Singer-songwriter Lakin brings warm sound to The Cabin

Genre fluid musician had three on-campus performances this weekend

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Photo by Lara Bockenstedt

Lakin performs in The Cabin as the crowd watches Saturday Nov. 14.

Musician Lakin brought her Southern California warmth with her when she performed at The Cabin on Friday Nov. 13 and Saturday Nov. 14.

Singing songs from her album such as “If Night Turns to Daylight” as well as mash-ups of pop songs, Lakin, 29, charmed a crowd of around 30 in attendance. Her sound was similar to Colbie Caillat, for whom she’s opened before.

Lakin used a loops pedal to layer guitar, vocal, and percussive sounds, with as many as six layers for one song. The sweetness of her sound was clear by the titles of songs such as “Honeysuckle” and “Guarantee.”

However, Lakin did not stick to a single genre, delving into a Motown-retro sound for some songs. Mash-ups included a range from Stevie Wonder to current top 40 songs.

The artist is based in southern California, however she is currently touring the Midwest before heading back to record her next album. Before Eau Claire, she stopped at University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Sam Olson, a sophomore business management student, said she came to the show because she heard from her Event Production Crew co-workers that it was going to be good.

“I am a big fan of acoustic music, and her voice is clear and her range is fantastic,” Olson said.

Lakin said the most important part of her shows is connectivity with the audience. To make someone’s day better with the songs she plays and the stories she shares makes it “worth it for me,” she said.  

True to her word, Lakin shared brief personal stories before many songs about memories such as a former roommate, their friendship and subsequently when the roommate moved out.  

The artist performed twice Friday and once Saturday. The most popular performance was Friday evening when over 50 people attended, Rachael Nichols, University Activities Commision Cabin co-chair, said.

All three performances had been great, Nichols, a junior accounting student said, commenting on the artist’s sweet voice. The sound was unique to the usual acoustic sound heard at The Cabin.

The popularity was evident because only three of Lakin’s CDs were left in her merchandise box on Saturday evening.

Nichols said her fellow co-chair heard Lakin at a National Association for Campus Activities  (NACA) convention last spring.

“She connects really well with the crowd,” Nichols said.

Lakin said this was her first trip to Eau Claire. She appreciated The Cabin’s atmosphere as well as the people who attended each performance.

“The vibe of this whole place is awesome,” she said.

The next performance at The Cabin is Saturday Nov. 21, and will feature musician Dave Simonett, a German artist who is also in the band Trampled by Turtles.