WASHINGTON D.C. — Giggles and shouts cascade through the basement of Union Stage as audience members attempt to interact with Matt Watson during his show July 12, 2023.

The YouTube-channel and podcast host’s fourth stop on his 15 show tour was in the nation’s capital, where he was joined by Nelward and Ben Beal.

Watson, who is known for his work on the gaming and sketch comedy channel SuperMega, released his first non-comedic music project in 2020. Since then, he has released one EP and one album.

Nelward and Beal did well on warming the crowd up for the headliner by taking requests or having call-and-response chants. The show seemed special for Beal, saying this show was almost like his homecoming show as he is a University of Maryland-College Park alumnus.

Watson took the stage soon after the openers. He successfully combined the comedy he is known for with his indie-electronic almost dreamlike sound, delivering a concert I am sure fans will remember for a lifetime. It was obvious that the audience was itching to interact with the star throughout this intimate concert, by attempting to give him gifts like a kazoo, bracelets, sunglasses or even filming him on their Nintendo DSi. Watson made sure not to disappoint fans and kept the silly interactions going, even asking one fan to borrow their inhaler.

I am sure there is a huge difference in performing in front of a camera versus in front of a live audience, but there was no way you could tell that this was not Watson’s usual format. The concert was delightful and ran smoothly, and I look forward to seeing the funny YouTube man take on a bigger stage in the future.