TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Big sound met a smaller stage this week when Troy University’s POPulus brought a special performance to downtown Troy.

The group performed at The Studio and embraced a theme called “a smaller space,” which was designed to create a more intimate concert experience for the audience. Inside The Studio, the lights were low, the crowd was close, and every note felt a little more personal.

With a smaller space came slower tempos, softer moments, and a performance that leaned into storytelling. Throughout the night, the group performed original songs, duets, and instrumental features, giving performers a chance to step forward while still blending together as one sound.

“Live music is the best music, everything over a studio or track record, yes it’s good and you can groove to it, but there’s nothing like feeling the music,” said POPulus member Eli Logue.

In a venue where the audience was only a few feet away, that feeling was hard to miss. Members said the smaller venue gave them the opportunity to highlight not just the music, but the people behind it.

MORE FOR YOU: POPulus concert rocks local high school

“With a more intimate venue, the students really wanted to have a more intimate feel so they chose a lot of downtempo slower stuff,” said Chandler Bridges, the music industry program coordinator. “We also did a lot of duets tonight.

“Tonight is a chance for each of the artists to spend a little more time showcasing their voice, or work with someone that they haven’t done a duet with before. Every day I get to be a part of this group is just amazing, the energy and excitement when they bring when they come to rehearsal, especially with the songs that they’ve chosen, these really special songs, its just always incredible.”

For the performers, the night was about more than just singing and playing, it was about connection.

“Being intimate with people really shows a different side of you than just putting on a face and being a vocalist or instrumentalist, you get to show who you truly are,” said the lead vocalist of POPulus Maggie Hammonds.

POPulus members said the goal of the night was simple: strip things back and let the music speak for itself. The group proved that sometimes even the biggest impact happens in the smallest spaces.