Live review from Winter Festival (冬季音樂祭) Day 1:
1. Dive – Olivia Dean (cover)
2. Fairytale
3. Freefall
4. Stepping stone
5. Camilla
6. Protecting my way
7. Loving to settle
8. Easier said than done – Thee Sacred Souls (cover)
Calliste opened the show with “Dive” (an Olivia Dean cover), just her and a guitar, and from the first line her crystal clear voice was utterly captivating. For “Fairytale” she switched to piano and took us on another journey; the room was so still and attentive that at one point I could feel goosebumps on my arms. By the third song, Calliste still had the crowd in the palm of her hand, holding the space with quiet confidence and emotional intensity.
Her writing already shows a strong sense of honesty and emotional connection, especially for someone who has only recently started sharing her own songs. The lyrics feel personal and vulnerable without ever becoming overwrought, and you get the sense of a young artist with a clear voice and point of view. Songs like “Freefall”, “Stepping Stone” and “Loving to Settle” explore themes of growth, doubt and learning to let go, delivered with a maturity that draws the listener in.
Mid set she was joined by Hailey for backing vocals on two songs, and the blend of their voices was excellent. Their harmonies complemented each other so well that it was hard to believe there weren’t more players on stage – the simple addition of a second vocal filled out the sound that much. Hailey’s lines never overshadowed Calliste; instead they wrapped gently around the lead, adding warmth and depth at just the right moments. It was a beautifully judged opening set: intimate, controlled and genuinely moving, and it left me excited to see where Calliste’s songs will take her next.
-Shaun @BRG
