Katie Gavin Shines Bright During Opening Set at the LA's Greek Theatre

On a breezy Los Angeles night at the Greek Theatre, Katie Gavin — known to most as the magnetic frontwoman of beloved indie-pop band MUNA — stepped confidently into the spotlight on her own, delivering a gorgeous, heartfelt set in support of her new solo album, What A Relief. As the opener for Lucy Dacus, Gavin transformed what might’ve been a simple warm-up set into a luminous, captivating performance that left a lasting impression on the crowd.

From the moment she took the stage, it was clear this was a different side of Katie Gavin — not completely detached from the shimmering, synth-fueled anthems of MUNA, but more vulnerable, earthy, and exploratory. What A Relief is a record of emotional excavation, and live, those songs came alive with warmth and clarity. Gavin’s voice — already one of the most expressive in indie pop — sounded nothing short of phenomenal, effortlessly navigating from intimate, breathy verses to soaring, cathartic choruses.

Her backing band was tight and beautifully understated, giving the songs plenty of space to breathe while adding rich textures that felt perfectly at home beneath the towering pines of the Greek. Standouts included “Casual Drug Use” and “Sweet Abby Girl”, which shimmered under dusky stage lights as Gavin’s vocals floated above a gentle guitar line.

The audience, many of whom arrived early for Lucy Dacus, quickly tuned into Gavin’s wavelength. What began as polite applause after the opening song soon swelled into an enthusiastic, attentive crowd, hanging on every lyric and cheering the kind of in-between-song banter that made it feel like a conversation among friends. It was a testament to both Gavin’s songwriting and her natural charisma — she made a large amphitheater feel like a cozy club room.

By the end of her set, it was hard to believe this was a debut solo tour stop. Katie Gavin carried herself like a seasoned solo headliner, balancing vulnerability and strength with a grace that captivated even those who’d come primarily for the main act. The Greek can be a daunting venue for an opener, but Gavin made it her own for nearly 40 magical minutes.

As the final notes faded and the crowd roared, one thing was clear: while we’ll always love MUNA, Katie Gavin’s solo chapter is one we’ll be following closely. This wasn’t just a great opening set — it was a quiet, gorgeous declaration of independence. And it was a privilege to witness it.