Caroline Kingsbury's
Shock Treatment Tour
Written & photographed by Emma A. Walker
Caroline Kingsbury’s a rising artist known for her campy 80s style that feels like a mix of a real life gem and the holograms, meets a draggy club kid resulting in a surreal visual complimenting her larger than life high-energy performance. She’s been grouped with critically acclaimed artists like Chappell Roan and Cindi Lauper. She came on our (and most of her current fans) radar in 2024 when “Kissing Someone Else" off her album Heaven's just a Flight went viral, gaining 6 million streams. Since then she’s released her EP Shock Treatment, collaborated with indie artist MARIS releasing “Give me a Sign”, played multiple festivals and now her first ever headlining tour!
Attending the Shock Treatment Atlanta, GA tour stop was a mesmerizing experience. Before anyone even stepped on stage the fans established the fun and inclusive environment. I spoke with some fans in line for merchandise, bonding over vintage finds to wear to the concert fitting the Shock Treatment dress code (bright colors, loud patterns and 80s inspo). When I was standing at the barricade waiting for the show to start I was offered face glitter and complimented on my outfit. If anyone is planning on attending the show solo, don’t fret you’ll have plenty of wonderful conversation and feel safe to do so!
Bershy opened the show with a sultry pop performance that felt like I was watching an indie artist perform at the BRONZE in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (incredibly niche vibe but iykyk). She got the crowd prepped and hyped for the sparkling headliner. Caroline entered the stage establishing her commanding presence by ripping off her bright pink blazer to reveal a custom star leotard by costume designer Call Me Sophia (@callmesophia_) featuring everything from rhinestones to feathers paired with her keyboard tights and glam rock boots. Complementing her bright yellow electrified teased hair and bowie-esk makeup. Caroline’s style embodies her energetic performance thats reminiscent of a drag show in tone.
The set list included hits from multiple eras of her discography such as “Take My Phone Away”, “Alabama”, "Meteorite", and “Strawberry Sheets”. An incredibly technically impressive performance Caroline played multiple instruments including electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboard, tambourine, and a tom drum. In between songs she frequently chatted with audience members and shared personal anecdotes. She shared a story about her late brother that passed in 2019, painting a beautiful picture of who he was and providing a look into her songwriting for songs like "Heaven's Just a Flight” and “Pain and Pleasure”.
A highlight of the show was when she brought on about 6 fans on stage with her for “Alabama” a song about growing up being a Lesbian in the south. The song turns into a genuine celebration of her identity and the community she’s speaking to in her music. It’s a really beautiful moment of community and is so fun to watch fans get their moment on stage. Caroline’s connections to the fans is so wonderful and refreshing to see. There were a handful of fans who had gone to multiple tour dates already, and had planned a fan project during “Pain and Pleasure”. She also provides an optional paid VIP experience where you can hang out during sound check with her prior to the show. The audience and venue was a smaller indie scale show with tickets only priced at around $20, the atmosphere is reminiscent of those videos of artists like Chappell and Lady Gaga in a venue you can’t imagine seeing them in today.
Caroline Kingsbury is an artist to watch, with 10 years in the industry it’s time for her to be the next Lesbian Pop Star to get her flowers. You can stream her music on all platforms, follow her on socials at @kingsburyxx and watch her maximialist 80’s music videos on Youtube under “Caroline Kingsbury
