Arca, the experimental electronic musician who made waves in the music industry with her unique sound and production skills, delivered a captivating performance at the Belasco Theater on Saturday night. The singer opened her performance with the fan-favorite track “Prada,” and the atmosphere in the theater immediately shifted, with fans screaming and singing along in ecstasy.
The song kicks off with soft vocals that give way to a hard-hitting reggaeton beat and atmospheric synths.
The singer got off the stage mid-performance and got into the front of the crowd as she sang, with her fans looking at her in disbelief and intense excitement to be so close to her.
Arca’s performance at the Belasco marked her first show of the year. The performance showcased her multifaceted artistry as she seamlessly blended experimental electronic, reggaeton and art-pop music.
Arca displayed her dance skills by swaying her hips to the upbeat tempos, while a braided wig she whipped around added to the character of her performance.
The audience, in turn, displayed their own creativity and self-expression at the performance, as they donned bold attire, unique hairdos and creative makeup, in tune with Arca’s alternative and stylish aesthetic. This contributed to a lively atmosphere of individuality and imagination.
Arca amplified the energy of the theater even further by performing a track with hard-hitting beats, accompanied by flashing lights and jumps that left the audience euphoric. “Let me see you f*cking bounce,” she exclaimed. The audience immediately reciprocated her energy and followed suit.
After the energetic chaos of the previous song, Arca soothed the audience with a gentle performance of “No Queda Nada,” playing the electric guitar as she delivered soft and intimate vocals.
The stage design was expertly crafted to complement and enhance Arca’s performance, featuring white roses, plants and a large screen displaying distorted images of the artist and cryptic imagery.
Following a few live performances, Arca shifted gears and began to DJ, playing a remixed version of Beyoncé's “Upgrade U” that had fans itching to dance.
The rest of the night was filled with high-energy mixes from Arca’s DJ set, featuring uptempo songs that created an atmosphere of bliss.
Arca has gained widespread recognition and acclaim for her groundbreaking and experimental approach to music that challenges conventional norms and boundaries. Arca’s music not only pushes the boundaries of what is considered “normal” or “mainstream” but also explores the depth of human emotion and experience, creating a truly immersive and transformative listening experience.
Her innovative production skills have resulted in her collaborating with renowned artists like Kanye West, Björk and FKA Twigs, leading her to become a sought-after producer in the music industry.
The artist concluded her performance by expressing gratitude towards her team and dedicated some beautiful words to her fans. “And yeah onwards and downwards baby dolls, I love you,” Arca said, followed by kisses and the sounds of fans cheering and screaming.