Garrett Borns, commonly known as BØRNS, is a singer and songwriter from Michigan. He appeared in the music scene with his first EP, A Dream Between, back in 2012 and released his debut album three years later titled Dopamine.
Some of BØRNS’ best known singles are Seeing Stars, Electric Love, and American Money. He recently released two new singles, Faded Heart and Sweet Dreams, from his upcoming album which is set to release in early 2018. I personally have been a fan of BØRNS ever since I stumbled across him on Spotify and have admired his magical melodies and mystical tunes from the second I heard them.
The Faded Heart singer announced his Fall tour back in August. Each venue that he was scheduled to play at was very intimate. When I was able to land tickets for his Brooklyn show, I was beyond ecstatic! I didn’t know what to expect from this show. I didn’t know what to expect from BØRNS. Were doves going to start flying mid-performance? Was I going to float into the clouds during his performance of ‘Holy Ghost’?
I didn’t know what to expect from that particular venue either. The venue, Baby’s All Right, was located in Williamsburg, and it had the capacity of only 280 people! 280 people, wow. I have never attended a concert with such intimacy. How early do I have to line up? Even if I end up in the back, will I still be able to see him? All of these questions raced through my mind with excitement flowing through my veins.
The show took place on Oct. 20, 2017. The stars were shining brightly and they were anticipating the arrival of BØRNS. I got to the venue around 6:45 p.m., and the line was already shaped like a worm with its curves of people. The venue was very unique; not only was it a venue, it was also a restaurant, and the stage was inside the restaurant in a separate room.
While waiting in line to get into the stage area, two sweet girls asked if I could take a picture of them. After taking their picture, a light voice said: “excuse me.” I turned around to move out of the way, and Garrett Borns walked right passed me. As he walked past me with his electric smile and his luscious locks, my jaw dropped to the floor, and I was frozen by a wave of enthrallment. I hadn’t been at the place for more than 15 minutes, and I was already amazed. I certainly wasn’t prepared for the astonishing performance BØRNS was going to deliver later into the evening!
Credit: Samantha Merzel
BØRNS took the stage around 9:00 p.m. and opened up with his enchanting song Past Lives. He walked out in a black long sleeve button up that was decorated in gleaming rhinestones. The minute he came on that stage, each audience member was captivated to the greatest extent. His high notes were filled with hypnotizing sublimity. If you think his vocals are astounding when listening to the studio version of his songs, then you certainly aren’t aware of the ecstasy that will flow through your veins hearing him sing live.
He sang a total of 12 songs including an unreleased song and a cover of Frank Ocean’s Ivy. It was an extremely intimate show, and he treated us like his friends. He introduced each song in a unique way, hinting to the audience which song would be next. Each time he hinted which song would be next, the audience broke out in roars of excitement.
My favorite performance of the night was his performance of Electric Love. He electrified each fan with his euphoric energy. Intoxicating every single one of us with his blissful vocals and guitar strings, we were all singing along with him. That song alone gave me one of the greatest concert experiences, ever.
After BØRNS finished Electric Love, he tried to fool us all by leaving the stage and “ending” the concert, only to return to wish us sweet dreams. He closed the show with his latest single Sweet Dreams and sang his heart out with his heavenly vocals. As the show ended, the audience shouted and showed their love for him. It was truly an incredible experience.
BØRNS puts on a wonderful show that will have you reliving it in your head the next day. His vocals, his music, his energy and his outfits dazzle you with delight and bewitch your soul to a whole other level of astonishment. A BØRNS concert is something you will want to experience.
