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Concert performed at Scoot Inn (1308 E 4th St. Austin, TX 78702) http://shallou.com • https://www.robotaki.net • https://scootinnaustin.com/ — It took me a few weeks to release this review. After nearly 2 years of isolation, being in a public space was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. Finding my legs again to socialize has been a difficult process and hopefully more blogs, reviews and feature stories to come in 2022!  The evening was crisp and cool at the historic Scoot Inn. The opening act, DJ Robotaki, got the crowd going with a chill, funky beat. From Montreal, Robotaki (https://www.robotaki.net) has a Master’s degree in genetics. Which proves his intelligent and sophisticated choices for the hour performance was not a “filler.” Mixing a brand of understated tones, deep base and infectious vocals, Robotaki put everyone in a good mood. After a 10 minute set change, Shallou, started his performance with one of his popular hits, “You and Me.” https://youtu.be/1trifshoIw0 After a few microphone hiccups, he was able to properly greet the crowd and get into the song. Shallou writes and produces most of his music under his real name, Joe Boston. His collaborative work really shines and shows his ability to create sentimental lyrics that are touching and brings up tender emotions without it feeling syrupy. On Apple Music, his music is described as “where sharpened senses meet heightened emotions in the glow of a profound, often wistful calm.” Throughout the show Shallou with his drummer and guitarist worked the crowd and got them involved. It was not crazy energetic atmosphere, but mellow and relaxing. It felt inclusive — dance, sing or just watch from the bar overlooking the stage while sipping on your favorite beverage. The crowd was friendly and it was refreshing to be out in a social setting after nearly 2 years of dealing with a pandemic. During the middle of the show, Shallou performed my favorite song - a collaboration with Colin, “Count On” - https://youtu.be/T8XEXOvOPM0 - From the very first lyric I knew the song he was starting to play and also many of the crowd. It shows how much Shallou can emotionally tap into a listener. His voice and tonal range is incredibly charismatic. A vocal range that can tap into a soft, warm falsetto; Shallou writes lyrics that fully showcase his voice. I still remember the first night I heard “Count On.” Two years ago while working rideshare one evening. Feeling a bit despondent that night, the song came on and a wave of nostalgia wrapped around me like a blanket. I had been in a dark place emotionally the last few months. “Count On” centered me. It was intensely cathartic and those tearful moments helped me finally release my anguish. I had been homeless for the latter part of 2019. It was embarrassing, frustrating and I felt no way to get out of my situation. Then I heard Shallou sing: Wait Shallou continued evening with many more songs the crowd all enjoyed. I am undoubtedly a fan, but still surprised that I knew every song. He ended the night with “Lie” — https://youtu.be/a6cQBMbpEUI — definitely a crowd pleaser. Many, including myself, grooved to the beat and sang along. I walked away feeling nostalgic and wistfully calm. Review by benMUSA #benmusacollection #benmusaart #modernartist #painter #writer #blogger #artist #smallbusiness #artwork # apparel #accessories #prints #artistsoninstagram #shallou #scootinaustin #robotaki |
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