Words and Photos by Alder Boutin
Why do good things have to end? According to indie rock band Hotel Fiction, perhaps they don’t. Frontwomen Jade Long and Jessica Thompson, accompanied by instrumentalists Aaron Daugherty, Aidan Hill, and Gideon Johnston, have hit the road again with the Why Do Good Tours Have To End Spring Tour. This aptly named run, a nod to their song “Why Do Good Things Have To End?”, is the band’s second headlining tour since the release of their latest album, Staring At The Sun.
Hotel Fiction played at The Southern Cafe & Music Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia on April 24th. The band was feeding off the high energy of the filled venue as they performed songs from Staring At The Sun and older hits. Fans who had flocked to the front were singing along and dancing with each other through rock-inspired anthems and mellower tunes alike. Even from behind her signature red keyboard, Jade captivated the audience with her expressive presence and improvised vocal runs, while Jessica commanded the stage by rocking out on her guitar and grooving to the beat.
Hotel Fiction kicked off the night with a passionate rendition of “Why Do Good Things Have To End?”. Jade and Jessica shared a microphone, singing in unison and playing the melody together on Jade’s keyboard.
Read a book to change your fate
You’re preaching love but born to hate
Now we’re all giving up
We’re all giving up
(Hotel Fiction, “Why Do Good Things Have To End?”)
“Still Frozen,” the lead single from Staring At The Sun, lived up to its name when its dramatic finish left audience members frozen in awe. Jade and Jessica knelt to the floor with their guitars and flipped their hair back and forth before collapsing away from each other on the final strum. Another highlight was the bridge of “Think Twice,” when Jessica parted the front row and stepped into the crowd to continue her intricate guitar riffs.
Known to tweak their setlists to accommodate audience favorites, Hotel Fiction amicably conceded to chants for “Watching My Life Go By,” an introspective tune from Staring At The Sun. They also bookended their pre-encore set with requested songs “Soft Focus,” the upbeat title track of their 2021 debut album, and “Instead Of Us,” an empowering ballad from their 2022 EP Enjoy Your Stay.
I’m not waiting anymore
For that green light to change
I know you’d like it better
If I just stayed the same
(Hotel Fiction, “Instead Of Us”)
After the show, Hotel Fiction made conversation with audience members who had lingered in the venue. One fan commented that the show was the best concert they’d ever attended. Another carefully ripped a handwritten setlist into three pieces – making sure to keep a doodled stick figure intact – and offered other audience members portions with their songs of choice. Jade proudly explained that she and her bandmates had curated the well-received pre-show playlist featuring artists such as Chappell Roan and The Japanese House.
The time over the past few years that Hotel Fiction has spent touring the U.S. appears only to have amplified their passion for performing music and connecting with listeners. They elaborated on what exactly has made these experiences so special in our post-show interview with the duo. Don’t miss out on this rising band next time they play in your area!
Loudspeaker Collective 