Nessa Barrett photographed by Lanie Kapsalis
If you’re on TikTok, chances are you’ve heard the name Nessa Barrett before. Nessa began her journey to fame in 2019, posting lip-sync and dancing videos to TikTok - and like every other content creator at this point, turned to music to descend out of the “TikToker” stereotype. When this happens, most social media users groan in annoyance because here comes “another person who became famous for their looks” try and become a musician. With Barrett, however, this is far from the case.
The New Jersey native released her debut album “young forever” this past month with Warner Records. The lead single “die first” is dedicated to her best friend, Cooper Noriega, who had recently passed away. In the track, Barrett sings about hoping she will be the first to die out of her loved ones. I would say a big chunk of people agree with her and the song, because a sped-up version has over 442K videos on TikTok.
The song is very emotional and heartfelt, and I was shocked to hear her sing it live at the El Rey Theatre in LA last week. Barrett expressed how hard it is for her to sing the song, yet did it anyways for the lucky fans hearing the album live for the first time. Not to mention, this show was Barrett’s first EVER headlining show. With how she handled everything, I can proudly state that she did more than exceed expectations.
Nessa Barrett photographed by Lanie Kapsalis
Sure, you couldn’t hear her at times because her mic was low and the crowd was singing loudly, but isn’t that the point of a concert? To sing your heart out and see your favorite artist live in the flesh? If anything, I’m sure this motivated Barrett even more to put on one hell of a first show. Speaking of the fans, I could just sense the massive amount of love I was encircled in that night. The room was filled with pure joy and excitement for her, and she deserves it.
Her fans are definitely her backbone and would support her though anything. As a long-reigning fangirl myself, that kind of connection is powerful and not common in most new artists these days.
I have a feeling Barrett is going to tour next year, and if she does, I recommend adding this pop artist to your concert list.
Article + Photos by Lanie Kapsalis
