For those that have not caught onto the queer singer from Horten, Norway, Marie Ulven Ringheim began writing bedroom pop and released the music independently in 2018 under the lowercase name of girl in red. After being signed to Columbia Records, her debut major label album I'm Doing It Again Baby! brought her out on the road to feature new songs on an already impressive set list from previous EPs.
It was not the first time this talented musician had performed in the Windy City after selling out Metro Chicago and captivating the crowd at Lollapalooza last year. Marie had also played the Aragon as an opener for The Killer back in 2021, which she mentioned later in the set, and later opened for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, although not in Chicago.
A trans flag waved right up in the front, and signs were held high depicting her face and messages. She commented about the hard work of laminating signage in support of her fan's efforts. Like many LGBTQ+ artists, this was a safe space for all who held a ticket, and many patrons were comfortable with public affection that evening at the all-ages show.
The group started off with the title track from the new record and continued with "bad idea." After thunderous applause and loud screaming, she followed that up with the popular song "girls." The lyrics resonated with those surrounding the stage, with a singalong of "They're so pretty it hurts. I'm not talking 'bout boys. I'm talking 'bout girls." This created an empowering chant and reaffirmation of pure queer joy for her loyal followers. It's why Marie deserved her GLAAD nomination as Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist in 2022.
Red's meteoric rise to fame has been well earned in a short time, with strategic live shows such as this one and last Friday's release of the Talking Heads' tribute "Girlfriend Is Better" which is sure to expand her brand.
She mixed in past favorites like "I'll Call You Mine" and "Rue" with new numbers like "Pick Me" and "Ugly Side." Nothing seemed out of place or awkward except for the enthusiastic fans who experienced fainting a few times, forcing Marie to stop the show and check on them. Security and paramedics moved swiftly to several people's aid to remedy their conditions. The venue pumped in cold air as much as possible to combat the rising temperatures in the area that Saturday night.
One adoring fan presented Marie with a tiara which she wore off and on, describing it as "perfect" for her mental health. She sat down at a red piano that was rotated to perform the heartfelt "I'm Back."
She gushed about the viral response of "October Passed Me By" and paired it with its sequel "we fell in love in october," before presenting the new tune "Phantom Pain." She described her vision of having more special effects and high-wire acts but was limited by the venue. She joked about it being from "the 1600s and medieval."
Her banter was charming as she spoke on a variety of topics, and her honesty is a vital part of seeing her concerts. She noticed the smell of weed, which brought her to "a night to remember." Marie confessed to having to explain to her mom that the song is about leaving the room when white powder is presented. She lectured others about the dangers of cocaine and how she had never tried it.
Her workout included running down into the crowd to be up close and personal, then returning to the stage, removing her jacket and singing "Serotonin." She played "dead girl in the pool." even though the song is shrouded in controversy.
She asked for volunteers to sing for the Sabrina Carpenter collaboration "You Need Me Now?" to no avail, and then sang the haunting song about Hannah, "i wanna be your girlfriend."
Thanks to another stellar live show in Chicago, girl in red follows a career trajectory that makes the project one to watch well into the future. She did it again, Baby!
girl in red carries on to Canada while moving into May. Keep up with Marie at http://worldinred.com.