House of Music

Bottlerock Napa Day 1

Napa Valley, CA

May 26th, 2023

Photos and Review by Alexander Andrade

Bottlerock Napa’s first day, held on May 26th, 2023, kicked off with an electrifying concert experience. As the gates opened at 11:30 AM, enthusiastic fans flooded in, eagerly awaiting the performances to come.

Ayleen Valentine took the stage at the Napa Valley Expo for the first day of BottleRock Napa Valley. The indie pop artist, drawing upon her Argentinian and Peruvian background, brought a fresh and distinct perspective to her songwriting. Her solid production and youthful energy made her performance a standout of the day.

Valentine’s setlist included songs from her latest release, “a/b__2,” including “epitaph” and “i can’t stop dreaming of you,” which showcased her ability to craft catchy and emotional pop songs. The crowd was engaged and dancing throughout her set, singing along to her infectious hooks.

Valentine’s performance was a testament to her rising star power, and it’s clear that she has a bright future ahead of her. Her unique blend of influences and her ability to connect with her audience make her a must-see artist. Ayleen Valentine’s performance at BottleRock Napa was a highlight of the festival’s first day, and a sign of great things to come.

Despite having only five songs under his belt, the 23-year-old pop singer managed to captivate the audience with his infectious energy and relatable lyrics.

The artist performed a total of eight songs, including “Better Days,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Lost in Love”. The crowd was particularly enthusiastic during his performance of “Stay,” which had everyone singing along to the catchy chorus.

Nicky Youre’s stage presence was impressive, and he interacted well with the audience, making them feel like they were part of the show. His backing band was also tight, providing a solid foundation for his vocals.

The artist’s performance at BottleRock Napa Valley was a highlight of the festival. His catchy pop tunes and engaging stage presence left the audience wanting more. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented young artist.

During one of his songs, which featured a sample of his father’s voice, Youre took a moment to acknowledge his parents in the audience, playfully urging the crowd to greet them with a cheerful “hi!” Wrapping up his set, he concluded with his popular single “Sunroof,” which had gained significant recognition on TikTok.

Next set of performance was group called Thievery Corporation.

British pop-rockers Bastille took the stage at the Napa Valley Expo for the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival. The concert was described as incredible, energetic, euphoric, frantic, dynamic, chaotic, and dramatic. The setlist included some of their most popular songs, such as “Pompeii,” “Good Grief,” and “Happier”.

Bastille was tailor-made for festivals, and their performance at BottleRock Napa Valley was no exception. The band’s energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and the crowd was fully engaged throughout the entire set.

Bastille’s performance was not limited to their own songs, as they also covered TLC’s “No Scrubs”. The concert was a huge success, and fans can look forward to seeing Bastille on their 2023 tour dates. Overall, Bastille’s performance at BottleRock Napa Valley 2023 was a memorable experience that left the audience wanting more.

Billy Strings played a total of 14 songs during his set, including “Dust in a Baggie,” “Watch It Fall,” and “Away From the Mire”. The crowd was reportedly energetic and engaged throughout the performance, with many fans singing along to the lyrics.

Despite being a relatively new artist, Billy Strings has already made a name for himself in the bluegrass community. His unique blend of traditional bluegrass with elements of rock and roll has earned him critical acclaim and a growing fanbase. At BottleRock Napa Valley, he proved that he has the talent and stage presence to hold his own alongside more established acts like Post Malone.

Billy Strings energy and musicianship were infectious, and he left the crowd wanting more. If you have the chance to see him live, don’t hesitate to do so.

The highly anticipated headliner, Post Malone, took the stage at the Jams Cellar Stage at 8:30 PM. The lawn area was jam-packed with devoted fans, creating an atmosphere brimming with anticipation. Dressed in jeans and a Billy Strings T-shirt, Post Malone made a solo entrance and immediately captivated the audience with the high-energy opener, “Wow.” Behind him, rows of speakers changed colors with each song, enhancing the visual spectacle.

Throughout the performance, Post Malone infused occasional bursts of pyrotechnics, intensifying the already incredible ambiance. A shower of pink light enveloped the stage during “I Like You,” as Post Malone playfully danced to the rhythm. Amidst the excitement, a crew member handed him his signature red cup, which he raised in a toast to the ecstatic crowd.

Addressing the audience, Post Malone jokingly asked, “Who’s drunk tonight? Because you’ll have to be to make it through this set… I’m here to play some shitty songs and get messed up while we do it.” He further revealed that his good mood was due to his daughter’s first birthday, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere.

Post Malone continued to deliver a spellbinding performance with songs like “Wrapped Around Your Finger” and “Better Now.” The intensity soared as he poured his emotions into each note, although his vocal delivery towards the end of “Better Now” seemed to reflect a hint of pain.

Expressing his appreciation for life, he exclaimed, “I wanted to say how awesome it is that we can celebrate life together.” This sentiment led seamlessly into a medley of his older hits, including “Psycho” and “Candy Paint.” The heart-wrenching rendition of “I Fall Apart” followed, eliciting raw emotions from both the artist and the audience.

At one point, Post Malone invited a young fan onto the stage. After ensuring the fan’s guitar-playing skills, he allowed him to accompany him on “Stay” while Post Malone sang along, red cup in hand. After reclaiming the guitar, he performed a heartfelt rendition of “Lemon Tree.”

Keeping the energy high, Post Malone ignited the stage with pyrotechnics during “Take What You Want.” Transitioning into a rock theme, the stage was engulfed in vibrant red light as he launched into “Rockstar.” When the song concluded, he demolished his acoustic guitar, embodying the true spirit of a rock star. He then scattered fragments of the broken instrument among fans at the front of the stage.

Returning for an encore, Post Malone concluded his headlining set with “Cooped Up,” effortlessly transitioning into crowd favorites like “Sunflower,” “Chemical,” and his chart-topping hits “Congratulations” and “White Iverson.” The audience enthusiastically sang along, their voices reverberating throughout the venue.

Post Malone’s performance at Bottlerock Napa Day 1 left an indelible impression on the fans in attendance, blending intense musicality, explosive stage presence, and moments of heartfelt connection. It was an unforgettable night that showcased the artist’s ability to command a stage and create an electrifying atmosphere that resonated deeply with his devoted audience