Sudan Archives Brings Heartbreak and Big Beats to Thalia Hall

The neo-folk violinist/singer showcased her new album 'The BPM' with a one-woman show full of performance art and Chicago pride.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Sudan Archives, the stage name of artist Brittney Parks, performed a sold-out show at Chicago's Thalia Hall on Thursday night, bringing her new album 'The BPM' to life through a dynamic, one-woman show. Blending folk, hip-hop, R&B, and electro-pop, Parks created a futuristic, dystopian world where finding one's own rhythm can break the chains holding you back. Donning an alter ego called Gadget Girl, Parks used synths, vocal loops, drum machines, and her signature violin to craft a hypnotic 90-minute experience, paying homage to her Chicago roots throughout the night.

Why it matters

Sudan Archives' performance at Thalia Hall showcased her ability to turn personal heartbreak into a powerful, genre-bending musical statement. By creating a conceptual album and tour around the idea of 'the BPM' (beats per minute), Parks explored themes of freedom, identity, and self-empowerment, resonating with her dedicated fanbase in Chicago, where she has deep family ties.

The details

Throughout the show, Parks manipulated an array of electronic instruments to create a sonic tapestry, with her violin taking a backseat to synths, vocal loops, and drum machines. She incorporated elements of sci-fi and performance art, including an eerie contact lens-wearing alter ego called Gadget Girl. The setlist featured tracks from 'The BPM' album, blending classic folk, contemporary hip-hop, R&B, and electro-pop. Parks also paid homage to her Chicago roots, shouting out her family in the audience and noting that much of the new album was recorded in the city.

  • Sudan Archives celebrated her 31st birthday while on tour.
  • The concert at Thalia Hall took place on Thursday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Sudan Archives

The stage name of artist Brittney Parks, a neo-folk violinist and singer known for her genre-blending sound and dynamic live performances.

Gadget Girl

Parks' eerie alter ego who donned contact lenses and brought a heightened sense of performance art to the show.

Cain Culto

The opener who joined Sudan Archives for a riotous performance of his song 'KFC Santeria' during the encore.

Dreamer Isioma

The Chicago-based opener who performed with an ad hoc dance collective and made political statements during their set.

D-Composed

The Chicago-based Black chamber music collective that contributed string arrangements to Sudan Archives' new album 'The BPM'.

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What they’re saying

“The BPM is the power, and harnessing it can make you superhuman.”

— Sudan Archives

“This my family hometown! Where my family at?”

— Sudan Archives

“Sometimes I think that if I was light-skinned, then I would get into all the parties, win all the Grammys, make the boys happy.”

— Sudan Archives

What’s next

Sudan Archives will continue her 'The BPM' tour, with upcoming stops in New York, Los Angeles, and other major cities.

The takeaway

Sudan Archives' performance at Thalia Hall showcased her ability to turn personal heartbreak into a powerful, genre-bending musical statement that resonates with her dedicated fanbase. By creating a conceptual album and tour around the idea of 'the BPM,' Parks explored themes of freedom, identity, and self-empowerment, cementing her status as a boundary-pushing artist.