On Thursday, July 17, Mercury Lounge hosted three emerging pop artists for a highly anticipated evening of performances. The night started with Farrah Hanna, followed closely by Min.A, and finally ending the night with Natalie Kilic, the star of the show.
Starting the Night: Farrah Hanna
Farrah Hanna, a 19-year-old musician who grew up in Cairo, Egypt, started off the night of performances with a track from her 2023 EP titled “Dog.” This song showcases Hanna’s soft indie sound. Her effective blending of light guitar strums with her angelic vocals creates an atmospheric piece. Hannah’s start to the night set the mood for a melodical set of songs that would have the audience roaring.
Following, “Me and the Weatherman” maintained the atmosphere, then “Signs” introduced a shift in energy, building momentum. Knowingly, the set moved to the distinct “Crocodile,” which was followed by the heartfelt single, “Stranger.” Hanna finally concluded her captivating performance with “What Kinda Man,” leaving a lasting impression on the audience
Min.A Providing a Middle
After Farrah Hanna’s performance, Min. A took the stage, ready to continue the evening of music. With an energy that promised a captivating shift, she prepared to immerse the audience in her distinctive blend of sounds. Min. A’s presence was clear, starting the night with her soul clenching single, “Bitter”.
Amassing over 230,000 views on Instagram and more than 100,000 likes on TikTok, Min. A is a well-known Korean-American artist who often covers English songs in Korean. Her latest single, “Used To,” pays homage to her heritage by combining American pop vocals with the flow of K-pop songs. This fusion has resonated strongly with her growing fanbase. Establishing herself as a distinctive voice in a contemporary music scene.
Following “Bitter,” Min.A performed “Bite,” cementing her mark on the audience. Next, she offered a track from her EP, “Garden.” Then, “Skipping Stones” showcased a poignant link to her Korean heritage. The raw emotions of “I Take Back What I Said” followed. Finally, she prepped her set for a powerful close. Her latest hit, “Used To’s,” ended the performance, leaving the crowd energized and captivated throughout. Effectively putting Min. A’s unique artistry on display.
Ending the Night: Natalie Kilic
After Min.A’s performance, Natalie Kilic took the stage, shining through as the last performance of the night. The shift in atmosphere was instantaneous, providing an intimate and heartfelt experience. Kilic, known for her songwriting, was ready to share her deep, personal stories with the eager crowd.
Natalie Kilic’s set began with the hauntingly sweet “Please Don’t Go While I Sleep,” a track that immediately drew the audience into her life. She then transitioned into the single “Free Man,” highlighting her lyrical depth. “Papercrane” followed, its melodies rang throughout the venue. The set continued with “I Don’t Wanna Be Human,” a raw image of vulnerability. Kilic finished her powerful performance with “Dakota,” leaving a forever lasting impression.
Kilic’s ability to tell her story with her compositions left the audience in a state of wonder. Her honest lyrics and captivating delivery solidified her as a talent unlike any other. Each song revealed another layer of her depth, creating a truly memorable conclusion to the evening at the Mercury Lounge.
→ Continue reading at NYS Music
