Modern Oli stuns at Permanent Records in Los Angeles. It was an intimate set featuring Laura Marano and a voice built for the big stage.
Modern Oli Delivers An Unforgettable Performance In Los Angeles
There is something truly special about seeing an artist in an intimate setting before they start selling out arenas, and Oli Higginson – performing under his musical moniker Modern Oli – is undeniably on that trajectory. His show at Permanent Records Roadhouse was incredible. I have to admit, I walked out feeling like I’d just witnessed the “I was there” moment of a future superstar.
I was completely shocked to learn that this was only his fourth live performance ever. Even more mind-blowing? It was his first time playing with this specific band. Had he not let us in on that detail, I would have bet my last dollar that they had been touring together for years. The timing was always spot on, and they seemed to genuinely have a good time together on stage.
One of the biggest standouts for me overall, however, was Oli’s stage presence. His background as an actor (known for his role in Bridgerton) has likely given him a unique edge – he knows how to capture a room’s attention and hold it. But this isn’t a case of an actor simply trying out music, as we have seen in the past. Absolutely not. This was a seasoned musician who happened to have a day job on a global hit series for a minute or two. From start to finish, his live performance oozed charisma, talent, and musical genius.
The setlist was a mix of his rapidly growing catalog and unreleased songs. What struck me most was his physical movement throughout the tiny venue. He didn’t just stand behind a mic – he was all over the place, alternating between the keyboard and taking center stage, to even lying on the floor. Permanent Records is a small, vibey spot where you’re never more than a few feet from the artist, and Oli made sure every single person had an unforgettable experience during his show.
One moment, he was bouncing with infectious pop energy, and the next, he was slowing the tempo down, letting his incredible live vocals take the lead. His voice is even better in person – crisp, emotive, and powerful enough to fill a room. I really felt like I was getting in on the ground floor of a new musical sensation.
One of the absolute highlights of the night was when Oli brought the talented Laura Marano on stage for a duet. Together, they tackled a cover of Sombr’s “Back to Friends,” and the result was pure magic. Their vocals meshed seamlessly, with Laura’s tone perfectly complementing Oli’s rich, live range.
Beyond the music, the moment was a testament to Oli’s maturity as a performer. Despite it being his show, he shared the stage with an easy, selfless grace. He stepped back when necessary to let the collaboration breathe, proving he’s just as capable of being a generous scene partner as he is a commanding solo frontman.
His latest May 2026 release, “People Pleaser,” was one of the highlights for me because I knew every single word. Hearing this 80s-inspired, synth-pop anthem live was something I will never forget. He put on a wig to channel hair bands of the past for this one, which was extremely entertaining, and showed how goofy and fun he is willing to be as well.
That said, “Transatlantic” was the song I (and everyone around me) was waiting for. It’s a high-energy track that captures the dizzying rush of early romance. There is nothing quite like the feeling of screaming the lyrics to your favorite song along with a room full of strangers who feel the exact same way. It is one of the reasons why I love live music so much.
It’s easy to see why Modern Oli has already amassed hundreds of thousands of streams and earned spots on BBC Radio 1’s Future Pop Show. He is a multi-dimensional artist who understands the intersection of storytelling and melody. His songwriting feels deeply personal yet universally relatable, which is the key to creating a relationship with an audience that will last a lifetime.
Seeing him interact with the audience all evening, it became clear he genuinely loves his fans. He has that “people pleaser” energy in the best way possible (see what I did there), striving to ensure everyone leaves with a smile. If this is what he can do on his fourth show, I can only imagine what he’ll be doing by his fiftieth. Get on the Modern Oli train now because it’s moving fast.
