Boyish bats leadoff at Innings Festival 2025

Kicking off the 2025 Innings Festival soundtrack in Tempe, Arizona on Friday, February 21, 2025 were Los Angeles-based, indie rock duo Boyish.

Formed by vocalist India Shore and guitarist Claire Altendahl in 2016 at Berklee College of Music, Boyish set the tone on the opening day of Innings with an energetic set, which included several performances of unreleased songs from their forthcoming album.

“I’m so excited for the rest of the day,” Shore told the crowd, adding that the audience was bigger than they anticipated after hitting the stage around 12:20 p.m.

“I thought no one would be here,” Shore told the audience.

“But you are here and that’s great.”

Winners of the 2021 LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award, Boyish made sure to shout out their LGBTQ+ fans at Innings.

“Are there any gay people here?” Shore asked the crowd, which drew thunderous cheers.

“Thank-you, homosexuals for being here.” 

Shore added: “And the straights, give it up for the straights, I guess. Now, now, be nice,” which drew laughs and applause from their fans.

Altendahl told the crowd their Innings Festival appearance will always hold a special place in their heart, as it was the first concert ever for their seven-month-old niece, who was taking in the show with Altendahl’s sister and brother-in-law.

Shore’s angelic vocals carried through the set—until their scathing, rage-filled closer, ‘Fuck You Heather,’ where they screamed, convulsed, and poured raw energy into the mic.

SWOMP caught up with Boyish after their set.

Follow Boyish at https://boyishmusic.com/.