Dan Whitlam at The Roundhouse in London
I love to learn a bit about the history of the venues I visit while reviewing music acts, and the Roundhouse doesn’t disappoint. Steeped in history, the Roundhouse began life in 1847 as a steam train turntable shed, and later became a gin warehouse. It was reinvented as a live music venue in the 1960s, hosting musical icons like Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd. After a refurbishment in 1999, it now continues to host a wide range of contemporary music performances. With a capacity of 3300, the Roundhouse is a perfect backdrop for young, passionate artists like Dan Whitlam.
The stage was arranged almost like a cosy living room, with warm, homely lighting. It made the whole scene comforting, creating a familiarity.
A poet, wordsmith, and rapper, Whitlam engages his audience with his inspirational words - his songs contrasting love with trauma and self-loathing. His words are truly relatable, and this is evident in the eyes of the audience, who quietly take in the lyrics, which certainly resonate with the crowd.
Whitlam finished off his set with the TikTok viral song "Juliette." The song is a low-key rap which creates an emotional, relaxed atmosphere. It’s nostalgic and bittersweet, showcasing themes of relationships that have faded as Whitlam changed. Instead of bitterness, the song portrays personal growth and a connection between two people who have long moved on but still feel the “what if” of lost love.
This genre is not for everyone, but for those in this audience, it was everything.
Written and Photographed By Lola Edwards (Portfolio)
