Vlad Holiday took the stage at the Echo in Echo Park on Nov. 13 for a stop on his first-ever headline tour, “My Favorite Drug.” The show felt like a cinematic trip through memory — moody, intimate and emotionally resonant.
Holiday’s persona feels nostalgic. He walked out in dark sunglasses, a shaggy mullet and a slightly oversized pantsuit, A dreamy, yet retro aesthetic. His music delves further into that persona, relying on lo-fi sounds, old-school recording techniques and different reverb pedals.
His signature sound comes from a mic effect delay that gives his voice the soft and hazy sounds, reminiscent of “Cigarettes After Sex.” It felt like listening to a vintage tape recording live.
The Echo, a small but iconic venue, was the perfect backdrop for his show. The space felt intimate. Fans were bonding with Holiday in a way that isn’t possible at a bigger venue. He took every chance to interact with the crowd, often letting them take over, singing the songs.
The audience’s eyes glowed with light and appreciation. Holiday hit the first note of his song, “So Damn Into You,” and the crowd immediately roared.
Not one lyric was lost because they are the kind that make you think. The song, “This Was Always Going to End,” felt like the most personal writing from any of his songs.
The lyrics, “What’s the point of being alive, if we’re not really living,” really stuck with me. It brought into perspective how unique life is, how fragile our connections can be, and how we often overlook the best moments in our lives.
That is pure honesty.
Midway through the show, Holiday shared that he had to let his bass player go because he couldn’t afford to keep him on tour. This moment underscored both the challenges of rising as an independent musician and the gratitude he felt towards the fans who showed up for him.
He took charge of the stage, mixing original music with covers of popular songs.
He carried that vulnerability into his performance. At times, I felt like I was being transported into a different time period — under a haze of soft lighting and warm tones.
I left the show with a feeling of longing for more. Holiday’s voice is unique, and because of that, I anticipated bigger, more dynamic moments in the set.
Instead, the show leaned heavily into a mellow, dreamy tone throughout. Some songs felt like slow stretches, which was a bit draining at times.
But this is his first tour, and the foundation is already strong. He has a lot of room to grow ,and I’m more than certain he will. I am excited to see what he makes next and how he will continue evolving as an artist.
Although it wasn’t the kind of show that leaves you jaw-dropped, it was one that lingers in your mind for days after because of its emotional honesty and intimacy. For fans of vintage indie rock, this was exactly the night you had hoped for.
