Pop superstar Maisy Kay brought glitz and glamour to Glasgow’s O2 Academy a few nights ago, setting the stage for American pop rock band LANY. The Shropshire-born, LA-based alt-pop artist transformed a rock show into a fairy-tale land. This was the second time I caught her set, and I was excited to see how her stage presence has progressed over the past year.
She started her set around 7:20 pm as the crowd was coming in. I admit it felt odd to see her on the same lineup as Weathers and LANY, both rock bands, but the audience loved her performance. If there’s one thing about Maisy, it’s that her vocals always stand out. Her cover of Adele’s Rolling In The Deep was especially impressive, with whistle notes at the end that showed off her vocal range, channelling her inner Mariah Carey. It was phenomenal.
Maisy’s music blends dark alt-pop with classic influences and a modern atmospheric style, creating a unique soundscape that captivates listeners. Her sound recalls the emotional honesty of Maisie Peters, the cinematic quality of Lana Del Rey, and the intimacy of Gracie Abrams. Yet she maintains a distinct identity that sets her apart in the crowded music scene. Influenced by iconic bands like Queen and The Beatles, her songs are introspective and resonate well in large venues. This makes them perfect for live performances that evoke a range of emotions. With her increasing popularity and artistic growth, I reckon she will headline a tour of her own pretty soon, she certainly has the stage presence for it!
Another highlight of her set for me was definitely “Vantablack”, in which she shouted out the “girls, gays and theys”, something that really comforted me as a queer and non-binary person. It was the perfect way to kick off Pride Month. I also really liked her performance of “Love Is A God” but this one also stood out to me back when I saw her supporting Jamie Miller in early 2025.
I also want to point out her great outfit and custom microphone; the butterfly-shaped mic is really cool and unique! It gives a personal touch, just like the fairy wings she had on her outfit last time I seen her.
