Cameron Whitcomb brings his Kingdom of Fear Tour to The Wiltern

It feels like only a few months ago - but has actually been about two years - when I first heard about Cameron Whitcomb; I was doomscrolling and I came across this up and coming artist who just so happened to have a sponsored post. I found myself almost scrolling right past, but the beat, emotion, and general message brought me right back. The song was "Quitter," and it hit me like a brick. As the saying goes, "did you at least kiss the brick before throwing it?"

Anyway, regarding the actual show, I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew I was going to enjoy the music, but it's impossible to predict whether the performance was going to be a slower performance - or that of something electric and magnetic. As the openers came and went, one thing was clear, we were in for a good time. That said, each act was entirely different from the last. I think that's what made this whole lineup a little odd - but in the best of ways.

Liam St. John - who I was already familiar with - came on stage and let his strong, sulky voice take over the room. He has this folk-y, blues-y, Americana rock sound that just envelops your world.

Next up we had nep. While I was not familiar with her work, her live performance had hints of indie with some of her slower songs. But, when she would transition to some of her "harder-hitting" songs, she would completely switch the flow of the room.

Last but not least, the man of the hour, Cameron Whitcomb hit the stage. To no surprise, as the curtains opened and the music slowed, the crowd briefly went silent before completely erupting into a deafening cheer. And, just as I stated in the beginning, as he played those hard hitting songs that first got me oh-so hooked, I felt the emotions welling up inside. Though, this time I was not alone in the sentiment. Regardless of which way you turned, you could see people singing their hearts out. Individuals of all different kinds and walks of life all expressing their own frustrations and battles in the only way they could.

That's the beauty of Cameron's music - and being able to enjoy his musical genius in a live setting - it lets your heart take control for the night and gives it a physical embodiment so that we don't let these emotions well up and blow up at inopportune times. The other genius of his music is that a decent amount of it is backed by these upbeat tracks. It shows that growing pains aren't something that we necessarily have to mourn over, but rather, growing pains are inevitable and a crucial part to our betterment.

I couldn't have asked for a better, more emotional performance. And although I said that the lineup seemed a bit odd, I think Whitcomb was a great way to tie in both of the opening acts. He has that folk-country / Americana sound, but he was also able completely turn the tides with his faster, more upbeat melodies - that still had dark experiences guised behind deep cut lyrics/messages. Cameron Whitcomb is a beacon of light for those that struggle, and I hope nothing but the best for him - hopefully reaching to more than just of those in need.