Soccer Mommy is an American indie musician and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. Starting her music career in her teens, she initially released tracks on Bandcamp before gaining significant attention in the indie music scene. Soccer Mommy’s sound blends elements of indie rock, folk, and bedroom pop, with emotionally charged lyrics that often explore themes of self-doubt, relationships, and personal introspection. Her music’s raw vulnerability has earned her recognition for its honest portrayal of emotional experiences, while maintaining a polished, yet accessible sound. Soccer Mommy was accompanied by band mates Julian, Rodrigo, Rollum, and Nickolas on February 6th and 7th in Chicago for two sold out shows at Thalia hall.
Evergreen is the title track of Soccer Mommy’s new album from October 2024, it suggests another step forward in her artistic evolution. Evergreen is her fourth studio album under the name Soccer Mommy. She recorded the album at Maze Studios in Atlanta, working with producer Ben H. Allen III. Soccer Mommy gained widespread recognition with her debut album Clean (2018), which marked her breakthrough in the indie music scene. Her follow-up album, color theory (2020), further solidified her position as a rising talent, delving into deeper, darker themes like mental health and personal loss. Known for her relatable songwriting and blend of nostalgic 90s influences with modern indie sensibilities, Soccer Mommy has built a loyal fanbase and toured with notable acts with Paramore and Wilco. Her music continues to resonate with listeners like myself for its introspective and cathartic qualities.
As her previous work, like Clean and color theory‘s balanced raw, emotionally-driven lyricism with introspective sounds, Evergreen could represent a further refinement of her style, possibly integrating more sophisticated production and deeper thematic exploration. The choice of Evergreen as the album’s title likely alludes to themes of renewal, growth, or enduring emotions- ideas that align with Soccer Mommy’s talent for crafting emotionally resonant, personal narratives.The release of this album might expand her reach to a broader audience, while maintaining the vulnerable and relatable qualities that have defined her work. Evergreen would likely attract listeners who have followed her since her earlier albums, while also positioning her to connect with a new generation of indie music fans. The shift in both sound and tone could signal Soccer Mommy’s growth as an artist, offering a fresh yet familiar experience that solidifies her place in the indie rock scene.
My night at Thalia Hall on night two of Soccer Mommy’s shows in Chicago was unforgettable. The communal energy was palpable, with a crowd of respectful concertgoers eagerly flocking to the front after the opener, Tomberlin. Soccer Mommy’s set was a mesmerizing blend of psychedelic sounds and ethereal atmospheres, enhanced by a stunning five-piece band that filled the venue with lush melodies. The stage design was striking, with beautiful, eye-catching props that were meticulously detailed and cohesive with the overall aesthetic. What really stood out was how immersed the crowd was in the experience with virtually no phones in sight. It created this rare, unfiltered connection between the band and the audience. As the music flowed through the space, everyone swayed and nodded along, singing every word of songs like “Cool,” “Your Dog,” and “Evergreen,” which only deepened the intimate vibe. The echo of voices from the crowd added another layer of magic, amplifying the feeling of unity and shared experience. It felt like we were all living in a dream, the hypnotic rhythms and delicate vocals pulling us into a collective trance. The energy lingered long after the last note faded.
Personally, “Crawling” was a standout moment for me, and the encore song, “yellow is the color of her eyes,” was the perfect way to close out the night. While I was hoping to hear some personal favorites like “Benadryl Dreams” (2017) and “Stain” (2020), they weren’t part of the setlist—though they certainly deserve recognition. Like many concertgoers, I always look for a (free) memento from the show to take home. Of course, the adrenaline of waiting in line with friends, fighting through the Ticketmaster chaos, and seeing the artist live is unforgettable, but asking for a setlist from a band member can be just as fulfilling. So, huge thanks to Rollum for handing me the setlist from night one and the kind people around me for sharing the details of night two. Thank you Soccer Mommy for the amazing experience and thank you Radio DePaul and Soccer Mommy’s team for making this happen.
