Em Beihold
Article by Briana Sista
Ambient lighting, aged glasses of wine, and the incredible vocals of Em Beihold— that was how the crowd spent their evening at Joe’s Pub in NYC. It was a delightful evening in Soho. In line, a group of teenage girls stood behind me. In front of me, two fathers waited with their 9-year-old daughters. The rest? An entire range of ages and people. We all stepped into a dimly lit, 184-capacity theater that felt like something out of an old-school-movie— a cozy cabaret space glowing with charm. The only light in the venue came from the small candles flickering on each table.
The stage lights rose around 9:30pm. e.woolf, an LA-based indie artist, took the spotlight. No backing track, no band—just her, her guitar, and lyrics that embodied femininity and rawness. Her voice was delicate but grounded as it floated over melodies that felt both intimate and unfiltered. The lyrics danced between vulnerability and strength. It was simple, stripped down, and breathtaking.
After a brief intermission, as a few small plates and drinks were passed around, the energy in the room shifted. The crowd all leaned forward as they buzzed with quiet anticipation. Then, Em Beihold stepped onto the stage—effortless and glowing, journal in hand. She smiled and let us know she had the notes written down in there to follow, since the songs were still fresh. The Super Small Semi-Secret Piano Tour offered us a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the journey of crafting her unreleased album. It was an experience that went beyond the typical concert, revealing the vulnerability and creative process that often remains hidden from fans. She played songs where the bridge wasn’t even written yet. It was an intimate glimpse into her world— raw and unpolished, yet powerful. It was a deep connection between fan and audience that I have yet to experience, even after all these years.
Em’s stage presence was everything you’d hope for—witty, funny, and warm. Between every song, she took a moment to speak with us. Whether it was a quick joke, a backstory, thanking the crew, or a little reflection. It never felt scripted. It felt similar to a conversation with one of my girlfriends. She wasn’t just performing— she was connecting us to her world and mind.
Joe’s Pub in New York, NY on April 16, 2025
Photos by Briana Sista
