Thundercat Like a Friend in the Spotlight

by Olivia Appleton

Cats can be unpredictable, sometimes silly, and can seem very, very mysterious. Just like Thundercat’s music.

Thundercat, also known as Stephen Lee Bruner, specializes in house and funk music. He performed Oct. 15 at the MGM Music Hall in Boston. Next to Fenway and the House of Blues, it was in a very populous area, as another concert was going on at the same time at the House of Blues. Everyone was dressed to impress.

Standing in line for about an hour before the staff let people inside the venue was just practice. Since this concert was a majority floor concert, I would be standing the entire concert, mushed against people I don’t know. There is upper seating in this venue as well if one does not opt for this option, but the majority of religious concertgoers choose floor 95 percent of the time (meaning me).

The first impression I had of what I was in for was the admirable merch Thundercat offered. He sold T-shirts and long sleeves, as well as vinyl records and patches with his cat-like logo on it. Since Thundercat himself is a huge anime fan, he was selling a Naruto-themed hat with his logo on it as well as a whole kimono with his logo on it. This kimono retailed for about $200, so for some, it would be a big financial commitment. Shirts were $35 each, which I was more comfortable with spending.

Walking into the big space where the stage was, I was taken aback. There was a huge inflatable cat sitting on the stage in a sphinx-like position. Drums as well as a keyboard were set up on either arm of the cat, and a microphone was right in the middle. It was truly on-brand for Thundercat. Since I was one of the first 30 to 40 people in line outside, I got to be at almost barrier level on the floor. This allowed me to see every close detail of Thundercat, as well as his openers, Coco & Breezy.

Once Thundercat started performing, it was like something out of the ’70s/’80s. His type of music gave off a certain funk to it, with guitar riffs that went on for ages as well as deep drum solos and clashes on the keyboard. Hearing familiar songs off of his most recent album released in 2020, “It Is What It Is,” was very pleasing because he added more instrumental depth into his songs. His grin was infectious as he played not for us, but with us. He seemed to match the vibe throughout the entire venue.

Throughout his set, he would take a break and interact with the crowd a lot. He enthused over his recent experience performing in L.A. with Steve Lacy, Tame Impala, Donald Glover, and Suicidal Tendencies. He also talked about his love for Japan and Dragon Ball Z. He even laughed about the insanity of the Logan Paul suicide forest incident in 2018. (Influencer Paul filmed a video where he shouldn’t have). When he talked with the audience, it didn’t feel like encountering someone famous, even when he was onstage. It felt as if talking with an old friend, someone down to earth, and humble.

Just before his encore, he performed his most popular song, “Them Changes,” which was the song that first got me into Thundercat. Hearing that song brought me back to what going to concerts really meant for me: that utter enjoyment buzzing through you as you become one with the audience by your side. It’s truly addicting.

His openers were Coco & Breezy, fraternal twin sisters as well as successful producers and DJs. They got the crowd hyped, as they didn’t sing at all, but mixed while on stage. Their music, like Thundercat’s, was house music with a little funk. Lights as well as some dance choreography from the girls set the vibe for the concert. Their mantra throughout their set was a repetition of different positive affirmations. Their spiritual energy echoed across the venue.

Sometime in the middle of their set, they informed the audience that they were asked to be Thundercat’s openers a week and a half in advance. They had been friends with Thundercat for close to 10 years, even before Thundercat got famous. They had a very deep history of being friends.

Thundercat performing under cat’s watch. (Olivia Appleton)

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