
Backstage With Nessa Barrett in Brooklyn
Story by Ivan Guzman / Photography by Kristen Jan Wong
Feb 21, 2025
Nessa Barrett is on a roll. Fresh off the release of AFTERCARE DELUXE — an expanded version of her acclaimed 2024 album AFTERCARE — the alt-pop princess is in the midst of a globe-trotting tour, most recently playing the historic Brooklyn Paramount on February 17.
The Brooklyn show landed on the heels of a major moment: Lana Del Rey sharing Barrett’s viral single “LOVE LOOKS PRETTY ON YOU” on Instagram a few days before, a full-circle moment for Barrett who has long cited Lana as a core influence. The energy at the Paramount reflected that buzz. Fans filled the venue, screaming every lyric back as Barrett delivered a set that balanced raw emotion with the kind of dark-pop edge she’s perfectedJust a few years ago, Barrett was posting TikToks from her bedroom, first gaining traction in 2019 with moody lip-syncs and snippets of her early music. Since then, she’s carved out a space as one of alt-pop’s most exciting new voices, evolving from viral star to a fully-formed artist with a distinct sound — dark, sultry, and emotionally raw. With nearly a billion views on TikTok and a growing list of hits, she’s become a staple in the alt-pop scene, all while staying true to the vulnerability that first drew fans in.
"We're almost halfway through the US leg of my AFTERCARE tour and I am having the time of my life," Barrett tells PAPER. I have the best crew traveling with me and we're also enjoying the cities that we are in together. I can't wait to continue to bring this show around the world this year."
Now, Barrett takes PAPER behind-the-scenes of her Brooklyn Paramount show, sharing intimate moments, pre-show rituals, and everything that made the night unforgettable.Photography: Kristen Jan Wong
From Your Site Articles
MORE ON PAPER
Music
Bebe Rexha Burns Down the Asylum
Photography by Diego Bendezu / Story by Russ Martin
Photography by Diego Bendezu / Story by Russ Martin
01 July
Entertainment
'Minions & Monsters' Director Pierre Coffin Has Seen the Memes
Story by Taylor Lomax
Story by Taylor Lomax
30 June
Entertainment
Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs Would Kill For Each Other
Photography by Vijat Mohindra / Story by Joan Summers
Photography by Vijat Mohindra / Story by Joan Summers
08 June
Entertainment
Mindy Kaling’s Not Suitable For Work Cast Are Just Getting Started
Photography: Caroline Tompkins / Story: Stephen Daw
Photography: Caroline Tompkins / Story: Stephen Daw
02 June

















