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Biography
It was in 2006, whilst Watsky was studying at Emerson College in Boston, US that Watsky's poetic talents began to be realised, when he was named the 'Youth Speaks Grand Slam Poetry Champion,' as well as being named 'Brave New Voices International Poetry Slam Champion' in that same year. He became well established and widely renowned throughout the country as to his prowess at poetry slam competitions.
George Watsky tried to utilise his poetry talents and looked to forge a career in music. In 2009, he released a 15 track hip hop album, titled "Watsky." This was followed by 2010's "Guilty Pleasures," a hip hop mashup album aided by the production talents of Procrastination, the pseudonym for San Franciscan musician Tobias Butler, released online as a free download. Another mixtape, "A New kind Of Sexy" came out in 2011.
Several more mixtapes have since being released, available as free downloads. Alongside these steady stream of releases, Watsky has also collaborated with Kush Mody on a free digital album in 2012. He embarked on his first tour in April 2012, which saw him perform at American cities including Chicago, New York City, Boston and Jacksonville. Watsky also recorded a live album of his performance at Los Angeles, titled, "Live! At The Troubadour."
His 2013 album, "Cardboard Castles" helped to establish Watsky to a wider audience, growing his popularity.The album was a success, toping the ITunes Hip Hop Charts in the US, Canada and the UK. He then embarked on a US and Canada tour, followed by a European tour that went to the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands and Belgium.
Whilst performing at the Vans Warped Tour in November 2013 in London, UK, Watsky's enthusiasm perhaps got the better of him. After climbing 35ft up the stage's rigging, he jumped off it upon the audience, hoping they would catch him, but the crowd parted and he fell, injuring himself and two members of the audience, to which he publicly apologised.
Live reviews
The lines between spoken word and rap are becoming ever more blurred as artists such as Kate Tempest and George the Poet demonstrate creative ways in which to manipulate genres. San Francisco's own George Virden Watsky is another artist capitalising on the new attention given to spoken word as a genre, having publicly gained attention through television and national competitions.
Understandably there is now a growing demand to see the man live as this tends to be where poetry finds new life as it has the opportunity to breath, expand and react to the scenarios that arise during a performance. Watsky thrives in this environment, an unpredictable performer but one of immeasurable skill. He runs through a large chunk of his album 'All You Can Do' whilst reaching further back with airings of 'Seizure Boy'. The audience remains absolutely entranced, not making a single noise whilst George performs in order to allow him complete concentration before they explode in applause and cheers at the finale. The title track to the new record wraps the evening up well.
Hands down the best show I have ever experienced. His very close-knit fanbase and a family-like group of band members put the show on a whole other level of importance in peoples minds. As I have seen, many of the people who go to his concerts are the hardcore, seasoned fans of his work, but are so welcoming to newcomers and first-time show-comers. I also feel that these fans that come to his shows are seasoned fans that are familiar with his work, and understands he is a person, not just an idol or god-like figure. This, again, creates much more of a family-like bond wiht the fans, rather than a god-like relationship. His band members are also some of the most incredible performers I have ever witnessed. They all knew what they were doing, but also made it seem like they were normal people, just like us in the crowd. The participation between artist and crowd was also incredible. For all thee reasons, I feel this show was not only incredible and life-altering but also unforgettable.
Honestly loved the show, Feed the Biirds was a great opener, Camila Recchio and Kush Mody were so lovely and had some great music. Kush Mody was mad good at guitar and the keyboard and Camila's voice is always amazing. Chudwuki Hodge had some excellent things to say and some pretty great beats. Everyone was full of energy and Watsky mooned the crowd during Don't Be Nice's "ww.kisswatskysgluteusmaximus.com" line which was incredibly amusing. At the end of the show when everyone was cheering for Watsky to come back on stage for an encore, Kush Mody came out and did the Macarena because he lost a game of Odds. Lots of crowd surfing from Watsky and the Wounded Healer / Sarajevo and Whoa Whoa Whoa / Bet Against Me mashups were spectacular. This was my first Watsky show and I look forward to more in the future!
This concert, and Watsky and Kaye Jack, one of his opening acts, in particular, were the best I've seen in a very long time.
Highlights of the show were Watsky's vocalist, Camila Recchio, performing her own music and channeling Janis Joplin, Watsky's bassist, also performing his own work, and Watsky performing with Kaye Jack.
The crowd was louder and more enthusiastic than I've ever seen at Baltimore soundstage, and rightly so. Watsky is an amazing performer. Everyone had smiles on their faces and all ages and types were up and dancing.
The musicians, including the ones mentioned above, were major-act quality or better.
This show should not be missed.
KYLE and Anderson Paak opened for Watsky. They were great openers - definitely got the crowd going. But let's be real. We were all there for Watsky. And he killed it!! Wonder Ballroom was a great venue. Not too big and surprisingly it didn't get suffocating or supper sweaty. Yes, it was still warm/hot, but not to the point that it was uncomfortable. Best part? There are no barriers between the audience and the stage! I touched Watsky straight up and all of the musical artists there crowd surfed at one point or another.
Watsky's band ceases to amaze me. I've seen him about 4 or 5 times now and he and his band get tighter and put on a better show each and every time. If you're on the edge about purchasing tickets, DO NOT HESITATE. BUY THEM. You will be sorry that you missed out if you don't buy them. Watsky and his crew make a great atmosphere for anyone and everyone, spreading good affirmations and making everyone feel comfortable no matter who you are. I will never miss a Watsky show when he comes to my area.
Watsky has amazing charisma and presence on stage. He always gives it his fullest and it transposes to his audience.
I have seen him five times now, and he always makes a point to make each of his shows different. At the end of each show, he'll stay with his audience as long as it takes to sign autographs and takes photos, and he'll often share a beer with his fans.
He is very humble and easy to talk to. It is always a great experience.
The show was so fucking good I still can't believe it, Watsky is amazing live and I hope he'll come back to Sweden again! After the show he came out and greeted all his fans and chatted with everyone, mad respect on that! The only thing that could have made it better was if he would have performed "stick to your guns" other than that, perfekt show, 10/10.
The crowd was full of energy from start to finish, the three opening acts were spectacular and knew how to hype a crowd. The Halloween-based shenanigans were a great treat, and were like icing on the cake. The pre-show book reading was nice since there was the goodies and meet and greet, and it was nice to see Watsky outside of his music.
It was one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long long time. It was a really small, intimate venue and we were able to get front row. The atmosphere was amazing because the fans there were so friendly, and because Watsky brings so much energy to his performance. We got to meet him after the show 10/10 I recommend