Indigo De Souza wrapped up the American leg of her tour supporting her latest LP Precipice—released over the summer via her new label, Loma Vista—at the place where it all began for the songwriter. At the beginning of November, she took the stage at The Orange Peel in Asheville, North Carolina, the city she’s called home since her teenage years. The hometown date served both as a cathartic end to her North American dates and a send-off for a couple of her most exciting shows of the year in London and Paris before touring picks up again in the US next spring.
That final set of fall shows featured opening sets from LA-based songwriter Mothé—a new friend with whom De Souza quickly bonded—who was supporting their evolution from indie-rocker to total popstar with the release of their second LP back in August. We were fortunate enough to get a behind-the-scenes look at this blossoming friendship as it culminated in North Carolina with a photo diary of their Orange Peel tour closer featuring plenty of backstage shots in addition to dispatches from the front barrier, the oyster bar, the bathroom stall, and beyond.
Indigo: My mom came to see us backstage. We don’t play shows in Asheville very much, so it was really special to have her there.
Indigo: My mom made us skeleton sugar cookies that matched her face!
Indigo: I had such a sweet and special time talking with the people who came to my VIP meet and greet. This tour was the first time I’ve done meet and greets, and it felt so grounding to connect with listeners in a more focused way before the show.
Indigo: Thom [De Souza’s parental figure] came to the show, too. He always wears this Indigo shirt and pin that he made himself. It’s a picture of me when I was a wee child.
Indigo: Pre-show dookie!
Indigo: I love my bandmates so much. They are my family forever. I am so grateful to have them in my world and on this wild journey with me.
Indigo: I’ve been asking a question at every show on this tour and leaving sticky notes for people’s answers. It has been a really sweet way to connect and learn about my listeners. Everyone’s answers are so wildly different, and also sometimes really similar. It’s fun to see how people respond.
Indigo: I watched Mothé’s set from the barricade. It was sooo special to see my hometown having so much fun watching them play! It’s been so fulfilling and inspiring to hear Mothé every night, and it was everything to get the chance to share that energy with Asheville. Especially since the flood, It makes me feel extra sentimental seeing my hometown experiencing collective joy.
Mothé: I always start my day the same way: hot cup of black coffee, and this never varies. I’m not a morning person at all; this is typically the worst part of my day. It’s only up from here.
Mothé: Oyster shooters! A Southern delicacy! There’s literally an oyster in there! I’m from Houston, and living in Los Angeles often robs me of Southern food and drink. I freaked out when I saw it. Convinced Tim, my bandmate, he had to try it. He loved it.
Mothé: Despite not knowing each other for long, Indigo painting my face has become a staple in our friendship. If I had a nickel for every time this happened, I would have a few nickels. She always does a great job and it makes me feel like a more fun version of myself. I think Indigo is a really good influence on my spirit.
Mothé: Watching Indigo’s set from the side of the stage with Tim! Singing every word! Dancing harder than anyone in the audience! Touring is always great, but nothing beats supporting a headliner whose music you love.
Mothé: Gay bar after the show! It’s a must. After a long night of rock ’n’ rolling I just want to go dance. We heard music across the street and a drag queen was DJing, and there was a beautiful old man dancing his butt off. This part of the night keeps me alive, honestly. Every city I get to see the community and watch as an outsider.
Mothé: Backstage speedwalking competition. Guess who won.
Mothé: Late-night goodbye selfie. This is taken right before bed and is how I sign off my day. Goodnight everyone, thank you for being here.
