Betty Who’s vibrant career epitomizes a journey defined by three key elements: Boston, Broadway, and bops.
The Australian pop singer began her musical journey in Boston, where she graduated from Berklee College of Music just a year before releasing her debut album, *Take Me When You Go*.
Her trajectory has led to a treasure trove of synth-pop hits, from her debut single “Somebody Loves You” to her latest energetic anthem “Sweat.”
Recently, she took to the stage at Royale in Boston on June 5, as part of her Out of the Darkness tour, which is currently traveling across North America.
In an exclusive interview, Betty Who answered questions about her musical roots in Boston, the stage presence insights gleaned from her Broadway experiences, and the therapeutic atmosphere she cultivates at her shows.
When discussing her recent singles, “Run!” and “Sweat,” Betty described them as exuberant tracks that resonate powerfully through challenging times like the recent pandemic and ongoing political turbulence.
She revealed her preference for energetic songs, explaining, “I have always been slightly allergic to ballads — which is ironic because they are the kind of songs that come the most naturally to me.”
For her, the high-energy pop of the ’80s, represented by artists like Kenny Loggins, Journey, and Survivor, serves as a source of creative inspiration during heavier times.
Reflecting on her live album recorded in Boston, which celebrated the tenth anniversary of *Take Me When You Go*, she expressed her affection for the city, stating, “Boston is one of my favorite cities in the states.”
Her time at Berklee had a significant influence on her, and she chose to record the album in Boston to honor the special memories associated with it.
While at Berklee, Betty also had her favorite spots, including Trident Booksellers & Cafe on Newbury Street, where she would spend hours studying and enjoying tofu scramble.
She also frequented Pavement, a nearby venue, where she often relaxed before her classes.
On social media, she playfully referred to her concerts as “unintentional group therapy,” and emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for her fans.
She aims to strike a balance between high-energy dance music and genuine emotional connection, especially during this challenging era.
“It feels strange not to acknowledge it, so instead I’m choosing to honor it and celebrate the ways we as a community overcome and find joy even in the darkest times,” she shared.
Her goal is for concert-goers to leave feeling inspired and enveloped in joy.
Betty Who’s Broadway experience in the Tony Award-winning musical *Hadestown* brought a new depth to her performances.
While pop music often encourages a robotic, polished version of performance, Betty learned from theater the importance of emotional authenticity.
“It’s easy in the pop world to shift into robo-pop star mode, but in theater, you have to ‘go there,’” she explained.
Now, she brings those lessons to her pop shows, making an effort for audiences to feel the music in a profound way.
With the lessons learned from both her musical education and theatrical endeavors, Betty Who continues to uplift and inspire not only herself but also fans across the country.
As her tour progresses, her unique blend of Broadway experience and pop aspirations undoubtedly solidifies her position as a beacon of positivity and creativity in the music scene.
image source from：https://vanyaland.com/2025/06/06/interview-betty-who-on-boston-broadway-and-80s-bops/
