Following her newest album’s release, “I Am Rachel Platten,” and on the tail end of her Set Me Free tour, singer-songwriter Rachel Platten returned to Atlanta to play at The Masquerade on May 6.
This tour is the Emmy Award-winning artist’s first foray across North America in nine years. During the May 6 show, she said the last time she was in Atlanta, someone broke into her van and stole gear. At the time, in an effort to keep the show rolling, Platten started a fundraiser to help cover what was lost, and fans brought out their own instruments for her to borrow. With that love from her fans, the show went on.
Returning at long last, she thanked the city for the kindness and love she was shown during that hard time so many years ago.
The May 6 concert was cheered on by a small but powerful crowd. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Platten re-released an acoustic version of “Bad Thoughts,” a song from her latest album.
“Breathe in,” Platten said as she played the song during the show. “Breathe out.”
The acoustic version gives affirming reminders of one’s humanity. Platten’s guided breathing is a grounding, helping hand that reaches out and provides the support that someone might need during their most vulnerable times.
In that way, Platten makes music to be there for others when they go through hard times similar to those that inspired much of her music. Noticing a mother at the front of the crowd carrying a young child, Platten made sure she got a seat. Platten, who is a mother herself, said she related to how tired arms can get from holding a baby for so long. She wanted to make sure that wasn’t something that would happen at her show.
But Platten doesn’t just want to be there for the lows. She loves to be there for the highs, too.
Leading into her song “Better Place,” Platten said the song has been used in some of her fans’ weddings. She asked the crowd if that applied to anyone here, and a couple standing against the rails raised their hands.
Platten smiled big and thanked them for allowing her to be a part of such a big moment in their life.
Platten’s concert served as a reminder that during rough times, everything will work out. She affirmed the crowd’s efforts. Pain is life’s way of helping everyone grow.
Platten’s music reminds everyone that they’re alright. They’re doing enough. They are enough.
