“Kids will tell you what they really think.”
It’s an observation that comes from experience.
Indy first joined his mum, singer Nicola “Nikki Monroe” Thomson, and fellow members of Sonic Boom on stage last year for a series of sold-out children’s concerts, including a performance at Auckland’s Tuning Fork.
The response was so strong that the family of four is now taking the show on the road, performing around the North Island on weekends and during school holidays.
Despite his growing confidence behind the kit, Indy still feels the nerves before every show.
“Before I walk on stage, I’m always really nervous,” he said.
“I’m always like, ‘What if this happens? What if my stick breaks?’ But whenever I hop on the kit, I lose all that nervousness.”
When those thoughts creep in, Indy has a simple way of putting them aside.
“I just think about what’s actually going to happen. I know the drum kit’s not going to fall apart because I trust my work. Even though you think the drum kit’s going to explode, it won’t.”
Music has been part of Indy’s life almost from the beginning. Photo / Tom Eley
Music has been part of Indy’s life almost from the beginning.
“My dad’s a drummer, so that’s when I realised I wanted to play,” he said.
“When I was three I was counting to myself, clapping along and hitting my legs. Then we got a little drum kit.”
His talent eventually caught the attention of retired Knightshade drummer Alan Grady, who now teaches him privately after spotting his ability during a rehearsal at the Thomson family home.
“Indy loves drumming and is technically really good, but he’s [also] got a natural talent for it and he’s passionate,” Nicola said.
She said sharing the stage with her son had also helped him grow away from it.
“His confidence has grown exponentially. He’s always been a pretty confident drummer, but his confidence as a person has grown hugely too.”
Sonic Boom members, Aaron Gott, Indy Thomson, Nicola Thomson and Brendon Moses. Photo / Tom Eley
For Nicola, Sonic Boom is about much more than putting on a show.
It’s about giving children the same thrill adults get from seeing their favourite artists perform live.
“When you’re an adult, you go to the pub and hear your favourite songs live,” she said.
“But if you’re 10-years-old and your favourite song is from KPop Demon Hunters, where do you go to hear that live? You can’t.
“We want to give those kids the opportunity to experience live music and hopefully inspire them to get involved.”
The band’s concerts feature songs by artists including Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Michael Jackson, but Nicola said it was the live instruments and high-energy performance that set Sonic Boom apart.
“It’s supposed to feel like a rock concert. It’s a concert experience.
“That’s what sets this band apart. We have live instruments, guitar solos, drum solos and bass solos. We’re all extremely animated performers, so there’s a real energy to the show.”
The group performs for children from preschool age to intermediate and early secondary school, filling a gap between traditional children’s entertainment and mainstream concerts.
“The Wiggles cater to a really young age group,” Nicola said.
“Our biggest audiences are 3-year-olds right through to 13 and 14-year-olds.”
The band also partners with music schools and offers discount codes in the hope more children will be inspired to pick up an instrument.
“We’re all really passionate about music, and we’ve noticed fewer kids getting involved,” Nicola said.
“We’re trying to drive that passion for performing in young people.”
Away from the stage, touring has become one of Indy’s favourite parts of being in the band.
One day, Indy would like a punk band of his own. Photo / Tom Eley
“It’s pretty cool,” he said.
“I like touring with the band and my family because I get to spend time with them somewhere else.”
He also enjoys sleeping on the tour bus, but says nothing beats looking up from behind the drum kit to see the audience dancing.
“I like the atmosphere. Everyone’s jumping up and down and having a good time.”
For children inspired to follow in his footsteps, Indy has one piece of advice.
“Practice and it will pay off,” he said.
“But don’t practice for six hours a day because you’ll tire yourself out.”
Tour Dates
August 2 l Cambridge Town Hall.August 8 l Hamilton Garden’s Pavilion.August 22 l Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua.
Show times range from 3pm to 6pm with ticket prices from $25 to $30.
Tickets can be booked online via Eventfinda.
Tom Eley is a multimedia journalist at the Waikato Herald. Before he joined the Hamilton-based team, he worked for the Weekend Sun and Sunlive. He previously worked as a journalist at Black Press Media in Canada and won a fellowship with the Vancouver Sun.