Doechii’s Amsterdam Debut : Doechii Shares her Pre-Show Ritual and Why She Thinks People Connect With her Music

Doechii has easily become one of the most sought-after and intriguing artists paving the way for the next generation of rap. From signing to TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment), the modern day equivalent of Def Jam in the 2000’s with a roster from the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q, to selling out her first headline European tour, Doechii is building the necessary foundation to establish herself as a powerhouse in the music industry.  Jumping off the back of the success from her latest mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, Doechii announced a string of tour dates to accompany the piece.

Doechii performed at the Bitterzoet, Amsterdam, which holds 400 people. The crowd may have been small in size, but was mighty in volume and energy. Going from larger crowds to smaller crowds can be challenging especially looking at it from a technical point of view but also energetically and finding the rhythm with different crowds and cultures. However, Doechii is unbothered and unfazed.

“I mean for me it’s so natural, and there’s not much to balance. I love to perform and I love to travel. I love working and I love my job. And a note for my fans, I love you guys and I’ll see you guys soon.”

She opened the sold out show to her infamously satirical track, ‘BOOM BAP’, draped in the latest Wales Boner x Adidas collaboration and Miu Miu heels, before tossing her heels to the side and giving the track its justice by embodying it barefoot going back and forward with the crowd.

The tour design was innovative in its ability to incapsulate an earthy, organic feel. The missing presence of visuals using a digital screen helped keep this peace and tranquility throughout the show. Additionally, the use of plants, and carpets really made the audience feel this natural and necessary vision Doechii had in mind for this tour, which fits the general aesthetic of her latest project.

Doechii took the audience through a trail of eras and emotions throughout the entirety of the set. Sweeping from oldies in her catalogue like ‘Black Girl Memoir’ all the way up to her newer works like ‘Death Roll’. She was able to embody different feelings ranging from the rawness of ‘Sundays Best’ to the confident energy of ‘GFTO’.

"I mean it wasn't intentional", Doechii states, referring to why she's able to garner such a diverse and enthusiastic crowd. "I think that because I'm being so honest in my music, that anybody can relate to it. No matter where you're from, who you are or what you look like and I want to continue to do that".

She remained focused throughout the show, determined to give it her all and leave everything she has to offer for the spectators. Speaking about her process of her pre-show ritual and what gets her ready to leave it all our there, she explained, ‘it’s simple’.

“Water. Pictures. Prayer.”

With the show drawing near to end, Doechii performed some of her hits such as her global hit ‘What It Is’. Doechii also took the time of her set to acknowledge the presence of her fans and to thank them for the never-ending support before encouraging them to be unapologetically themselves.

She wrapped up the show with the title track ‘ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL’, a perfect symbolisation for the album and allowing the body of work to come full circle. Doechii spoke candidly to us after the show, explaining the formulation about what goes into making decisions for her tour such as the setlist.

“I think it’s all about energy and the vibe. I wanna come out with a bang, then you know, I want to get a little intimate and end on a really high note. That’s how I organise my setlist, you know?”

Listen to Doechii's latest mixtape below and be sure to keep an eye out for more updates on her music.