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Hunter Metts Captivates at Mercury Lounge with Heartfelt Intimacy and Musical Precision
- Miranda Wyman
- Nov 11
- 3 min read
The Nashville indie-folk singer-songwriter delivers a moving, sold-out debut in New York City — blending raw emotion, crowd connection, and musical grace in his first U.S. headlining tour.
Article & Photos Contributed by Miranda Wyman
Indie-folk singer, songwriter, and producer Hunter Metts delivered an unforgettable performance at New York City’s Mercury Lounge on Friday, November 7, as part of his first U.S. headlining tour. Playing to a sold-out crowd of 250, Metts transformed the intimate Lower East Side venue into something far greater — a space filled with emotion, connection, and musical sincerity that felt deeply personal from start to finish.
The night opened with Emma Andersen, whose ethereal vocals and poetic songwriting immediately drew the crowd in. Her gentle, introspective set created a calm anticipation in the room, perfectly setting the tone for Metts’ arrival. It was clear she’s already built a loyal following — an entire front row sang her lyrics back to her, a rare and telling sight for an opening act. Andersen’s performance carried both confidence and warmth, leaving a lasting impression that lingered even after she exited the stage.
Metts’ 13-song setlist struck a perfect balance between quiet reflection and full-band energy. Some songs were performed solo, allowing his delicate voice and expressive guitar work to take the spotlight. Others featured his full band, adding dynamic layers and subtle textures that gave the performance an organic richness. In two songs, Metts brought his band back out for backup vocals, creating warm, immersive harmonies that showcased his producer’s ear for detail.
What made the evening especially captivating was Metts’ genuine connection with the crowd. Between songs, he spoke candidly; cracking jokes, responding to fans, and opening up about his hopes for the tour. He admitted he’s still breaking out of habits from his days as an opener, often having to rush through sets, and even apologized if any of those habits showed, saying he wanted each show on this tour to be perfect for the audience. That humility and self-awareness only deepened the crowd’s appreciation, turning the performance into something that felt collaborative rather than performative.
A highlight of the night came when Metts brought Andersen back on stage for a stunning duet of “Across The Great Divide.” Their voices blended seamlessly, evoking the spirit of classic folk duos while retaining a fresh, modern intimacy that held the audience in complete silence.
Every song carried the emotional depth that defines Metts’ music. Tracks like “Heavy, Heavy Love” and “Telescope Lovers” showcased his lyrical vulnerability, while newer material hinted at an artist continually refining his craft. His voice, smooth yet raw, carried each lyric with a sincerity that made even the smallest moments feel significant.
Metts closed the night with “Weathervane,” a soaring, heartfelt finale that encapsulated the themes of direction, introspection, and change that run through his work. As the final notes faded, the room erupted in applause — a standing ovation of sorts in the tight quarters of Mercury Lounge.
For an artist embarking on his first headlining tour, Hunter Metts commanded the stage with both grace and gratitude. His performance at Mercury Lounge was a testament to his evolution — a rare blend of technical precision and emotional authenticity. If this night was any indication, Metts isn’t just finding his voice as a headliner; he’s proving he was meant to be one all along.
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