Photos by Benjamin Robson.
THIRDSTORY’s blending of voices soared powerfully through every wall that stood in the Fillmore the night of Thursday, April 21. The three-man singing group that first gained fandom on YouTube is on tour with Grammy Nominated singer-songwriter Tori Kelly.
“Three-man choir with a pop twist” is how new fan Ana Torres describes their sound. “I think it’s rare to find a group of individuals who can harmonize so well like they did,” said Torres.
Covering popular hits such as Sam Smith’s “I’m Not the Only One” and Taylor Swift’s “Style,” THIRDSTORY brings their refreshing style to today’s top hits and even a couple originals. Reaching 1.87 million views on YouTube for their Sam Smith cover, this up and coming trio easily gets the audience “woo-ing” through their melodic harmonies and unique artistry.
Their original songs consisted of catchy choruses, impressive falsettos and a beat that made bodies sway.
“Even though their songs were based on sad emotions/experiences, you felt a sense of empowerment just from how beautifully delicate each melody came out,” said Torres.
It’s easy to see why Kelly chose THIRDSTORY to open for her with their similar tastes in edgy voices and mix of genres in soul, R&B and pop.
Famous for her high range and effortless runs, Kelly opened her performance with her first song on her Unbreakable album “Where I Belong (Intro).” Its honest lyrics set the tone for the rest of the night as she connected to the audience with the pain of heartbreak, struggle of self-confidence and overcoming life’s obstacles.
With one spotlight, one guitar, one voice on stage, she excited the crowd as she sang:
“I’m just a girl with her guitar
Trying to give you my whole heart
If there’s anybody out there listening to me
All I have is a story and a dream
Here I am, and that’s all I can be.”
She entertained the crowd with a mix of old hits, new hits, even honored the passing of Prince with a “When Doves Cry” performance.
“She is a natural vocalist, and what I love about her concert is that there didn’t need to be gimmicks, or crazy outfits for me to want more,” said Torres. Kelly first became known with her cover of Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin’ Bout You” with
Angie Girl, a beat-boxer also well-known on YouTube. The video now has almost 25 million views.
“She threw it back from her old covers on YouTube,” said UNC Charlotte student Michael Tran. “A few of them were covers of PYT and ‘Thinkin’ Bout You’, where she incorporated ‘I’ve been thinkin’ bout you, Charlotte.’”
Tran saw her in Raleigh last year when she first toured. He relates hearing her voice to the experience of taking a first bite into a hot Krispy Kreme donut, but in audio form.
“If you ever get to listen to her vocal style of pop/soul/R&B/heaven, you will not be let down,” said Tran.
According to Nielsen Music, Kelly has now sold about 1.5 million songs and albums.
“It’s rare to leave a concert truly satisfied with the talent you heard,” said Torres.