CONCERT REVIEW: SEGA BODEGA @ THÉÂTRE FAIRMOUNT
“Why did you come here if you’re not gonna go as hard as you can?”
Irish-Chilean music producer, DJ, record label co-founder, and generally esoteric figure Sega
Bodega entranced the crowd at Théâtre Fairmount on Wednesday night, showcasing a
hypnotizing visual experience as well as a clear love of musical performance.
Sega Bodega, born Salvador Navarrette, is known for his dark and pensive takes on club
music, and often associated with PC Music legends A.G. Cook and Danny L Harle. Navarrette
has produced for every hyperpop-adjacent IT girl from Shygirl and FKA Twigs to Eartheater and
Caroline Polachek. You can probably find him on at least one playlist made by your most
heavily-piercing’d yet sensitive friend.
Though still maintaining a DIY air (Navarrette produces all of his own music), the show felt
thoughtful and meticulously deliberate throughout. The fog machine and strobing lights
contributed to a hazy, meditative atmosphere. Navarette frequently interacted with the
audience via intense eye contact, selfie-taking, and seemingly ironic proclamations about
people not cheering loud enough. At one point, he jumped off stage and danced with the
crowd for the remainder of one of his many leftfield deconstructed club bangers.
The intimate show culminated in a rendition of 2021’s ‘Cicada’ featuring experimental
electronic artist Arca. Personally, I danced like I’ve never danced before. Although (or perhaps owing to the fact that) a lone laptop drove the entire backing track, the experience was borderline religious. Thank you Mr. Bodega.
Navarette was supported by Montréal DJ M Bootyspoon, who mixed bass-heavy versions of
current hits, such as Charli XCX’s ‘Von Dutch’ and Umru’s ‘Records’, with tongue-in-cheek live
vocal performances. Overall, it was a fresh and unifying show that has since inspired me to
listen to Sega Bodega’s entire discography.
