Over 15 years after releasing her hit single “Foundations,” Kate Nash is still going strong. This summer, the platinum-selling recording artist and actress released her highly anticipated fifth album, 9 Sad Symphonies. The LP’s themes of resilience, hope, and connection translated into an empowering live performance at Somerville’s Crystal Ballroom on Tuesday. The performance began as soon as the lights dimmed, with her band strutting out and interacting with the crowd. They drank tea and tossed flowers into the audience, setting the theatrical tone for the night. The lights strobed, and Nash emerged in a flowy white dress with a brown flower pattern, fishnet tights, and Mary Jane heels to an eager audience. She dove into the opening track of her new album, “Millions of Heartbeats.” The lyrical material explores persistence in the face of hardships, a personal story for Nash, who spent 12 years self-releasing (and crowd-funding) her last two albums after parting ways with Universal Music. 

Nash paused before the song “Misery” to deliver a hopeful speech about her journey to her new label, the indie stalwart Kill Rock Stars. She discussed how her boundaries and self-confidence led her to this tour and this night. Her candid vulnerability is no doubt how she accrued such loyal fans, who were already passionately singing along to every track. Nash held the energy high, creating a memorable night for lifelong fans and new ones. If you haven’t already, make sure to catch Nash live before her North American tour concludes in November. Buy tickets here.

Check out all of Samantha’s photos from the show below.