Rowena Wise Mesmerizes LA Crowd in Intimate Debut at Permanent Records Roadhouse

Written by: Aranzta Pulido

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Photo From Artist's Facebook

After months of obsessing with Rowena Wise’s single Indifferent, I finally got the chance to see the Australian live and up close at her first show in Los Angeles. Not only was this her first LA show, but she also mentioned how it was her first time headlining and brought in the talented Mimi Gilbert to open up the

show for her. The duo blew away the crowd at Permanent Records Roadhouse with their stunning, hypnotic vocals and intimate atmosphere that heightened the vulnerability in the room, creating a strong first impression for those seeing the artists live for the first time.

Wise opened the show with her single Nobody’s Savior, followed by her most popular track Indifferent, and immediately hooked the crowd with an acoustic rendition of the songs, as she stood on stage by herself and her guitar. While she did not have the time to play every song from her debut album Senseless Acts of Beauty (2024), she made up for it by playing new songs and a duet version of her single We Are Nothing with Mimi Gilbert (which I couldn’t believe they hadn’t practiced beforehand). Every instance of the show felt genuine as she told some personal stories to introduce some of the tracks and used some puns that made my friends and I look at each other since we knew what song she would play next, which almost felt like an inside joke as a reward for being fans of the singer.

Leaving the show felt like leaving Rowena’s house. The entire show felt so intimate, vulnerable, and so comfortable while everyone enjoyed the performances and listened attentively. I couldn’t leave without a souvenir, therefore, I got a signed CD for the sweet memory that will forever be in my mind. It felt so rewarding seeing everyone around me enjoying themselves under the red lights and surrounded by records, just watching Rowena Wise perform. I’m expecting the show to stay with me forever since it also made me fall in love with the venue. It was a pleasure, and I am excited to see what Rowena Wise decides to do next after such an incredible album.