GALLERY: Katie Gavin at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium
RYMAN AUDITORIUM | NASHVILLE, TN | APRIL 29, 2025 | BY JILLIAN JOHNSON
Going solo is never easy. When your band creates a name for itself, builds a fanbase, and goes on massive tours, doing it on your own is never easy. Sometimes though, it’s necessary. Sometimes an artist must find their own sound in order to grow and change. Last Tuesday, Katie Gavin opened up for Lucy Dacus' Forever is a Feeling tour for both nights at Nashville’s infamous Ryman auditorium.
Before Gavin took the stage UK singer, songwriter, and activist, Jasmine, captivated the crowd with her beautifully candid writing. Jasmine’s music tells of the emotional journey of her transition, the relationships she made, and how it affected her life. Through both slow temp ballads and more rock forward songs Jasmine was able to connect deeply with the audience and set the tone for the other two performances to come.
After coming out as a guest appearance during Jasmine’s set for one song, Katie Gavin finally took the stage for her solo set. After finding success with the band MUNA, Gavin found it necessary to release a debut solo record, What a Relief. This introspective project discovers who Gavin is on her own. Developing themes of love, judgement, and her place in society. This performance was deeply personal and truly showcased what she can do on her own. While Gavin served as the opener for Dacus’ set, her performance and furthermore her presence stood as a powerful force. Looking around during her set every other person was either singing her lyrics adoringly back to her, dancing to the beat, or simply wearing a shirt with her “Kate Gavin” written on it. Gavin showcased her musical talent with her beautiful voice and performances on multiple musical instruments.
Lucy Dacus and Katie Gavin have previously collaborated on the stage with their bands MUNA and boygenius back in 2023. Both artists are now taking a break from the band life to explore their solo identities. I think that’s the beautiful thing about this tour: the collaboration and support of finding one’s identity. In a room filled with all types of people and all identities, seeing the artists on stage reflect that first hand is a beautifully, comforting thing that could be felt through the entire room.
You can catch Katie Gavin playing with Lucy Dacus on her tour across the US from now through the end of May.
