Have you ever taken a trip to see a live show at a cozy, intimate venue, watched the extraordinary performance before you, and wondered: “Why is this artist not playing stadiums yet?” You’re so grateful for the VIP experience and the opportunity to connect with the artist, but you just cannot fathom how an artist this incredible is still seemingly untapped. This is the experience I had when I went to see Mad Gallica live last Friday night in Greenville. Swanson’s Warehouse was unlike any music venue I’ve been to before – as soon as you approach the entrance, you’re met with warm ambient lights hanging outside the building that only grow in number when you go inside. It felt like going to a cozy friend’s house – the interior walls had various traffic signs and vintage decorations, and almost no bare wall remained. I got my media pass and took a seat on the comfy couch near the back of the venue while I waited for the show to begin.

The stage was beautifully decorated, and I could tell a lot of effort was put into creating a set design that was very true to the band members’ personalities. Microphone stands were wrapped with artificial vines and pink flowers, and the base of the stage was adorned with tall “grass” that truly added to the whimsical vibes of the room. When the band took the stage, I wasn’t surprised to see that their costumes were just as extravagant. Mad Gallica clearly takes pleasure in creating a setting and putting on a performance that goes beyond playing music.

My best friend is a diehard GHOST fan, which led me to discover this phenomenal artist. I received a flyer in one of my magazine’s Discord chats for the show, and the decision to cover this show came to me easily once I found out that she used to be one of the band’s background vocalists. Although my initial interest came from her connection to GHOST, I can now say with the utmost confidence that she deserves to be known equally as much for her own creative projects, if not more.

My main note about this show was the notably unique genre. Mad Gallica‘s music could be described on the surface level as a combination of rock, pop, and opera, coined “rock popera.” However, immerse yourself a little bit deeper, and you uncover remarkable storytelling and conceptualization within her lyricism. Aside from her incredible live vocals, I was so impressed with Mad‘s aura and her ability to connect with her audience on an emotional level. The entire group was so charismatic – it was no wonder that each fan in the crowd appeared to be so captivated and dedicated to their music.

As we neared the end of the night, Mad Gallica once again demonstrated its commitment to putting on an interactive and playful performance. Two women sauntered on stage dressed as nurses, holding trays of small cups, which I initially thought were shots of liquor. I accepted one of the cups as they passed me, and a smile effortlessly spread across my face when I discovered that the “liquor” was actually two pieces of candy. I am in love with Mad’s take on creating an act that feels eccentric, yet still impassioned. She truly connects with her fans and even took the time to greet each one who stayed after the show concluded.

During the last song, “Gallica,” I took a few steps outside of the venue just to get a breath of the chill air. I deeply enjoyed listening to her closing song as I leaned against the railing, taking in the moment that surrounded me. It was a pleasure to meet all of the people I did, which included another sweet photographer and a couple of the band members of Mad Gallica who seemed so happy just to be here playing their music. I cannot wait to see where Mad continues to take this wonderful project she’s created.

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