Dear Friend, Dayglow is Running the World!!!
This past Saturday night, Dayglow, the moniker of indie pop artist Sloan Struble, lit up the stage at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom with an unforgettable performance captivating a nearly sold-out crowd with a show that was nothing short of euphoric. Touring in support of his recently released self-titled album, DAYGLOW, Struble’s set was a masterclass in feel-good music, virulent vitality, and musical mastery.
Dayglow is the musical project of Texas-born singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Sloan Struble. Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, Dayglow has quickly risen to prominence as a beacon of indie pop, and his most recent album is continuing to solidify his place in mainstream music with his typical display of a colorful, retro-inspired sound. Struble’s journey from bedroom producer to multi-platinum-certified artist is a testament to his DIY ethos and uncontainable creativity.
Born and raised in Aledo, Texas, Sloan Struble’s musical journey began in his childhood where he taught himself to play multiple instruments and produce music from his home studio. His early influences, ranging from the nostalgic sounds of ‘80s pop to the indie rock of the 2000s, shaped the vibrant, eclectic sound that defines Dayglow today. After attending the University of Texas at Austin for a brief period, Struble decided to fully commit to his music career—a decision that quickly paid off as Dayglow’s success continued to skyrocket.
Sloan Struble first gained widespread attraction with his breakout single, “Can I Call You Tonight?,” a Double Platinum hit that became one of the most successful independent alternative songs of 2020. Released as part of his debut mixtape Fuzzybrain, the song perfectly encapsulated Dayglow’s sun-soaked, nostalgic aesthetic and introduced Struble’s knack for blending indie pop with hints of 80s new wave and synthpop. Fuzzybrain quickly catapulted Dayglow into the global spotlight, amassing millions of streams and earning Struble legions of fans. From the debut, not only did “Can I Call You Tonight?” receive Double Platinum accolades, “Hot Rod” followed in its footsteps, quickly earning a Platinum status that put Dayglow on the map as an artist to watch.
Following the success of Fuzzybrain, Dayglow continued his upward trajectory with the release of his sophomore mixtape, Harmony House (2021), which solidified his position as an indie pop innovator. The project, featuring singles like the Gold-certified “Close To You,” showcased his growth as a songwriter and producer, delivering an even more refined and polished sound.
Dayglow’s ability to channel optimism and joy through his music has made him a standout in the indie pop landscape. His songs often radiate positivity, offering a soundtrack to life’s brightest moments, yet they remain deeply introspective lyrically. Struble writes, records, performs, produces, and mixes all of his music himself, further emphasizing his hands-on, DIY approach to artistry. His knack for crafting earworm hooks and relatable lyrics and his multi-instrumentalist talents have earned him billions of streams and numerous accolades across the music industry.
As a true DIY artist, Struble not only writes and produces all his music but also directs and edits his own music videos, further showcasing his all-encompassing creative vision. His unique ability to combine thoughtful introspection with lighthearted, feel-good music has made Dayglow a fresh voice in modern indie pop, captivating listeners worldwide with his positivity and talent.
In 2024, Dayglow released his highly anticipated self-titled album DAYGLOW via Mercury Records, which includes singles like “Every Little Thing I Say I Do” and “Cocoon.” This new project recalls the best of early 2010s indie and alternative music, while still maintaining Dayglow’s signature vibrant, uplifting sound. With the release of DAYGLOW, Struble is embarking on a North American headline tour, bringing his captivating live performances to sold-out venues across the country. While the tour series is already halfway through its run, there is still a little over a month left to catch Dayglow live in somewhat intimate settings before his career catapults him to sold-out arenas.
Dressed in his signature laid-back and playful attire, Dayglow kicked off the evening with a spirited rendition of “Junior Varsity / Broken Bone,” instantly pulling the crowd into his colorful, upbeat world. The song’s bouncy synths and catchy choruses set the tone for the rest of the night, with the audience dancing and singing along from the very start. The audience couldn’t have matched the ambience of Dayglow’s live performance any better. Everyone appeared to leave their inhibitions at the door and let loose the moment they stepped into the concert hall, new friends were made and the dancefloor became a safe space for anyone to join in.
