited for the session to start around 3:30pm. Hadler and Michalkiewicz both attended the University of Minnesota and bonded in the hallways wearing Phoebe’s Bridgers T-her shirt.

Hudler said, “Oh my god, I love your shirt. I have the same one.”

Six months later, they’re mirroring a supergroup, the three uniting their love of music and femininity.

“It’s just great to see so many women coming together for a piece of art made by three women and queer women. I’m thrilled that there’s a space for us.” ‘ said Michalkiewicz. “It’s a place where we can all hold hands and find a safe place to be happy with music and appreciate the same art.”

Each of them said they always had an “instinctive” reaction when hearing their long-awaited song for the first time. Prior to her March 31st debut of the album, boygenius released her four singles. Fans knew what to expect, and many shared that they were ready to cry.

That includes Hudler, who was instantly emotional after hearing the album’s third song, “Emily I’m Sorry.”

“I think about all the mistakes you can make.

After the event ended, fans went to the checkout area to pre-order albums, especially vinyl. They reported on the session, their heads nodding repeatedly and their tears drying. Many people plan to listen again on Friday night with headphones on, alone in their room with the lights off, loud and unprotected.

But after first hearing, the point?

“I am a strange person,” said Michalkiewicz.