Abby Sage Concert Review
Toronto-born alternative pop artist Abby Sage first drew inspiration from her father, who performed at local venues where Sage grew up. She released her debut EP Fears of Yours & Mine in 2021, followed by The Florist in 2022, and her first full-length album The Rot in 2024. Each release holds deep significance, exploring her relationships, personal burdens, and experiences through different stages of life—reflecting the emotional reconstruction that accompanies her coming-of-age journey.
Abby Sage began touring as a special guest for Jadu Heart on September 22, 2025, and I had the pleasure of photographing and reviewing her set on September 30, 2025, at The Outset Chicago.
Photo by LUCY NGUYEN
Sage opened her set with Obstruction, a track from The Rot. The song captures the experience of being consumed by a recurring memory—one that feels inescapable, as though you’re drowning in its recollection. The repeated lyric “Cut it out with the knife” alludes to a desperate wish to physically remove the memory to finally find freedom.
Throughout her set, Sage primarily performed songs from The Florist and The Rot. Each track explores themes of self-discovery, the transformation of unfamiliarity into the familiar, and the personal navigation of adulthood through learned experiences. These ideas are beautifully reflected in lines such as:
“In real-time bring me back, bring me back / Three doors back to my youth, it’s a time I can’t outgrow” (Three Floors, Three Doors)
“Kids can’t swim / They ask nobody / Just sink to the bottom and think / off the deep end” (Pool Party)
“It’ll stay here behind my eyes / Simple pleasure, butterflies” (High Five)
“Call the florist, hope to make something pretty of it / Cut step, truck crack, cut down, trim back” (The Florist)
“I want to drink my milk in my own filth / I want to dress my body in silver silk / Just hold my hand” (Milk)
Photo by LUCY NGUYEN
Sage closed her set with my personal favorite, Backwards Direction, a song about making the same mistakes and feeling stuck in a state of idleness—unable to move forward or grow as an individual. The track’s melody and second verse stood out to me the most, as they beautifully highlight the themes of self-reflection and redemption.
Overall, Sage has a rare ability to express universal emotions—confusion, longing, growth—through her metaphorical lyrics. Her voice carries the same vulnerability and uncertainty conveyed in her writing. Whether exploring the disorienting nature of adulthood, navigating her sexuality, or unlearning inherited beliefs, Sage approaches these subjects with emotional precision and artistic depth. Her voice, lyricism, and creative visual storytelling compel audiences to connect with her on a deeply personal level. Her set was a testament to her raw talent—not only as a performer but as a storyteller capable of turning vulnerability into art.
Check out the full gallery here.