If you’ve been following mxmtoon’s journey since the days of her bedroom-pop beginnings, then seeing her live is a full-circle moment. In the cozy setting of her Houston show, Maia, the artist behind the screenname mxmtoon, reminded everyone why her music has been a source of comfort for so many. With her signature charm, witty banter, and a stage setup straight out of a dream, she turned the night into an immersive, emotional, and unforgettable experience.
From the moment she opened with “dramatic escape” and “i hate texas,” the crowd was locked in. (And don’t worry, she quickly reassured everyone that she does love Texas.) What followed was a setlist spanning different phases of her career, from the introspective melodies of “liminal space” to fan-favorite anthems like “mona lisa” and the viral “prom dress”—which, naturally, turned into an epic singalong. The energy only heightened when Luna Li joined her on stage for a special performance of “now’s not the time.”
But it wasn’t just Maia’s voice and ukulele stealing the show—her live band and jaw-dropping stage design played just as big of a role. On the left side of the stage stood a closed red door—a simple yet genius addition that, once opened, revealed stunning LED screen projections that transported the audience into the heart of each song. Whether it was the golden glow of a summer day or the moody blues of a rainy evening, the visuals shifted with every track, making the entire concert feel like stepping through the pages of Maia’s diary.
Despite the intimacy of the show, it felt larger than life. Maia’s ability to balance vulnerability and playfulness, nostalgia and new beginnings made every moment feel personal, as if she was performing just for you. And while only time will tell when she returns for another tour, one thing is certain—when she does, this is a show you won’t want to miss.
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