EMMA HARNER OPENS A SOLD OUT HEADLINE TOUR IN LOS ANGELES
MOROCCAN LOUNGE — LOS ANGELES, CA
It felt like the start of something big on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, when Emma Harner made the first stop of the TAKING MY SIDE TOUR in Los Angeles at the Moroccan Lounge. After building a massive community through her online following and viral posts, fans packed the small venue in anticipation of Harner’s headlining debut.
The crowd showed up early to witness the talents of Jackie Evans, an incredible pianist with melodies reminiscent of Sara Bareilles and Carol King. Harner herself has opened for many prominent artists in the indie scene, including Orla Gartland, Tiny Habits, and most recently, Leith Ross. Now on a tour of her own, Emma opened the show with “False Alarm,” the first track off of her 2025 EP, Taking My Side. Harner combines intricate fingerpicking techniques, from her classical guitar influences, with complex melodies and lyricism. The emotional depth of the lyrics makes every pluck of the guitar strings hit a vulnerable nerve for all listening. However, her stage presence brought a heart-warming lightness throughout the entire show, even asking audience members to update her on the score of the Nebraska football game happening in Los Angeles that night. Not only did Harner provide comedic relief between performances of her emotionally heavy songs, but she also offered insight into the decisions that shape the sounds of each song.
While preparing for the next song in the setlist, the artist explained her process behind exploring a variety of guitar tunings and complex time signatures. Not many other audiences could appreciate the elaborate explanations Harner gave, but in a room full of fellow musicians, it was an interesting insight into the process that makes her growing discography so unique. Harner, who would describe herself as a guitarist first and singer second, takes a lot of inspiration from what she describes as a mixture of math rock and folk music. Emma even performed a cover of Manchester Orchestra’s song “The Gold”, which sparked her first moment of internet virality for the stunning guitar arrangement.
Between playing tracks from the EP that was released in July, such as “Do It,” “Lifetimes,” “Again,” and “Yes Man,”Harner included many singles and unreleased tracks on the setlist. The overall themes resonate into a nostalgic sound that reflects on grief, failed relationships, and personal discoveries. While the dynamic musical elements build a tension sonically, there is a catharsis reached in the way that she brings every song to a close. Emma Harner has captivated audiences and continues to flourish as a rising artist.
