On February 28th, BENEE performed at The Fillmore in San Francisco. The last time I saw the New Zealand alt-pop artist live was when she opened for Wallows at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in 2024. I remember loving the energy she brought to such a massive stage back then, so I knew I had to experience her full set.
Bathed in dreamy purple and pink lighting throughout the night, BENEE proved herself an electrifying and sincere performer. She opened with three songs from her recent album Ur an Angel and I’m Just Particles, a playful, danceable project embedded with hyperpop sounds. Her New Zealand accent cuts clearly through the vocals, adding an extra layer of charm and personality to the songs.
To balance the high-energy moments, she sprinkled in earlier fan favorites like “Beach Boy,” “Glitter,” and “Wishful Thinking.” Each track painted a rosy, whimsical picture of carefree summer days, instantly transporting me back to when those songs were on repeat for me in 2021.
Between songs, BENEE was talkative with the crowd. She often leaned into the microphone to say whatever thought popped into her head, like when she mentioned there’s a venue back home in New Zealand called “San Fran.” Her comments and noises, though random, made me laugh and appreciate her personality. She called fans “princesses,” handed out hair clips she made herself, and even put on a tiara that a fan in the crowd gave her.
Before performing her viral hit “Supalonely,” which became a bedroom anthem for many people during the early-2020 quarantine days, BENEE slowed things down with “Afterthought,” her collaboration with Japanese-Australian R&B, lo-fi, & indie pop artist Joji. The bass pulsed through the venue, and midway through the song she handed the mic to a fan, later gifting them a setlist for singing along.
Part of what makes BENEE such an exciting artist is how her voice fits into so many niches in the music world. She’s collaborated with several pop, alternative, and indie artists, including ROLE MODEL, Dreamer Boy, Sub Urban, and Jeremy Zucker. No matter the style, her bright and clear vocals remain instantly recognizable.
My favorite song I heard live that night was “Green Honda.” The stage lights shifted to a dark green as the beat kicked in, and the entire room bounced together. The song’s punchy energy and chaotic elements make it impossible not to move.
As the show wrapped up, BENEE thanked the crowd with genuine gratitude, clearly moved by the turnout. Seeing her perform at The Fillmore, one of my favorite venues in San Francisco, felt like the perfect setting to experience her artistry up close. The night was a reminder of how far she’s come and how effortlessly she continues to make alt-pop feel playful, bold, and uniquely her.
Review and photos by Izzy Hory
