Renny Conti Starts Strong on the Road with Yot Club in Portland
Renny Conti opened strong in Portland, debuting new songs with a tight band and building energy that earned loud cheers by the end. Words and photos by Jenny Shackleton.
Renny Conti’s set at the Wonder Ballroom last Sunday felt like the start of something special, both for the audience arriving early and for Conti himself. As the first night of his tour opening for Yot Club, there was a sense of fresh momentum throughout the performance. He shared that many of the songs were being played live for the first time, but there was little sign of first-night nerves. Conti and his band sounded incredibly tight, moving through each arrangement with confidence and an ease that reflected their musical chemistry.
The set opened in a restrained, introspective mode, leaning into the softer side of Conti’s songwriting. His understated vocals and layered arrangements highlighted why he has quickly become one of the more compelling new voices in indie music. Critics have pointed to his ability to build songs from simple foundations into rich, textured compositions, and that strength was evident in the live setting. As the set progressed and more of the crowd filled in ahead of Yot Club’s headlining slot, the energy steadily built. Guitars became louder, tempos picked up, and the band shifted into a fuller, more driving sound that expanded the emotional range of the material.
Between songs, Conti’s personality added another dimension to the performance. While tuning guitars, he kept the crowd engaged with relaxed and personable banter, including a story about spending the afternoon hiking Mount Tabor and playing hacky sack with the band. The casual moment made the set feel rooted in the day and the city, giving the audience a glimpse into the rhythm of life on tour. It also underscored his natural stage presence, balancing thoughtful songwriting with an approachable charm.
By the end of the set, the room had filled and the response was undeniable. Loud cheers followed the final song, a strong showing for an artist still introducing new material to live audiences. With a recent single “Mona Lisa” released via Mom + Pop, a critically praised 2025 debut album, and past performances alongside artists like Jay Som and Samia as well as festivals such as Pitchfork Paris and London, Conti is clearly on an upward trajectory. At the Wonder Ballroom, he proved he is not just one to watch, but an artist who can already win over a room. He was a great opening act and set the tone perfectly for the night.
Jenny Shackleton (she/her) is a photographer based in Portland, OR, originally hailing from Philadelphia, PA. Her love for live music started over 15 years ago after seeing the Jonas Brothers perform on their Burning Up tour in 2008 and the rest is history. As a naturally shy person, it’s surprising she feels so comfortable at concerts with hundreds of people attending, but has always believed that they are special, somewhat liminal, spaces. Everyone is there for the same reason: to have the best night and see artists pour their souls’ onto the stage. That is what Jenny likes to capture in her photos. Jenny enjoys spending time outside with her partner and their dog, watching movies, and owning way too many sneakers.