Image credit Justin Higuchi, via Wikimedia Commons
At the end of October, sibling duo Clyde and Gracie Lawrence visited the Bluestone here in Columbus for their eponymous Family Business tour. The name carries metaphorical significance, as the two have made music together since childhood – but also literal significance, as they also have a father in the directing industry. Some might jump to call the pair “nepo babies” for this fact. While it might ring true that they may have had a leg up in the industry thanks to their dad, after seeing them live I believe they’ve earned their spot in the music industry.
At the VIP session before the show, the pair and their band members shone with their genuine and kind manner; it was clear to me that they held genuine passion about what they do and were excited to be there. Gracie opened up about mental health when it comes to touring, and Clyde spoke about the physical side of things, such as note changes and vocal exercises in order to protect the voice. It served as a great reminder that performers are people too, and although musicianship comes with a lot of bells and whistles, it can be and often is just as draining as a more mainstream job. Both discussed this with candid honesty, and I find that really admirable.
Their close relationship with their fans emphasizes the title of their tour and adds another layer of meaning to it. Although Clyde and Gracie have literally created a family business, which makes their album and tour a fun self-aware nod, they also create a very familial atmosphere with their audience by talking about the songs in between performances. Additionally, I really enjoyed watching the chemistry they have with their band members. Although they share no blood ties with the rest of their 8-piece band, their intimacy with their other bandmates suggests that they might as well be family. They include fun videos between songs where audience members get to learn more about the band members, and the theming really leans into the fun “business” bit that makes up the tour.
About halfway into the set, Lawrence slowed it down for a few songs. They expressed gratitude for an audience that meets their more upbeat songs with an open mind in addition to cherishing their more somber tunes. The final song of the album, for example, leaves listeners with just a recording of some wise words from Lawrence’s grandpa that has been set to music. The track, which once again highlights that family aspect that exists at the forefront of the album and tour, naturally, could not be performed live. Still, the pair appreciated the audience that received it so well. Family sits at the forefront of Lawrence’s heart.
One thing that I love about a lot of live shows, and that I was delighted to find that Lawrence includes, are adjustments to an arrangement for a live audience. They performed several of their songs in an acoustic fashion, and I found the differences between the studio and live renditions of those tunes fascinating. I always find it cool to hear artists’ different interpretations of their own music, and I think that changes like these provide a big part of what make live shows so special for fans and performers alike.
During the acoustic portion of the set, the band got physically closer together onstage, with some members even sitting down. The lights dimmed, giving the concert a really warm, intimate experience — something I think Lawrence excels at. Despite the small size of the Bluestone’s stage, little could deter Lawrence’s energy — and, if anything, the coziness of the space ramped it right up.
I’m very grateful that I got to witness Lawrence live; their instrumental and vocal riffs are even more impressive live than on their studio albums; it takes a lot of control and self-preservation to be able to belt like they do for nights on end. I got a kick out of hearing some of their personal thoughts toward their songs, and I also really enjoyed seeing those that are bigger fans of the band than I am enjoy themselves. Like I said, you can really tell that they love what they do, and love the community they’ve created especially. Their sibling dynamic really pops out at times, with Clyde and Gracie often talking over each other and laughing at each others’ jokes.
If you’ve heard of Lawrence but refused to really listen to them — for whatever reason– I recommend setting whatever biases you may have aside and looking further into their discography. They are not only very talented performers, but very gracious people, and I value when it comes to performers. Their soulful and distinct style captures the many forms of love in a diverse variety of songs, and I think they’re an invaluable listen.
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