In July 2018, when Phoebe Bridgers performed "Motion Sickness" at the XPoNential Music Festival, she was gaining significant recognition following the release of her debut album, "Stranger in the Alps," which came out in September 2017. This album showcased her introspective songwriting and emotional delivery, establishing her as a notable figure in the indie folk scene. By this time, "Motion Sickness" had already become a standout track, contributing to her rising popularity. Bridgers was also known for her collaborations with other artists and had begun building a reputation for her distinctive sound and candid lyrical content. The performance at this festival highlighted her ability to connect with an audience and foreshadowed her continued success leading into her subsequent projects, including her 2020 album "Punisher."