Hi, this is who UPSAHL is. A girl from Arizona who’s trying not to care. Better known by just her last name, Taylor isn’t a pop princess – she’s a rockstar. Tour life isn’t new to her for she has shared stages with names such as Melanie Martinez, Olivia O’Brien, and this time around Madison Beer. With her world spinnin in a different city each night, she finds herself back in San Diego, ready to take the stage by storm. 

UPSAHL opening for Madison Beer at Soma Mainstage in San Diego on June 12, 2024 // Photo by Vanessa Chan

Welcomed by a stage full of equipment and a venue full of fans, the room was quick to notice how UPSAHL’s look was quite the opposite of Madison Beer’s. No white rabbits, no coquette bows, and no pleated skirts. As she strutted around the stage with knee high boots, chunky jewelry, and vibrant red hair, it became clear to me that her set was going to be drastically different from the last time I had seen her live, which was three years ago. 

UPSAHL opening for Madison Beer at Soma Mainstage in San Diego on June 12, 2024 // Photo by Vanessa Chan

“Lady Jesus” started to blast throughout the speakers of Soma Mainstage, and the crowd was quick to lean in closer towards the front, as if physically drawn into the alternative music that is UPSAHL. As she danced around the stage playing punching guitar riffs, I couldn’t help but overhear barricade baddies talk about how it was hard to tell whether it was hot in the venue, or if it was just her. There was just something so exciting about witnessing fans of Madison transition into fans of UPSAHL. 

Shuffling through more of her original songs, I know I wasn’t the only one who felt betrayed when her 20-minute set was already halfway through. “summer so hot”, a track that had been teased about on her social media platforms, began to play. Not only did this song stand out because it was an unreleased one, but because it was completely different from her typical sound. This was a fun, upbeat-pop song. As the crowd danced around, they were left buzzing with excitement for the song’s upcoming release date. 

UPSAHL opening for Madison Beer at Soma Mainstage in San Diego on June 12, 2024 // Photo by Vanessa Chan

From her stage persona, to her latest releases, it’s crystal clear UPSAHL has grown into the artist she has always dreamed of becoming. Her electrifying personality shines through her music and I’m certain it won’t be long before the world knows her last name. With the fresh announcement of her headline tour, I can’t wait for her return to San Diego, which happens to be her opening night of tour. 

UPSAHL opening for Madison Beer at Soma Mainstage in San Diego on June 12, 2024 // Photo by Vanessa Chan