On January 20, 2026, I packed up my gear and headed to the X-Ray Arcade in Cudahy, Wisconsin, to photograph my first show of the new year. I had the pleasure of seeing Brye and Madds Buckley perform, and their shows live up to the hype of the viral moments both artists have had. 

Brye – pronounced “Bree” – opened the show and began her set with “LEMONS,” which went viral during the peak of the pandemic. The song connected so many during a time when people were longing for connection, and hearing it live felt like such a fun and full-circle experience. Brye writes many songs about her experiences with others, and her relationship with her body and how it has been shaped by how she’s grappled with eating disorders. One song played that combined these themes was “Body Back,” which was written about her experience reconnecting with her body after a relationship with a coercive person. This song is beautiful and an incredibly emotional listen, but the true highlight of her set. The simple lyric of “I’m getting back in my body, I’m getting my body back,” was impactful and something that really stuck with me. 

Brye’s vulnerability throughout her set made it very easy to connect with her music and engage with her performance. She shared the backstory of many songs, including “Little Things,” which is about her experience having OCD and seeking treatment, and “Jenna,” which is about her first homoerotic friendship with a girl she met at bible camp. Brye writes songs not only for herself, but also for others who may need them to let them know they’re not alone. Her tone is bright, clear, and reminds me of a Disney Princess in the best way. Brye built trust with the audience throughout the set and also spoke about her sexuality. “I love being gay,” Brye exclaimed to the audience, and you know what? Me too! This segued into her song “Spiral Staircase,” which is about being in a relationship with someone who is in a better mental space than you. Towards the end of the set, Brye let us know that she would be at the merch booth to talk to fans and had flyers available from the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, which outlined resources for anyone who may be struggling. She finished the set with her song “Diet Culture,” which is also having a TikTok moment of virality right now. Brye is a talented and genuine artist, and I really enjoyed watching her perform. 

Madds Buckley took the stage next with her first show in Wisconsin. She is a talented songwriter and vocalist who also has a knack for drawing and storytelling. Much of Madds’ work is inspired by anime, including her viral song “The Red Means I Love You,” which is inspired by “My Hero Academia,” a popular anime. Fans showed up in their best cosplay, and it was heartwarming to see people brought together by not only a hobby but music as well. She began the show with her song “Love After You” and also played her 2025 single “Concept Without Proof.” I also really enjoyed the clarity and brightness of Madds’ tone, and how the eagerness in her voice aided in the stories she was telling. 

Madds treated fans by playing her unreleased song “Sitting Pretty,” which is currently only available on her Patreon. Prior to this tour starting, Madds posted a TikTok of herself singing the chorus of the song and captioned the video “You have homework. See ya this weekend and next week!!” Fans did not disappoint, singing along loudly to the song as it played. Before playing her song “I Wanna Be In Love,” Madds told the story of how the song was inspired by a two-month-long relationship she was in back in 2022. She said that this breakup left her in a bad place, but she later developed a crush and was thankful to her producer for putting up with her during that time. The song sings about her New Year’s resolution to be in love again, which is a sentiment that I think many of us lover girls can relate to. I really vibed to the upbeat nature of her song “Garden Party,” which had a leading and adventurous drumbeat. She also treated fans to songs, including “Ambrosia Wine,” “Little Big Boy,” “Brother,” and another unreleased song, which has a pending title but we’ll call it “Human To You” for now. Madds, of course, ended the show with her viral hit “The Red Means I Love You,” and fans left the show with smiling faces. 

Madds Buckley and Brye together have put together a fun show full of amazing music and genuine fan interaction. This powerhouse duo has two more dates to hit on this tour in Newark, Ohio (Jan. 22, Madds only) and Minneapolis, Minnesota (Jan. 24). I’m excited to see what’s next for both of these artists, and wish them both a successful 2026.