Indie Night Live: A Celebration Of Indie Music
Image Courtesy: Jessica Giraldo
Indie Night Live began in August 2021 by Andres Hernandez of Rohna, the brains behind the entire operation. Hernandez and his bandmates, Austin Burdi, Luca Canalungo, and Nick Rovello, perform live shows at multiple stops in Florida, inviting local musicians from every city they visit to join. This leg of the tour includes six cities and highlights 24 indie artists between Gainesville, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Hernandez’s main objectives are to accumulate and provide a memorable show and experience, highlight amazing local artists, and bring the attention of new fans to the indie scene.
Here in St. Augustine, the event featured King Peach, Jawberry, Rohna, and Cory Walker, who unfortunately could not make it. I love that the show features up-and-coming musicians, varying from city to city. This allows for St. Augustine locals to experience live performances in a way that is accessible to them, It brings a sense of reality and normalcy when you see these musicians on stage, rather than on a screen. You look at them and see real people, working hard to do what they love no matter what. Sometimes you may even know the person on stage. Daisy Pflaum, a Director and Photographer of STA Strike Magazine, told me that she works with the lead singer of King Peach, Jordan Henley, doing aftercare at a Montessori school. It is a nice sense of admiration when you see someone you know on stage doing what they love.
King Peach Performing, Video from Jessica Giraldo
Being a creative person can be extremely mentally draining, especially when you have to be creative in such a public way like musicians do. Knowing Hernandez not only performs in the show at every stop, but also runs the whole event, I wanted to know what his experience was like. He said, “It definitely can be stressful playing the promoter role, the booking agent role, and still performing, but at the end of the day, it’s really fun and I get to ensure as a performer that everything goes well for the other bands. I can also ensure that everything is fair and everyone is taken care of a little better from the perspective of a band member and promoter.”
Jawberry performing, Video from Jessica Giraldo
Focusing on his role as a band member, we discussed what it is like when it comes to creating art. Personally, I have experienced how the original concept of a project can completely change into a new beast when collaboration with other creatives is added to the mix. I was curious about how the members of Rohna handle their own creative differences. Hernandez expressed love for his bandmates, stating “Thankfully for our dynamic, we’ve all been best friends since high school, so it's easy for us to be completely open and be like, ‘Hey I like this’, ‘Hey I don't like this’, and we’re never completely married to an idea in case things need to be improved. But, we typically always try everything, and then we will kind of widdle it down to the ideas we really want to use. “
Rohna taking stage, performing with insane energy
Video Courtesy: Jessica Giraldo
Within the same realm, I also asked what song of Rohna’s was the hardest for them to write. Hernandez began to tell me about their seven-minute song, “Rosewater”.
“There's this song we have called ‘Rosewater’ that's one of our longer songs…3 minutes came, and we felt like it didn't end. Then, we had another song with the same amount of time, and we were like, ‘What do we do to finish these songs?’ And by jamming them out, we figured out they’re in the same key, so we put them together.”
Image Courtesy: Instagram
One reason I personally love this celebration of local indie artists is the celebration of art. Understanding and recognizing that every single person has a different method of creating the art they showcase adds a level of depth and appreciation to every single lyric that leaves the vocalists’ lips. When we take a moment to step back and look within our communities, we find a place of safety right in our backyard. It also allows you to see other creative people, understand them, and want to help them out. Hernandez and his team were so kind to us at Strike Magazine St. Augustine, even giving us a table at the event to promote our Issue 07 magazine.
Editor-In-Chief Genevieve Lococo and Creative Director Lindsey Murray sitting at the merch tables, ready to spread information about Strike.
Image Courtesy: Jessica Giraldo
Music plays a key factor in many people’s lives. To be introduced to new bands in my local area fills me with excitement, and I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more of their local shows from now on. Every single performer was amazing, and there was not a single moment where I was not into the music I was hearing. The bands were lively, providing crowd service whenever they could, and showcasing some major guitar skills. I love the moment when the crowd all collectively agrees to headbang to an amazing solo. What Indie Night Live has done is build a community by drawing attention to a preexisting one. Everyone behind the scenes is genuine, wants to perform and do what they love. I could not think of anyone else more deserving to do just that.
Go out and support live and local music in your area. You will not regret it!
Andres Hernandez interacting with the crowd, showing them a good time.
Video Courtesy: Jessica Giraldo
Make sure to check out these songs!
- Rohna: We Both Know & Nowhere Else To Go
- King Peach: I KNOW & Let Us Not
- Jawberry: So Nice To Meet Ya & Be Myself
- Cory Walker: Hope That You Cry & Run to You
Strike Out,
Jessica Giraldo
Saint Augustine
Editor: Maya Kayyal
Jessica Giraldo is the Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief, Blog Director, Beauty Director, and Writer for Strike Magazine, Saint Augustine. Jess is addicted to her Revlon blowout brush and sweet little treats (especially mint Oreos). Check her out on Instagram: @jessica.giraldo and reach her via email: jessicagiraldobusiness@gmail.com
