Oso Oso: "I Hope Coming to a Rock Show Helped Cheer You Up"

Last updated on December 17th, 2021 at 02:51 am

Long Island, New York natives Oso Oso headlined their own tour this year, traveling throughout the United States with Dogleg, Future Teens, The Sidekicks, and Minnesota locals Niiice. Oso Oso’s frontman, Jade Lilitri, was formerly the vocalist in State Lines and has been able to develop in his career and release his newest album, Basking in the Glow, under Triple Crown Records.

Just last year, Oso Oso was one of the openers for The Wonder Years‘ 2018 tour and has since been able to generate a strong following by touring for most of 2018 and 2019 and working hard to headline their own tour.

Minnesota local, Niiice. performing in Burnsville, MN.

Lilitri’s musicality has matured since his days in State Lines and even his first songs under Oso Oso. Hearing that growth is truly something to appreciate. Bands like Gleemer, Mom Jeans, Taking Back Sunday and Hot Mulligan could be easily paired with Oso Oso, leaving Lilitri an artist to watch out for.

Niiice. opened for Oso Oso last night and left me contemplating who my new favorite band for the fall would be. This Minneapolis band has a mature sound and, with more tour dates coming up around the U.S., they are sure to cause a ripple in the music scene.

The vocalist of Dogley performing on tour with Oso Oso.

It was heartwarming to see that Jade Lilitri and numerous other musicians from the evening came out to cheer on Niiice. during their performance. Showing support for the local bands that open for your set helps create a supportive atmosphere where numerous artists are able to grow and create. It is a humbling reminder of how small beginnings can lead to bigger things in the future.

Dogleg, Future Teens and The Sidekicks followed as the evening went on. I couldn’t help but realize how tight a lineup this tour had and how well each band’s sound and talent fit together with one another. Each band had its own unique stage presence and style and it was a joy to watch friends making music with each other and genuinely having a good time performing.

The bassist of Future Teens during their final song of the evening.

When Oso Oso came to the stage to end the night, the positive energy that had been building exploded as fans danced and sang along. Oso Oso’s set was technically proficient and energetic. Each musician was focused on proficiency while also having fun and smiling with each other throughout the set.

Before Oso Oso played their final songs, Lilitri thanked everyone for taking the time to come to The Garage on a “Bluesday Tuesday” and said, “I hope coming to a rock show helped cheer you up today.”

Vocalist of Sidekicks before jumping out into the crowd.

Seeing an artist who cares about their fans’ well-being and safety is heartwarming. Each band wrote and sang about everyday struggles and the raw side of human emotion and it’s comforting to see a community of people come together to share their experiences.

Leaving Burnsville last night, I felt a deeper appreciation for the artists I was fortunate enough to see perform and was definitely cheered up by the atmosphere and overall display of musicality and human emotion that was present.