Sienna Spiro's First Headline Show Live at Hoxton Hall [Show Review]

The 19-year-old London-born singer gave a breathtaking performance last week in Hoxton to a sold-out (in under 24 hours may we add) crowd. 

Photography Casper Masi

Sienna sat down with New Wave for her first interview this past summer. Chatting on the possibilities of taking her songwriting to live crowds, relating to fans as more of close friends and ecstatic about recently performing at KoKo for an intimate room of listeners. Fast forward to November 2024, Sienna has released new tracks, grown her social following where it all began on TikTok and now boasts over one million monthly Spotify listeners.

A group of six young talented musicians graced the stage to accompany Sienna. A pianist, guitarist, bassist, and violinist created the orchestral volume necessary to bring this experience to life. Sienna’s songs are nothing short of masterpieces written by herself and it would have been insulting to execute the show in any other way. 

Before giving fans any of the four singles that have blown up within months of being out into the world, Sienna began her set with an unreleased track, ‘Butterfly Effect’. Immediately setting a serene atmosphere, Sienna’s on-stage presence saw a three-tier crowd go quiet in anticipation and awe. Appreciating the talent in front of them, taking in each lyric, fans stood still and only a few pulled a phone out to record the moment that had most taken aback. You could hear a pin drop from the back of the Hoxton Hall with eyes beaming towards Sienna, her strong vocals rippled from the stage throughout the venue. 

Wearing an oversized double denim set paired with her uniform gold jewellery stood as a particularly bold stylistic statement. Referring back to our interview over the summer where Sienna told me about her love for menswear, street style and incorporating elements of hip-hop style into her look, fashion is part of her musical identity. When it comes to style, Sienna isn’t afraid to express herself in the avenue of clothing. Put this together with her raspy tones, undenied confidence and ability to create music, write her lyrics and play the piano, she is unwillingly forming herself into the star that over 13 million people (on the track ‘MAYBE’) are listening to. 

The East London Arts and Music alumni played with her talents to riff and run in her live versions of ‘TAXI DRIVER’, ‘MAYBE’ and ‘NEED ME’. Goosebumps were shared around the room and jaws were dropping on the high notes of ‘BACK TO BLONDE’, the newest release from Sienna which gives a (James) Bond-like feel. 

Heavy in depth and range, she uses this opportunity to showcase her ability to maturely execute multiple vocal techniques. Singing on personal relationships of the past, betrayal and disappointment, the lyrics depict feelings of revenge in a self-deprecating way as she sings “Back to my old ways, back to no heart”. Switching from a head voice to one to two octaves below in between exercising impressive breath work and contrasting from major to minor notes, there are no boundaries for Sienna. Released less than a week ago, fans sang along to every word, shouting out from their lungs to ensure Sienna felt the reciprocated emotions. The support and love shown by those who have been waiting for each new release was palpable, not many first headline shows can create a mutual feeling of connection so soon. 

Photography Casper Masi

The performance included uncut lines from the artist that she intersected as well as a variation of piano chords and violins that added to make a softer unheard-of version of the songs. ‘NEED ME’ took a slower version of the original when played live with an emphasis on her incredible pianist’s performance and arpeggiated chords accompanying Sienna’s melody line. Her voice carried an angelic outro with smokey tones and soulful intentions, each track played was a credit to the musician’s ability to demand presence in her performance, communicate an emotional experience through her lyrics and also set the tone for her artistry. 

If you have not yet heard Sienna’s first four releases, we are sure that they will wrap you into her world and consume your playlists from the first listen. Taking full reign over Hoxton’s venue for her first headline show and infusing her fans with a euphoric performance, if there is one thing to take away from this night, it is that Sienna Spiro should be prepared because her audiences and venues are only going to get bigger and better.