A night of dancing and smiling with Dayglow

All smiles and high spirits at Rickshaw Stop. 

19-year-old Texas native Sloan Struble, known as Dayglow, has risen to indie-pop fame with the recent release of his debut album Fuzzybrain (2018). His infectious feel-good indie pop style and nostalgic instrumentals have accelerated his appeal, with his most viral hits being “Can I Call You Tonight?” and “Hot Rod.” Producing and writing songs on Garageband since the age of 10, Dayglow credits his musical style to an array of inspirations, including The Beatles and Michael Jackson.

Before Dayglow’s entrance, Faux Real, a musical duo of French brothers, performed as the opener with an eclectic and energetic round of songs emulating 80s dance indie tunes. Their energy exploded throughout the venue as they yelled passionately into their mics, executed sharp choreography through the setlist, and even invited themselves into the crowd as they ran back and forth before jumping back on stage. Playing the flute into the mic, and shaking hips atop stage steps were a few additional highlights of Faux Real’s high-energy setlist. 

With Faux Real’s exit came the main act, Dayglow, who after sharing his excitement as it was his first time in San Francisco, immediately strummed the opening chords for the first song, “False Direction.” The crowd of rowdy teenage and college students, along with a few parents, roared and began to sway side to side while singing along to the lyrics at full volume. Filling the room with a carefree and unending flurry of happiness, Dayglow never ceased to smile, and hopped around the stage as he and his band members exchanged looks with each other, grinning and laughing. In succession came a few more songs off the album including “Fair Game” and his newer single, “Nicknames.” 

Around 12 minutes into the setlist, Dayglow began to throw some curveballs to the setlist. Asking the audience if they were familiar with Jackson Brown, Dayglow performed a soulful and wholesome cover of “Somebody’s Baby.” And the fun didn’t stop there. As he performed “Dear Friend,” he asked the crowd to converse with their neighbors for one minute and make new friends as he elongated the guitar portion of the song. This led me to talking to my neighbor about our love and hate for specific vegetables (my love being broccoli). 

The lighthearted and joyous atmosphere of the concert continued with a vivacious performance of “Run the World!!!” as the crowd jumped and joyously screamed the refrain, “I, I, I, I, wanna run the world!” as if all of us forgot our worries and responsibilities for a  moment. What was most impressive and jaw-dropping was Dayglow’s transition back into the song’s refrain, as he sung a cover of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” (very fitting) only to slide effortlessly back into the catchy refrain of “Run the World!!!” My friend and I turned towards each other as it happened, exclaiming “Did you just hear that?!” in utter excitement.

Closing with his most viral hit, “Can I Call You Tonight?” Dayglow thanked the audience for such a fun night and exited the stage. Funnily enough, the sparse amount of what looked like early 40-year old dads started chanting “Encore! Encore!” as the rest of the giddy crowd began to chant alongside them, hungry for one more cheerful tune from the one and only Dayglow. 

Less than a minute later, Dayglow and his band rush back on stage as the crowd erupted in absolute joy. Performing the last song off album, “Junior Varsity,” the calm vocals and jazzy guitar chords conveying a bittersweet and nostalgic final ending to the setlist. Inviting one of the brothers from Faux Real onto stage again, the ecstatic duo performed alongside one another as Faux Real improvised a flute solo alongside the band’s performance. As Dayglow strummed the final guitar chord in perfect timing with the hit of the drums, bass, and piano, he thanked us again with a wide smile, and hopped his way off the stage.

For a new act with only 10 songs under his arsenal, indie-pop artist Dayglow shines with great potential. Thank you, Dayglow, for such an endearing night filled with your high spirits and contagious jubilation. Until the release of his next project or live performance, I’ll continue to strum along “Run the World!!!” on my electric guitar, singing the refrain over and over again, hopefully not disturbing my roommates and floormates too much.

Article and Photo by Caden Choi