Soundscapes at Sunset: Helado Negro at the Getty
- Jomel Fragante
- Jul 26, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 4, 2024
On a warm summer evening at the Getty Center Museum, Helado Negro’s music felt like it was made to be performed live in such a setting. The museum’s modern architecture, with its sweeping curves and expansive views of Los Angeles, formed the perfect backdrop for the warm and balmy sounds of his music.
When Helado Negro hit the stage, the crowd burst with excitement, and the museum courtyard was immediately filled with applause. It was a sold-out show packed with a mix of longtime fans and curious newcomers. Before the first note, he informed us that this show would be unique for him. In celebration of the 5th anniversary of his album "This Is How You Smile," he revealed that he would perform the entire album from start to finish. As the audience reacted with excitement, Helado cranked up the synthesizer and started the show with “Please Won’t Please,” the very first track from the album. “This Is How You Smile” is one of his best, and it arguably catapulted his career to wider audiences when released in 2019. It is a tender, ambiguous, autobiographical narrative about his family while growing up in South Florida.
He ditched the full-sized band accompaniment for a stripped-down set that showcased his writing and vocals—full and deep, with a lingering presence. As he transitioned from one song to another, his soothing croons and electric blend of electronic and acoustic sounds seemed like they were being amplified by the stony architecture that surrounds the museum courtyard. Songs like “Fantasma Vaga” and “Pais Nublado” felt like sonic sculptures. One of the highlights of the evening was his performance of “Running,” the lead and most accessible track from the album. A hazy, synth-folk track full of open-ended poems and catchy melodies about unrequited love. He urged the audience to sing along with him as the day transitioned from golden hour to twilight. As promised, he performed the entirety of “This Is How You Smile,” reimagined to align with his current sound—ambient and breezy space-age electronics.
As the night drew to a close, there was a sense of contentment in the air. The music’s soothing, deep lullabies created a shared experience of a summer evening within the renowned Los Angeles museum. He closed the show with several tracks from his new album, “PHASOR.” Helado’s performance was a perfect blend of sound and space.
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