NFV Song Spotlight: Halo Kitsch's i was a virgin (on drugs)

I first came across Halo Kitsch at a WFNM in November 2021. I was blown away by the set. Since that time, I've tried to catch a set as often as possible. I've learned that she loves to use parentheses in her song titles such as "i was a virgin (on drugs)" or her current biggest hit on Spotify "All (Your) Fault" and many others. I also learned that she got fascinated with the word daisy cutter and finally was able to include it in her song "i was a virgin (on drugs)."  

Halo Kitsch at Broadway Night Lights

On October 12, 2024, another opportunity to catch her set popped up via Broadway Night Lights street festival. Five blocks of Broadway in DTLA were closed down for the festival. I obviously went there to catch Halo Kitsch, but another draw was exploring the historic downtown theaters. The Million Dollar, Palace, and Los Angeles Theaters were open to the public. The places were filled with people exploring every corner of the theaters. I noticed some opening up doors that probably were not meant to be open. A too much info fact is that those theaters had functioning bathrooms, which meant that you didn't need to use the portable toilets -- a fact I figured out later. The theaters are fascinating. I can't believe I've lived in Los Angeles for all these years and never taken the time to explore these theaters.

Halo Kitsch at Broadway Night Lights

Halo Kitsch was playing the LA Stage run by NextFest. She came out on stage wearing glasses that gave her a college student look. She soon ditched the glasses that turned her into a rock star as she danced and kicked her way across the stage. "For now I've got your attention," she told the enthusiastic crowd. It didn't take long for someone to approach me and ask who was up on stage. That's the nice thing about street festivals, people walking up and down the street and coming across a band or singer who catches their attention. She put on a set that lasted just under 45 minutes. It was a joy seeing her take total command of the stage over a 12 song set -- normally I've seen 30 minute sets. With a street festival where people can easily just move along, the crowd only grew larger as the set continued. The energy during those 45 minutes did not subside, but continued at a high level.  

Halo Kitsch at Broadway Night Lights

What's my one complaint about the set? LOL, as a photographer, I love it when there are bright lights on stage. Whenever someone working the lights asks me my opinion on how bright the lights should go, I say the brighter the better. At some point, there is too much of a good thing. I swear the lights on this stage was like the sun was blasting and if someone had asked for my opinion I would have said for perhaps the first time ever, "Please hit the dim switch."   

Halo Kitsch at Broadway Night Lights

What's my favorite Halo Kitsch song? "i was a virgin (on drugs)." I love the dance rock beats that open up the song that then explode with heavy drum beats and her rapid fire beat poetry singing. Those lyrics and vocals show a level of distain for someone who took advantage of a young girl, "Cause nobody noticed me in junior high."  

I was a virgin on drugs
Didn’t know what they were, didn’t know who I was
I would’ve done a lot for your love, your love
Your love is so corrupt

Inside a Historic DTLA Theater

Setlist: (Un)even, I Am in an Emotional Coma, I Knew Not To (Fall for You), (momma said) not the rockstar, hollywood*starlette, Gross! (I think I'm in Love), i was a virgin (on drugs), Daddy's Girl, Arsenic, All (Your) Fault, Shit B/W Ur Teeth, (Wasted) on the Moon.