Alternative indie singer-songwriter, Kimya Dawson, assembled a last-minute outdoor concert on Oct. 26 in preparation for a Moldy Peaches reunion at the “Meet Me in the Bathroom” premiere on Oct. 27.
The Moldy Peaches were an active band from 1994 to 2004, but their popularity rose again later in the 2000s due to their song “Anyone Else but You” being featured in the 2007 film “Juno.” Dawson’s solo music was also heavily featured in the soundtrack. However, the show on Oct. 27 was the first Moldy Peaches performance since 2011.
“Meet Me in the Bathroom” is an upcoming documentary about the indie music scene in the early 2000s, releasing on Nov. 8 in theaters and Nov. 25 on Showtime. Both Dawson and the other half of the Moldy Peaches anti-folk duo, Adam Green, are featured in the film.
Dawson announced via Instagram on Oct. 20 that they were putting together an eleventh-hour outdoor show with their friend and fellow musician, Ezra Michels. The following day, the location was revealed through a hand drawn poster along with another musical guest, Hey, King! Donations of $15-$20 were suggested, but it was heavily emphasized that no one would be turned away for lack of funds.
Hawkeye Ranch, the venue of the night, was a working ranch, complete with horses and a barn owned by the members of Hey, King!, Natalie London and her partner Taylor Plecity. The outdoor venue was crucial to Dawson as their Aunt Vanessa could not attend the “Meet Me in the Bathroom” premiere, due to the fact that she is immunocompromised and has cancer.
Not one to relish in the spotlight, Dawson opened the night by expressing worry for the upcoming movie premiere the following night, representing a music scene they never felt they belonged in. Dawson said Hawkeye Ranch was their “dream venue” to their adoring fans who sprawled out on blankets across the dirt.
Notable for their candid lyrics and almost out-of-tune guitar strums, Dawson made their way through their eclectic repertoire with a little bit of audience help every time their lyrics escaped them.
“Is that how it goes?” they asked their audience, who gladly chimed in to help them remember. “But isn’t there something before that?”
With the curtains and lighting removed and without the production quality of many concerts, Dawson allowed the audience into their world. Sitting while they played to lower themself to the same level, it was almost as if they were friends with the people before them.
Dawson also sang their biggest, well-known hits, including “The Beer” and “Tree Hugger.” Toward the end of their show, Dawson brought out their child, Panda, whom they referred to as their “spawn,” to sing with them. Together, they harmonized to “Anyone Else but You,” in a heartwarming duet that satisfied the crowd’s nostalgia for the iconic song, followed by a duet to “I Like Giants” with Michels.
Dawson concluded their set with a rendition of “Loose Lips,” accompanied by all of the other artists from the night, including Panda. One of her most popular songs, the audience joined in, loudly singing the most repeated line from the song and title of her 2006 album “Remember That I Love You” to finish off the night.
In tune with social issues and using their platform to spread messages of community, Dawson promotes inclusivity and relatability with their lyrics, standing up for various disadvantaged communities and speaking up for the voiceless. Oftentimes, the words are straightforward without underlying or concealed implications, setting them apart from many other artists.
They tell it like it is, honestly and boldly, which makes their message that much more powerful. From ballads filled with optimism and childlike humor to tunes piled with existential dread and heartache, Dawson demonstrates their ability to be vulnerable and touch an audience with transparency.
Lillian Dunn is an Entertainment staff writer. She can be reached at lbdunn@uci.edu.