Take Me Back To The Escaper Tour

On April 21, Sarah Kinsley brought The Escaper Tour to life one last time with a stunning and emotional performance at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City; this show marked the final stop of the tour, and it felt like a celebration of everything the album represents. The classically trained musician turned indie-pop star, Sarah began releasing music in 2019, but truly captured listeners’ attention in 2021 with her breakout EP, The King. The title track became a fan favorite, quickly racking up millions of streams, and for great reason. Since releasing her debut album, Escaper, last year, she’s spent the following months bringing it to stages across the country. 

As I entered the venue, I was welcomed by the performance of Charlotte Rose Benjamin. Although I hadn’t heard her music before, I was very pleasantly surprised. Her stage presence and vocals were absolutely mesmerizing. The standout track for me was “Slot Machine,” which has been on repeat ever since. If you’re a fan of artists like Clairo and Beabadoobee, you’ll absolutely adore Charlotte. By the time she reached her final song, the crowd was fully engaged, cheering her on. She thanked everyone warmly, bowing alongside her band, clearly touched by the love in the room.

As Charlotte exited the stage, the anticipation began to grow. The energy in the venue shifted, everyone buzzing with excitement for Sarah’s set. I looked around and noticed how diverse the crowd was, yet united in their love for her music. The atmosphere was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the space feel intimate despite being packed.

Then, the lights dimmed, and the stage came alive. Fans erupted into cheers as Sarah’s band filed onstage, followed by Sarah herself. The night began with “Lovegod,” opening with a magical piano melody that felt like what I imagine being welcomed into heaven would sound like. From the moment she stepped on stage, Sarah’s presence and vocals were utterly captivating.

I had first seen Sarah perform a few years ago at the Governors Ball music festival and instantly fell in love with her sound. So to be able to photograph her set this time around was a huge milestone for me.

Despite the laid-back, introspective nature of her music, Sarah knows exactly how to put on a show, something many artists with slower songs can struggle with. She interacted with the crowd in just the right ways, engaging without ever pulling focus from the performance. I honestly can’t pinpoint what made her set so magical, but I found myself unable to look away. Her vocals were ethereal, and the live renditions of each song felt like carefully crafted scenes from a dream. Experiencing the Escaper album live felt like watching a story unfold on the big screen.

The moment I had been waiting for came when she began to perform my favorite song of hers, “Starling.” The track is a heartfelt love letter to her friends, something refreshingly unique in the realm of songwriting. Before starting, Sarah introduced the song by saying, “Platonic love is the most beautiful, sustainable force,” which felt like the perfect prelude. As she sang, I looked around and saw friends holding hands, hugging, and singing to one another. It was a beautiful celebration of friendship.

Later in the set, she surprised us with a cover of “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer, one of my all-time favorite songs. Since it was the final night of the tour, Sarah brought Charlotte Rose Benjamin back on stage. Their voices blended perfectly, and when they harmonized, it was pure magic. The moment felt bittersweet, like the closing scene of a beloved film—heartfelt, nostalgic, and unforgettable.

Before I knew it, Sarah was saying her thank yous and introducing the final song of the night. Out of all the concerts I’ve been to, there was something uniquely special about this one. If you ever get the chance to see Sarah Kinsley live, I highly recommend it. It will be one of the most magical nights of your life. The energy she brings to a room—gentle, radiant, and powerful—is something truly rare. If you love artists like Laufey, Beabadoobee, and Maude Latour, then Sarah Kinsley is someone you absolutely need in your rotation.

Words and Photos by Liv Cardona (IG: @capture.the.mind)