Malcolm Todd Proves He’s Ready for Bigger Stages

Malcolm Todd delivered exactly the kind of performance you'd want from a rising star at Showbox SoDo last night. The venue was packed, and from the moment he and his band took the stage, they owned the room completely.

He opened with "Harry Styles", then smoothly moved into "Make Me a Better Man”, setting a strong tone for the night. His voice was noticeably better live than on his recordings. It was richer, more controlled, with an emotional rawness that you just can't capture in the studio.

Every song felt personal and vulnerable, the kind of performance that reminds you why you fell in love with live music in the first place. The crowd was electric, shouting song lyrics back at him so loudly you could barely hear yourself think. They were there for every moment, singing along to every word and showing genuine love for the music. It was during "Bleed" that things got truly special. Malcolm stepped off the stage and got right up close with the fans, creating one of those intimate moments that make a show memorable. Midway through the set, Malcolm took a moment for a slow, deliberate outfit change. He peeled off his flannel, slowly buttoning down and low-key teasing the crowd. After the song, he made sure to change into a green polo. It was a small theatrical touch that somehow felt completely natural and added to the show's intimate, personal feel.

One of the night's highlights was Malcolm's crowd interactions. He talked to the audience, cracked genuine jokes between songs, and hyped everyone up without sounding like he was reading from a script. At one point, he talked about how grateful he was to be touring and doing what he loves, and it came across as completely sincere, not just the usual performer's small talk. There's something special about catching an artist on the way up who's still clearly having the time of his life.

Malcolm also made sure to thank his band multiple times throughout the night, introducing them individually and even performing "Our House" by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, to the four band members supporting him, calling them his best friends so the audience knew how important these people were to him. It was a genuine moment that showed his character beyond just his musical talent. The production kept things simple but effective, with moody blues and warm reds that complemented his sound perfectly. No crazy visuals or over-the-top theatrics, just Malcolm and his music. It felt intimate without being small, and his energy filled every corner of that room.

Bottom line: Malcolm Todd showed up and delivered a show worth remembering. I haven't seen a performance this good in a long time, the kind that reminds you what live music can be when an artist truly connects with their audience. When his next tour rolls through, I'll be there again.