Julia Wolf Makes a Lasting Impression at Boston’s House of Blues

Written and Captured By | Madyson Coburn

Julia Wolf’s October 5 performance at the Citizens House of Blues in Boston was an intimate, energetic night that showed exactly why the singer-songwriter has built such a devoted following. As part of her Deep End World Tour, Wolf delivered a set that balanced vulnerable songwriting with a surprisingly powerful live presence. But before Wolf took the stage, Austin-based artist Bee Blackwell made a strong impression with an opening set that felt like much more than a warm-up. Bee Blackwell was the supporting act for Wolf’s North American tour, and her 30-minute performance established an exciting atmosphere for the rest of the night.

Bee Blackwell performed with a full band, creating a much bigger sound than might be expected from an opening act. Her music draws heavily from ’90s alternative rock, combining distorted guitars, driving drums, and a prominent bass line. The sound was energetic without becoming overwhelming, and the band filled the House of Blues with a gritty, guitar-heavy atmosphere. Her set also served as a good introduction to her developing sound. Blackwell released her Nine Lives EP earlier this year, and the songs showcased an artist who seems comfortable working between alternative rock and contemporary pop. She brought a confident stage presence to the performance, while the band gave the songs enough weight and momentum to immediately grab the audience’s attention. By the end of Blackwell’s set, the crowd felt noticeably warmed up for Julia Wolf. Rather than competing with the headliner’s more atmospheric and confessional style, Blackwell provided an effective contrast: louder guitars, heavier rhythms, and a distinctly rock-oriented energy.

From the opening notes of “Wishbone,” the Boston crowd was fully engaged. Julia Wolf moved effortlessly between softer, emotionally exposed moments and songs that encouraged the audience to sing, jump, and lose themselves in the music. The setlist drew heavily from her Pressure era, including “FYP,” “Fingernails,” “Girls,” “Jennifer’s Body,” “Limewire”, and “In My Room”, while also making room for earlier favorites such as “Burning House,” “Deep End,” and “Last Summer.” “Kill You Off” and “Pearl” were particularly effective live, showcasing Wolf’s ability to turn intensely personal lyrics into something communal. She also performed her brand-new song “Lamb,” which features Sleeping With Sirens vocalist Kellin Quinn, and invited her fans to sing along to his part of the song.

What stood out most was Wolf’s connection with the audience. Her songs often deal with insecurity, relationships, growing pains, and the complicated emotions of young adulthood, and those themes felt especially immediate in a packed Boston venue. Rather than simply performing her songs, Wolf made them feel like shared experiences. The show closed with “In My Room,” giving the night a fittingly reflective ending.

At roughly an hour, the set was relatively short, but its pacing kept it from feeling rushed. Julia Wolf’s vocals were strong, the crowd remained enthusiastic throughout, and the combination of dreamy melodies and alternative-rock energy made for a memorable night. For longtime fans, the Boston show felt like a celebration of how far Wolf has come. For newer listeners, it was a convincing introduction to an artist whose live performance is just as emotionally compelling as her recordings.