What stood out most during the show was Struble’s undeniable charm and comfort on stage. He interacted with the crowd constantly, revealing the stories that fueled the words of his songs, making the large ballroom feel intimate and the crowd closer to the artist. His warm and genuine personality shone through as he danced around on stage with his bandmates, expressing his gratitude for the fans and the incredible journey that brought him to Hammerstein Ballroom. There was a sense of community in the air, with Struble treating the show like it was a gathering of long-lost friends rather than a formal concert.
The setlist featured a perfect mix of old favorites and new material from DAYGLOW. I particularly appreciated how Struble spaced this out too so his mainstream hits were woven into the newer material instead of stored away until the end of the set. Since DAYGLOW was released barely a month ago, this kept the crowd’s adrenaline at a fever pitch and inspired countless sing-along moments throughout the entire set. Tracks like “Can I Call You Tonight?” and “Hot Rod” from his debut mixtape Fuzzybrain had the whole room belting out the lyrics, while newer singles like “Cocoon” and “Every Little Thing I Say I Do” showcased Struble’s growth as an artist. The crowd embraced these fresh tunes with the same enthusiasm as his earlier hits, dancing to the infectious grooves and soaking in the retro-inspired beats.
Musically, Dayglow’s performance was tight and polished, a testament to Struble’s skills not only as a vocalist but also as a multi-instrumentalist and producer. His live band brought the songs to life with lush arrangements, transcendent synths, and dynamic guitar lines, creating a soundscape that was as joyous as it was sonically rich. The transitions between songs were seamless, with each track flowing into the next while keeping the momentum high. The synergy between the artists on stage was palpable and captivated the attention of fans from the first song to the very last in the 23-song setlist.
One of the standout moments of the night came mid-set when Struble slowed things down for a heartfelt performance of “Medicine,” featuring him front and center on acoustic guitar. The vulnerability in his voice was significant, and the audience swayed along in a revered silence, clearly moved by the emotional weight of the song. It was a brief but poignant contrast to the otherwise upbeat nature of the set, proving that Dayglow’s music has depth beyond the surface-level happiness.
The night’s visuals perfectly complemented the music. Old-school signs lit up the back of the stage with the letters of ‘DAYGLOW,” a white star hanging in the middle made the minimalist set-up feel straight out of the ‘80s, and the bright, swirling lights added an extra layer of magic to the performance, turning Hammerstein Ballroom into a kaleidoscope of light and color. The sound production was top-tier, even though it's always phenomenal in Hammerstein Ballroom, you can tell Struble has dedicated immense consideration to every detail, ensuring this tour series, and the overall live experience, is spectacular for fans. The effort that goes into every little nuance of a Dayglow concert cannot go unnoticed. Sloan Struble clearly cares about his craft and the artistry that goes into making music, beyond just lyrics and instruments.
As the night came to a close, Struble returned to the stage for an encore, kicking things off with a final performance of “Close To You.” The entire room was on its feet, dancing and singing every word, a testament to the song’s enduring appeal. “Run The World!!!” was the perfect way to end the night on a high note, leaving the audience with smiles on their faces and a sense of elation. Walking home after the show, everyone around me appeared to be riding the high of Dayglow’s performance for the entire 20 blocks I trekked.
As Dayglow continues his North American headline tour, it’s clear that Sloan Struble has evolved into a full-fledged indie pop star, without losing the DIY charm that made him a viral sensation. His Hammerstein Ballroom performance was a celebration of not just his latest album but of his journey from bedroom producer to global phenomenon. With his self-titled album DAYGLOW marking a new chapter in his career, his positive energy and genuine interaction with the audience left a lasting impression, proving that Dayglow is more than just a rising indie pop act—he’s a true showman.
