WASHINGTON D.C. — Blake Rose headlined Songbyrd Music House for a night of sweet, wholesome love songs in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

Oregon-raised and Nashville-living, Max McNown took the crowd on what felt like a stroll through Austin, Texas to open the night of dreamy love songs. With a subtle gravel to his voice, country twang, and yearning for something bigger than himself, Max McNown gave Taylor Swift a run for her money in The Tortured Poets Department. McNown showed off some whistling prowess to support his mature country vocals, and set up a night of singing love songs to the young 20s crowd there to see headliner Blake Rose. 

McNown played mostly originals, including his hit “A Lot More Free,” while also covering Noah Kahan’s “Dial Drunk” — a cover that felt effortless, natural, and brought the crowd singing together. That wasn’t the only time the crowd joined in unison, as even the intermission at Songbyrd Music House was a wholesome entertaining feat, with an impromptu sing along to Taylor’s Swift’s “Love Story.” 

From singing, playing keyboard, to even playing the drums, Australian artist Blake Rose fired on all cylinders. Most of his set was filled with cool, easy, dreamy pop love songs like “Lost,” “Never Let Go,” and “Ordinary People.” 

After building trust with the audience, he took a moment to slow it down to play an acoustic set of “Gone” while standing on a raised platform in the middle of the crowd. He noted this piece started as a love song but turned existential from the perspective of not wanting to regret anything. You could hear a pin drop, with everyone giving their attention to the curly haired man in the middle of the room.

This was Rose’s first headline tour, named after his latest EP release “Suddenly Okay.” His music gives Ed Sheeran, Adam Levine, and peak indie pop TikTok vibes in a way that’s as wholesome as a One Direction concert.

You can stay up to date with everything Blake Rose by visiting his website.