The evening was off to a rocky start when a delay kept students waiting outside for nearly an hour after doors were set to open. But the impressive setting inside Schoenberg Hall made it worth the wait. The auditorium transformed from a lecture hall to a nightclub, complete with flashing lights and a DJ.
Turnout was somewhat small, creating a more intimate atmosphere. But the DJ, Tempest, quickly raised energy in the crowd. Excitement built as she announced the five raffle winners, who received tickets for the Stream Live EmpowHER Festival on May 10. Amindi’s show was a prequel to this festival, which features a lineup that includes Kehlani and Normani and aims to “create a brand that really cares about championing and highlighting women,” according to Stream Live Artist and Brand coordinator Eashan Patel.
“The lineup is so sick. I’m grateful to be considered and even get to play the appetizer version of that,” said Amindi, the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter whose sound blends indie, R&B and hip hop.
As soon as Amindi took the stage, it was clear why she was receiving this recognition.
Amindi opened the show with two songs from her EP, “Luvr,” which she described as a “step into the feminine direction.” She flipped through a small notebook with a setlist she curated herself that included “telly,” “CYCLOPS,” “Lockjaw” and closed with “outro” from her album “Take What You Need.”
Not only did Amindi demonstrate an impressive vocal range and command of her sound, but she also dominated the stage with a strong stage presence and effortless confidence. She playfully engaged with a dancing and applauding audience, who seemed to be enjoying listening to the music almost as much as Amindi was enjoying performing it.
Amindi also played the career-changing song she released at just 17, “Pine & Ginger,” which has over 20 million streams on Spotify. But there was a twist.
“I feel like I’m older and I wanted a version of that song that reflected my current sound. So I had my friend Henry reproduce it in a more rock and alternative way that felt more in alignment with who I am now,” she said of her performance of the hit.
She described a “sense of relaxedness” and a “sense of lyricism,” in her current sound influenced by her connection to LA and Jamaica. Amindi also reflected on her musical journey.
“Focus on self-improvement so that your art can be the best representation of who you are,” she said.
The concert was an opportunity for UCLA students to witness a rising star, but it was also a chance for students to learn about what it’s like to work in the music industry. The Stream Live team, which also provides opportunities for students to learn about careers in music, worked in collaboration with the UCLA Music Industry Students Association to put on this event.
“We’re here to give back to the student body,” said Patel, who expressed hopes to continue a partnership with the music community at UCLA.
The future is bright for the student-driven arts scene at UCLA, and so is Amindi’s.
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