Indie singer-songwriter Alec Duckart, better known by his stage name Searows, recently took the stage at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York for the second time in a week on June 30th. This incredible show wrapped up his most recent tour around the U.S.and once again showcased his incredible ability to captivate an audience with just his voice, a guitar, and two bandmates.
After spending the last couple of years sharing original music on the social media platform TikTok, Searows released his first album, Guard Dog, in the fall of 2022. Following the success of his debut record, he secured touring slots with various fellow indie artists Matt Maltese, Leith Ross, and Gracie Abrams. After releasing an EP titled End Of The World in the fall of 2023 and playing a few of his first-ever solo shows earlier this year, Searows announced a North American tour in the spring. As someone who has been following Searows’ music since his debut album thanks to the recommendation of a friend, I knew I had to see his music come to life.
Throughout the course of the night, Searows played a variety of songs that were mostly from both Guard Dog and End Of The World. Some of the setlist selections included his most well-known song to date, “House Song,” a so-called “party version” of “Used to Be Friends,” which is my personal favorite from his discography, and “Older,” the first single off of End Of The World. However, Searows also surprised the crowd and played two unreleased songs, one called “Hunter”’ and another that is untitled.
The intimate venue, which holds a maximum capacity of only 650 people, created the perfect ambience for Searows’ acoustic sound and made the experience that much more special. During his set, Searows joked with the audience about the awkwardness of tuning his guitar before a crowd of observing fans. He also showcased his plan for the encore, which was to not leave the stage physically but instead have the audience pretend as though he did and act surprised at his “return” and decision to play one last song. The lighthearted banter between songs greatly contrasted Searows’ devastatingly confessional and heartbreaking lyrics as evidenced by the sobs coming from emotional fans throughout the night. The connection between Searows and his listeners is evidently very strong. A group of fans eagerly handed him a pride flag during his set, which he proudly hung up on an empty guitar stand for the remainder of the concert. In addition, two fans gifted him a bouquet of flowers at the end of the show.
Although I stood outside the venue while it poured for almost the entire three hours I waited before doors opened, Searows’ captivating performance absolutely made it a worthwhile experience. It has been an honor watching Searows grow over the past couple of years and I am so excited for what’s to come next with his musical journey.