REVIEW: GIVING INTO THE LOVE with AURORA at FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL
Originally Written for Future Mag
Returning to Australia after two years, Norwegian artist Aurora takes her audience on an emotional journey with her What Happened To The Earth? Part 4 tour, based on her recent album release ‘What happened to the heart?”
Two years ago, at Aurora’s last Brisbane concert I sat amidst the buzz of the crowd, in tears as I watched the ethereal siren song of Aurora float through the crowd, lifting our sorrows and pain—if only for one night. Now, two years later, I stood in the photo pit, capturing the set of an artist who has long held a special place in my heart. (And I was still an emotional mess)
To no one’s surprise—least of all my own—the moment Aurora stepped out of the darkness, I shattered. A tidal wave of emotion crashed over me, more intense and surreal than anything I’ve ever experienced. A small self-pep-talk and I pulled myself back together, getting lost in capturing the first three songs of her set.
Afterwards, I sat side stage next to another reviewer, tucked in a quiet dark corner next to the backstage door, with a direct eyeline view to Aurora. I could now watch from a distance, a crowd I had once been a part of- and witness firsthand the emotional grip she had on the room.
I sat, and I sobbed, away from judgement and prying eyes, I felt safe, wrapped in the comfort of her words, her songs, and the unspoken connection with those around me who felt the same. I cried for wounds I didn’t know hurt, I cried with joy, a rush of so many emotions overwhelming me.
I watched from my little bubble, observing the buzz of the diverse crowd; young people experiencing their first concert- ridden with anxiety and excitement. Older women twirling and dancing together, couples embracing in an early Valentines Day celebration, others alone healing traumas of their past, or celebrating how far they’ve come.
The witches, the weird, the whimsical, united for one night under the full moon.
Despite her soft, ethereal, forest-nymph-like presence, Aurora commanded the stage with an iron grip on our hearts and souls. There was a quiet but undeniable power in the way she moved, a free-spirited dance you couldn’t help but move along to.
As she sang, the crowd became a single entity, our voices rising in unison, an echo of battle cries reverberating through the venue. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a cathartic release, a shared exorcism of pain, love, and longing. In that moment, Aurora wasn’t just performing—she was leading us, guiding us through a world of sorrow and hope, where we could all find solace, if only for a little while.
She dedicated songs to the Children of Syria, Sudan, Congo, and Palestine, brought out a pride flag and spoke on the importance of our diversity, our differences that make us human.
Aurora’s concerts are truly like no live performance I’ve ever been to. It’s a celebration of our differences, the magic of being human, of feeling. What Happened To The Earth? managed to outdo its processor tour from two years ago,
in pure magical and ethereal atmosphere and the unity Aurora creates amongst fans, and I am so proud and grateful to have been given the chance to not only be a part of this incredible community, but capture the magic too.
