PHOTOS: Donna Missal – New York, NY 03/22/2024

Donna Missal’s “Reveling” tour stop in Brooklyn was a mesmerizing, fiery showcase of her powerhouse vocals and inspiring journey as an artist who has experienced a difficult music career in the last two years.

Missal is no stranger to New York; she was born in the city, grew up in New Jersey and lived in Brooklyn before moving to LA in 2018. Her parents were in the audience, including her musically-bent father who was a former drummer and songwriter in Manhattan.

Missal also performed earlier this year at Bowery Ballroom during a concert fundraiser for local abortion funds, and she is set to perform at Governor’s Ball this June. In sum, the loyal and eager crowd was not disappointed with a full set list of songs off Missal’s most recent album “Revel” from 2023, along with older hits from the 2018 album “This Time” and the 2020 “Lighter.”

Missal’s journey since being dropped by her label in 2022 to becoming an independent artist and then releasing her most exciting and production-heavy dance-pop record in 2023 with a supporting tour in 2024 is a story of resilience, determination and creative rebirth. After experiencing significant hardship in her career—couch surfing at friends’ places and struggling financially and emotionally— Missal chose to take charge of her career and channel her energy into a new chapter of music, leading to an artistic resurgence.

With Missal now in full control of her artistry, she delivered each note with command and confidence on the Elsewhere stage in Brooklyn. Missal’s undeniable talent shone through immediately with her powerhouse vocals in the opening song “Flicker.”

Her stunning vocal control and commanding stage presence had the audience in awe the whole show. For loyal fans who have supported her since her song “Keep Lying” caught the attention of millions of listeners in 2018, Missal took the time to interact with the crowd— crouching, kneeling, belting in front of the front row— to create an immersive experience that drew fans into her world.

The set was filled with smooth runs and riffs, high-energy dance songs like “Out of Me” and “God Complex,” slower tempo, anthemic songs like “Carefully,” and others that leaned into a more sensual sound like “sex is good (but have you tried)” and “Jupiter.”

A special moment came when Missal introduced “Bloom,” an acoustic, raw piece from her first album. The singer described how “Bloom” is about her relationship with her sister. The sweet sentiment resonated amongst her fans and her parents in the crowd as she sang with a more tender, fragile voice. Although the acoustic section of her show was short compared to her full-bodied “Revel” tracks on the setlist, it showcased her versatility and adaptability as an artist without relying too heavily on one genre or album to keep fans engaged in her music.

Missal closed the show with the hit “Keep Lying,” fully belting the lyrics during the chorus. In a full circle moment with this song, she symbolically proved to anyone who has doubted her what she has always been capable of— strong, independent, celebratory, experimental, innovative music.

Missal’s completion of her 13-stop “Reveling” tour last week in LA is also a testament to her growth as an artist and performer. Throughout change, her ability to maintain her connection with her fans through powerful, emotive music and live performances have solidified her as a must-watch artist in this new exciting chapter.