Michael Seyer and Bubble Tea and Cigarettes Cast a Spell Over San Diego’s House of Blues

Jul 26

Written By Lorenzo .

Written by Odawni Villahermosa | July 26, 2023

photos taken by Odawni Villahermosa with the Michael Seyer NA Tour

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The evening opened in a haze of dream-pop reverie, courtesy of Bubble Tea and Cigarettes. Their signature cinematic melancholy washed over the “Voodoo Room” here at the House of Blues in San Diego, immediately stilling the restless energy of the crowd. From the first note, the duo transported us to twilight memories—those slow, weightless summer nights where time feels suspended.

Their set concluded on a sentimental high with “Empanadas at 5AM,” a nostalgic nod to Kat and Andi’s first track together. Though the band only formed in 2019, their rapid rise is undeniable, garnering dedicated followings in cities like Jakarta, Taipei, and Los Angeles (according to Songstats). With their haunting compositions and vintage sonic textures, it’s no mystery why.

The room stirred again as Michael Seyer took the stage, backed by an ensemble of five more musicians. Even before the first chord struck, cheers erupted—a testament to the devoted fanbase he’s quietly built. The anticipation in the air was thick, electric.

Seyer’s rapport with the audience was effortless, with one fan even buying him a drink during his set (Cheers, Andreas! 🍺). His performance felt less like a concert and more like an intimate hangout with old friends who grew up alongside his music. Launching into “Boylife,” the crowd responded instantly with cheers and applause. Then came an unexpected jolt, a saxophone solo that cut through the haze like sunlight through blinds. It added a new layer of richness and spontaneity to the set, breathing fresh life into familiar tracks. The saxophonist, a clear crowd favorite, elevated the entire performance from memorable to magnetic.

Together, Seyer and Bubble Tea and Cigarettes curated a night that felt like a shared secret between artist and audience—a dreamy, jazz-tinted fever dream we didn’t want to wake up from.