Alec Benjamin Brings Acoustic Charm and Playful Moments to San Antonio
Matt Hansen, Californian musician is more than just a TikTok sensation. With a rapidly growing fanbase of over 2.9 million followers, Hansen’s rise to has been fueled by his emotionally felt covers and original songs. His music is filled with raw emotion, soulful vocals, creating a genuine connection with the audience. Known for his sensation single released in 2023, “Let Em Go”, has collected millions of streams across platforms, making it his breakout hit. As Hansen continues to evolve, experimenting with his sound while maintaining the vulnerability that first captured listeners, this show promises to be a memorable moment in his rising career.
Two nights ago, Matt Hansen kicked off his show at the Aztec Theatre in San Antonio, Texas, with an energetic performance of "Gravity" as the opening track. He actively engaged with the fans, moving closer to the edge of the stage near the barricade and singing directly to them, making sure he connected with everyone in the crowd as much as possible. The atmosphere in the venue intensified during “Something to Remember,” when Hansen engaged the crowd in a call-and-response, having them echo back the “Woahs” from the song, creating a reverberating effect. Before going into his final track of the night, Hansen took a moment to reflect with the audience, sharing that "Let 'Em Go" is his favorite song he’s ever written, a deeply personal piece that has been a milestone in his career. The crowd’s connection with the song was palpable, making it a fitting ending to a memorable night.
Listen to Matt Hansen’s full discography:
Setlist:
1. Gravity
2. Where You Belong
3. Lifejacket
4. Versions of Forever
5. Better Off Without Me
6. Strangers Again
7. Iris (The Goo Goo Dolls Cover)
8. Someone to You
9. Chemicals
10. Without You with Me
11. Something to remember
12. Let Em Go
Alec Benjamin is an American singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt storytelling and emotive, acoustic-driven pop music. He gained massive recognition in 2018 with his breakout single, “Let Me Down Slowly.” Since then, he has released multiple singles, EPs, and albums, including Narrated for You (2018), These Two Windows (2020), (Un)Commentary (2022), and his latest release, 12 Notes in May of this year.
The stage was designed to resemble a cozy bedroom. A twin-sized bed sat on the right side, accompanied by a tall standing lamp that cast a warm glow. At the center of the stage was a desk adorned with books, a framed photograph of his dog Zoe, and a narrow vase holding flowers. To the left was a keyboard piano, adding to the intimate, home-like atmosphere, with scattered lamps around the stage enhancing the warm, welcoming vibe of the performance.
During his first talk break, Alec dedicated the tour’s first note to Adam Sandler. He shared the story with the audience and wrote it down in a notebook on the desk. Alec explained that this was his second time in San Antonio, and the reason for the dedication was that his first visit to the city was when he took his parents to see Adam Sandler's show. While backstage, Alec asked Adam if he could appear in one of his music videos. Although Adam was unsure, his daughters recognized Alec, leading to a friendly encounter and conversation.
Later in the show, a couple in the crowd held up a sign asking Alec to reveal the gender of their baby. After they handed him a note, Alec jokingly said, "That's too much pressure," before announcing, "Lizzie and Zayden are having a boy!" He followed up by asking, "What's the name?" When the couple replied "Cylus," Alec responded with an enthusiastic "Wooooo!" The second note of the night was then dedicated to the unborn baby, Cylus, with Alec writing, "To Cylus, you can’t read yet, but your parents have great taste in music."
Alec’s playful banter with the crowd continued as he noticed a fan offering him a bracelet. He joked, "I’ll get that in one moment, but sometimes people get inspired and start throwing larger items. I’m human, and if you hit me hard, I will cry, so don’t!" His charm and interactivity with the crowd were undeniable, as he engaged in short conversations, accepted gifts, and even signed a few items. Whether he was standing still with his acoustic guitar, moving around the stage, or playing the piano, his energy was infectious. The connection between Alec and his fans was palpable, creating an atmosphere filled with kindness and warmth throughout the night.
Setlist:
1. I Sent my Therapist to Therapy
2. Different Kind of Beautiful
3. If We Have Each Other
4. The Way You Felt
5. Devil Doesn’t Bargain
6. Mind is a Prison
7. Pick Me
8. Lead Me to Water
9. The Arsonist
10. Jesus in LA
11. The Knife in my Back
12. Alamo
13. Paper Crown
14. Water Fountain
15. Boy in the Bubble
16. In a Little
17. If I Killed Someone for You
18. Love The Ones Who Leave
19. Outrunning Karma
20. Sacrifice Tomorrow
21. 12 Notes
22. Let Me Down Slowly