Private Listening Experience of Phoebe Hall’s 2024 EP 'Stop Before It Starts'

Date: 02nd July 2024

Location: Metropolis Studios, London

This month, Manchester-based artist Phoebe Hall invited a select few fans to an exclusive private listening experience of their 2024 EP Stop Before It Starts. Held at Metropolis Studios in London from 6pm to 8pm, the event offered an intimate setting for 10 lucky fans and some of Phoebe’s close friends.

The evening was hosted by music presenter Jodie Bryant, who along with Phoebe, donned almost matching outfits, adding a charming touch of togetherness to the event. The venue provided complimentary tea and coffee, enhancing the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Chairs were arranged to face an ad-hoc interview space where Phoebe and Jodie engaged in conversation. This setup fostered a positive and uplifting ambience, allowing fans to connect with one another and meet other creatives in a close-knit environment. Despite some songs being about heavier topics, the atmosphere remained light and engaging. The excitement was palpable as fans sang along to songs and relished the chance to be close to one of their favourite artists.

The event featured a mix of older demos and snippets of unreleased music, offering a unique glimpse into Phoebe's creative process. The attendees were particularly thrilled to hear Phoebe’s latest work, produced alongside Charlieeeee, who was also present. This new track, which incorporated elements of drum & bass, was just days old and in its early stages, but immediately hooked the fans with its fresh sound.

Throughout the evening, there was an open discussion between songs, allowing for a lot of personal interaction. Phoebe’s candid explanation of their creative process — to “take a feeling [they] have and push it to the absolute limit” — was evident in the emotive and raw expressions within the EP. For example, “Like This” and “Codependent” delve deeply into Hall’s lived experiences as a queer person, resonating with fans and creating a validating, safe space. This openness and the audience’s feelings affirmed by Phoebe's emotions made the experience even more special.

Phoebe also touched upon themes of self-discovery and identity in their songs, further highlighting their role as a prominent advocate for the queer community. Hall explains that she finds herself overthinking the worst in relationships almost to the point of breaking what it could be, as if “to stop before it starts”. This insight provides a helpful perspective on the EP to fully understand it, as the tracklist takes listeners on a journey of obsession, identity, yearning and insecurity.

The final track on the EP, “Naked”, vividly captures the vulnerability of being physically exposed to someone you love. The song’s buildup and release provide a striking conclusion to the EP, leaving listeners contemplative and moved after such an intense emotional journey.

In addition to the music, fans watched music videos and enjoyed a short meet-and-greet at the end of the event, with a chance to take photos with Phoebe. She also made a small drawing for each guest, adding a personal touch to the already heartwarming event. The venue's warmth and the staff’s friendliness further enhanced the experience, making it a memorable evening for all who attended.

Overall, the private listening experience was a resounding success. Fans left feeling even more connected to Phoebe Hall’s music and each other, eagerly anticipating the official release of Hall’s upcoming tracks.