North Texas Daily

A modest crowd stood anxiously waiting for the country-americana band, Nikki Lane, to take the stage. Many people had only heard of the group through the lineup released months prior to Oaktopia, so the crowd was patiently waiting to see what this South Carolina band would bring to Denton this Friday evening.

In an embroidered blue jumpsuit, white cowboy boots and a white cowboy hat, Nikki Lane strutted on stage with her band. They wasted no time and started delivering their music from the moment they set foot on stage. Lane was eager to perform songs from her most recent album, “All or Nothin,'” from 2014. Her outfit, accent and attitude fit right into the heart of North Texas.

“What does it take to write a song? Sometimes a bitch,” Lane said, “That’s what this song took. This song is about a woman in Nashville I want to hit in the face, but I can’t.”

By the end of the song, Lane had her middle fingers up in the air and her energy shining through. The crowd was drawn to her bold and carefree spirit. Some people were singing along to her music while her Denton fan base appeared to see her perform her set.

The crowd began to cheer even louder when she brought a special guest on stage. Her boyfriend Jonathan Tyler, a singer and guitarist, came up next to her to take part in her next song. The two sang a duet and pulled at the heart strings of the crowd. Sharing a microphone, the two stared into each other’s eyes the whole song.

After having Tyler on stage, she also gave a warm welcome to her mother. If her singing with Tyler wasn’t already cute enough, her singing with her mother added greater sentiments to the show. Her mother had a sweet southern voice that contrasted well with Lane’s Wanda Jackson-esque vocals. They made a sweet sight behind the microphone.

She played a few more songs with that rebel attitude that the crowd loved. Her last song, however, shifted the atmosphere a little.

Before the last song started, she opened up the stage to her friends and family to sing along to a cover of Bob Dylan’s “You Ain’t Going Nowhere.” Not only was Lane excited to see her mother and boyfriend return to the stage, the crowd erupted into applause. Their hype was increased when a friend of Lane’s came up with her baby. A small group huddled around the microphone to sing as Lane sung alongside her mother and boyfriend. The sight added something light-hearted to such a high-energy performance. And despite her constant movement and electrifying energy portrayed through her set, Lane held the baby during the song.

The show was pleasant to watch and reminded the audience of their anger, loneliness, and gratitude. From songs of rebel angst to a broken heart, Nikki Lane provided a show that brought an added sense of love and family to Oaktopia.

Featured Image: Nikki Lane performs Friday night at Oaktopia. Hannah Breland