Photos: Alessio Neri

SAN FRANCISCO — Australian indie pop sensation Amy Shark brought her strong set to The Independent Wednesday. Most of her songs were lyrically dense yet sonically upbeat, though she wasn’t afraid to throw in a more melancholy tune.

For the better part of a decade, Amy Shark’s musical achievements were limited to playing in Australia’s local bar scene. It was only a few short years ago that she finally began to come into her own, and her songs such as “Weekend” and “Drive You Mad” worked their way into playlists across the globe. Her story is inspirational, and shows that with determination and passion, all is possible.

As an artist who went at her own pace in finding her voice, Amy Shark has come a long way in a short time. The former video editor’s music career took off like a rocket after her 2016 single “Adore,” and her current world tour is proof of that. Her style and voice, reminiscent of New Zealand artist Lorde, captivated the audience with her upbeat music, dancing and attitude.

Amy Shark

As the house went dark, all eyes were fixed on the artist in the Adidas windbreaker making her way to center stage. Her band members was tucked so far into the back corners of the stage they were hardly even noticeable.

“Why the hell do I live in Australia when I get so much love here?” she said following the first song. She milked the audience for a bit more of a reaction before picking up a large Gibson guitar to play her next song, “Spits on Girls.”

The mood took on a more somber tone when she introduced her song “Middle of the Night.” Confiding that she gave serious consideration to removing this piece from her set, she said she changed her mind because acknowledging the highs in one’s life is equally as important as acknowledging the lows. She didn’t say, specifically, what the song was written about, but revealed it was inspired by a visit home, where within 20 minutes of arriving, one member of her family delivered news that forever changed her life.

The band then unceremoniously exited the stage, leaving Shark to perform the next few songs, all lyrically rich ballads, solo on an acoustic guitar. The members returned to accompany her on a cover of Eminem’s “Superman,” which she claimed as one of her personal favorites.

The show concluded with “Adore,” which Shark said is the reason she has been able to tour the world. Before she began the song, she suggested fans hold someone they love close to them, because “Adore” is a symbol to her of the true meaning of love.

Opening acts MILCK and Bower impressed and inspired as well.

MILCK

MILCK sang with a deep, soulful voice while playing keyboard and triggering percussion. Her lyrically driven music was invigorating and inspiring; it made me feel I can overcome anything. “Black Sheep” was a highlight of the set. The song, as MILCK explained, was about not being Chinese enough in the home, but not American enough in public, either.

Bower, a New Orleans Neo-soul singer, started the night on a smooth, upbeat note. Backed by a three-member band, he ran through a short set of uplifting tunes.

Follow writer Nick Gumas at Twitter.com/NickGGumas. Follow photo editor Alessio Neri at Instagram.com/windowofcolor and Windowofcolor.com.