Talya Jacobson paints the picture of a young Ellen DeGeneres as she laughs with up-and-coming musicians as part of Indie Groove, which took to the Burdekin Hotel stage for its recent launch night.
The Indie Groove’s effortless combination of games and questions with live performances feels like a fresh take on Sydney’s indie music scene.
The night featured music artists Erin Clare and Tiarnie, who preceded headliner Laura Hyde, drawing in a crowd of established fans and newcomers.
The 23-year-old is the brains behind Indie Groove and aims to use her platform to share the messages, thoughts and art of young musicians that aren’t quite big enough to be featured on larger programs like Triple J.
Yet.
“I think that the Indie Groove is just that, just to share music of all genres, of all artists, and just try and get music out there more,” Talya said.
The first artist on stage is musician and songwriter Erin, who told the crowd the COVID-19 pandemic forced a rethinking and reframing of her art.
During a passionate performance, Erin sang her original song My Bed, which is about when you’re really familiar with somebody, and you have to introduce them to your space.
Next, Tiarnie stepped up to the microphone in a pair of trendy flared jeans to sing her recent single White Pickets, which she explained was about being in love with someone when you know it’ll never work out.
Another standout of the night was her song, Don’t ask me, which might be too relatable for any young person who’s had to dodge the inevitable life questions at family dinners.
“It’s about being in your twenties, and everyone’s at different stages,” she said, “and it’s sort of like, please don’t ask me what I’m doing with my life.”
North Sydney musician Laura Hyde wrapped up the show with her popular single Coca-Cola about something that is omnipresent in our community but is, in reality, terrible for our health.
Talya said she’s always been interested in discovering new artists and felt that her mission as a music journalist was to share people’s work.
“I have always really believed in the idea of the Indie Groove,” she said, “and the I think the reason it’s succeeded and grown so quickly is because I’ve believed in it so heavily.”
Talya’s parents Allen and Rachel beamed proudly from the back of the room. Allen says Talya’s passion for music has always been evident ever since she began busking as a teenager.
“We thought [the Indie Groove] was amazing in terms of thinking outside of the square and following her passion,” Allen said.
Initially, Talya says she planned to make the Indie Groove a talk show program. However, found it more shareable as an online platform, and it evolved quickly from there.
“Why just write a blog when we can actually create content?” she said. “Then just take it one step further and make it profitable and put on live shows.”
Director of Photography (and Talya’s partner) Alex Robinson says it was a team effort to make the Indie Groove come to life.
“We’re all pretty much creative artists,” said Alex. “She’s creative, and I’m creative, so we sort of bounce ideas off each other.”
“(But) the Indie Groove is her project, and I’m just there as a shoulder to lean on”.
Also, a part of the team is producer Andrijana Blazevic, who has been in the TV and film industry for eight years.
The 25-year-old says she joined the Indie Groove team because she loves working with projects that foster Aussie talent.
“I just love that it’s a way you can showcase your passion,” she said. “It just makes me really happy, and no two days are ever the same.”
Audio engineer Joshua Pershouse, 26, takes the team’s final spot while he finishes his course at JMC Academy.
“I’m really enjoying it because normally I’m the bricklayer,” he said, “and this is more involved, so I want to keep doing stuff in the music industry.”
“A weekly live event with multiple artists is a really impressive thing to be able to do,” said Talya’s long-term friend Olivia Simmonds.
“Even just normal shows with regular artists are pretty hard to do, but to add all the games and audience interaction in there that she does is really unique.”
The Indie Groove’s next gig is in support of International Women’s Day. GNO: Girls Night Out is this Thursday, 11th March with doors opening at 5:30 pm.
To support local Aussie artists, head on over to the Burdekin Hotel and either buy your ticket at the door or grab them online here.