The 5 Best COLORS Performances to Binge during Quarantine
Bring the concert to your living room with these highlights from the vibrant “A COLORS Show” video series.
Written by Delaney Davis
Image courtesy of COLORS Studio
Remember when concerts were a thing? The thought of cramming like sardines into a venue and becoming well-acquainted with strangers’ sweat seems like a foreign concept now. But while concerts are on hold for the foreseeable future, that doesn’t mean the performances have to stop.
Several artists and organizations have teamed up to put on live music concerts that can be streamed from the comfort of your home. But, sometimes, livestreams just don’t fit into our schedule. Maybe you just find time zones confusing (looking at you and the down under schedule, Isol-Aid).
Luckily, there is a world of captivating pre-recorded performances at our fingertips, thanks to Beyoncé’s internet. If you’re looking for your next YouTube series obsession, look no further than the “A COLORS Show” series, hosted by COLORS Studios. The concept is simple. In each episode, an artist performs one of their tracks in a plain room painted entirely with one single, striking color. The result is a stripped-down performance that is pleasing to both the eyes and the ears.
Whether you’re looking to discover your new favorite artist or want to hear classics performed in a new way, the “A COLORS Show” series is a must-watch. Check out some standout videos down below.
Tom Misch — “It Runs Through Me”
Watch this video for an instant pick-me-up. English indie artist Tom Misch performs “It Runs Through Me,” a track from his debut album Geography, that is as sunny and bright as the video’s yellow background. The performance sounds even better than the song’s studio version, with Misch’s relaxed, live vocals bringing a new energy to the track. The Londoner showcases his musicianship with impressive guitar licks that appear almost effortless. No matter if you’re looking for something to rock out to or a chill soundtrack for when you’re getting some work done, this episode has you covered. It’s difficult not to smile during this song, and this performance is the perfect antidote for when quarantine isolation begins to become overwhelming. With almost eight million views, this “A COLORS Show” video has cemented Misch as an artist to watch.
Tierra Whack — “Unemployed”
In typical Tierra Whack fashion, the rapper makes an eye-catching statement before letting out a single verse: with a blue and orange jacket that resembles an insect body, asymmetrical neon makeup and oversized pants, she both complements and stands out against the background behind her. Her flow is equally powerful; Whack glides through each of the song’s lightning fast verses with a nonchalant swagger that shows why she was inducted into the 2019 XXL Freshman class. For those unfamiliar with her music, this performance is the perfect introduction into the quirkiness that has made the Philly rapper one of the most beloved in the genre. For those already living in Whack World, the episode serves as a reminder why they joined in the first place.
Sudan Archives — “Iceland Moss”
The green background is spot-on for this episode — not only is it a nod to “Iceland Moss,” but it matches the song’s tranquil vibe perfectly. One listen will transport you from your usual spot on your couch to a sunny field of flowers in the middle of nowhere. Sudan Archives’ voice bounces on top of the track’s soft drum beats, wrapping the listener in a warm hug. As calming as her vocals are, the song is not a passive one: “I don’t need your f---king handle / Tired of this silly dance / As I’m the special on my high out / Don’t get it twisted, this is where I stand,” Sudan defiantly coos. Beyond the lyrics, Sudan’s musicianship is front-and-center. Inspired by several African artists, such as Cameroonian electronic musician Francis Bebey and Sudanese violinist Asim Gorashi, she peppers in notes on her violin that not only mimic the song’s anger but also challenge our expectations of what R&B music is supposed to sound like.
Moses Sumney — “Cut Me”
Bold. Passionate. Luxurious. These words describe both the color red and this performance of “Cut Me” by Los Angeles singer-songwriter Moses Sumney. Backed by a band featuring a trombone, saxophones, and drums, Sumney’s performance of this græ: Part 1 track is one of the most enthralling appearances on “A COLORS Show” to date. The singer’s vocals mesh with the instruments so seamlessly that it seems impossible that Sumney and his band are performing on your computer screen and not in your own home. “Might not be / But seemingly I need / What cuts me, cuts me, cuts me / Cut me, cut me, cut me,” he belts, embodying the sense of yearning everyone is feeling during our shared quarantine experience. If you find yourself especially aching for the excitement of live music, this episode should be your go-to.
Mahalia — “Sober”
People often describe the blue family as the most calming of all the color groups, so it is no surprise that Mahlia performs her laid-back breakup jam “Sober” against a blue background in this episode. Less than 10 seconds into the video, it becomes apparent why the English R&B singer has caught the attention of the likes of Ty Dolla $ign and Russ. Her vocals prove to be the ultimate shapeshifter, morphing from light and soothing in the more sorrowful parts of the song (“This is not a song for the whole world / Felt like it could have been us against the whole world”) to gripping and forceful when she finally chides her lover (“Cuz when I wanted to be closer / You just wanted to run”). In less than four minutes, Mahalia guides the listener through a range of emotions, reminding us of our shared humanity.
With no word on when concerts will be making their long-awaited return, the world may seem bleak for music lovers. With these “A COLORS Show” videos, though, you can pass the time until you’re able to listen to these five artists (and more) in person once again.