Song Spotlight: Ali Angel's Disco (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

With the backing of a pedal steel guitar, Los Angeles-born Ali Angel's set at Bar Lubitsch took on a country tone. Her denim skirt and boots gave the impression that she would be totally at ease on a Texas cattle ranch helped set the mood. The set was part of a WFNM and Taylor Sackson collaboration on a recent Thursday night.

Ali Angel at Bar Lubitsch

The very start of the set highlighted the crowd's anticipation. There was loud talking during the change over between Ali Angel and the previous performer. Then there was a moment (I can't recall specifically what happened) that indicated that her set was about to begin and the talking stopped as if an orchestral conductor tapped his baton. 

Her six song setlist was taken from her 2026 debut album Is This Really Happening? She kicked off the night with the title track from the album. Her Spotify bio says the following about the album, ". . .  explores themes of kismet, emotional honesty, duality, spiritual connection, and two people growing in tandem." 

Ali Angel at Bar Lubitsch

"Lighter" is about wanting to "burn the world down" while "Fire" is a love song. Prior to "Fire" she wondered why musicians who write love songs about their significant others didn't use their actual romantic partners in their music videos. She did use her romantic partner in her music videos, "save some money." And well, her partner Austyn Del was also part of her backing band (I should shout out that Austyn fronts a band called Mashugana that I saw back in 2022). 

"Hold" is a collaboration with Tyler Ballgame (you can read my review of his Greek Theatre set here). You can definitely feel his influence on the song that has a bright R&B sound. For her final song she switched back to a final vibrant country tune with "She Says it's Alight." Friends were anticipating the song, because there were some yells, "cowbell." They knew what was up. She had a cowbell on the floor next to her. She used it throughout the song.     

What I really appreciated about her is that when she lets her voice soar, she keeps her vocals perfect. A lot of artists will have their vocals curve off into left field.  

Ali Angel at Bar Lubitsch

The song spotlight goes to "Disco." She introduced the song by saying that it was "about wanting to just have some f*cking fun." It is a song that is an origin story about meeting her significant other. There is also a shout out to Grand Ole Echo. 

Long as you're standing right next to me.
Then I don't want a thing to change.

Ali Angel at Bar Lubitsch

Setlist: Is This Really Happening?, Disco, Lighter, Fire, Hold, She Says It's Alright.