\u201cKids will tell you what they really think.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s an observation that comes from experience.<\/p>\n
Indy first joined his mum, singer Nicola \u201cNikki Monroe\u201d Thomson, and fellow members of Sonic Boom on stage last year for a series of sold-out children\u2019s concerts, including a performance at Auckland\u2019s Tuning Fork. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Despite his growing confidence behind the kit, Indy still feels the nerves before every show.<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore I walk on stage, I\u2019m always really nervous,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m always like, \u2018What if this happens? What if my stick breaks?\u2019 But whenever I hop on the kit, I lose all that nervousness.\u201d<\/p>\n
When those thoughts creep in, Indy has a simple way of putting them aside.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just think about what\u2019s actually going to happen. I know the drum kit\u2019s not going to fall apart because I trust my work. Even though you think the drum kit\u2019s going to explode, it won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
Music has been part of Indy\u2019s life almost from the beginning. Photo \/ Tom Eley<\/p>\n
Music has been part of Indy\u2019s life almost from the beginning.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy dad\u2019s a drummer, so that\u2019s when I realised I wanted to play,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I was three I was counting to myself, clapping along and hitting my legs. Then we got a little drum kit.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndy loves drumming and is technically really good, but he\u2019s [also] got a natural talent for it and he\u2019s passionate,\u201d Nicola said.<\/p>\n
She said sharing the stage with her son had also helped him grow away from it.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis confidence has grown exponentially. He\u2019s always been a pretty confident drummer, but his confidence as a person has grown hugely too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sonic Boom members, Aaron Gott, Indy Thomson, Nicola Thomson and Brendon Moses. Photo \/ Tom Eley<\/p>\n
For Nicola, Sonic Boom is about much more than putting on a show.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s about giving children the same thrill adults get from seeing their favourite artists perform live.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re an adult, you go to the pub and hear your favourite songs live,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut if you\u2019re 10-years-old and your favourite song is from KPop Demon Hunters, where do you go to hear that live? You can\u2019t.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to give those kids the opportunity to experience live music and hopefully inspire them to get involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
The band\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s supposed to feel like a rock concert. It\u2019s a concert experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what sets this band apart. We have live instruments, guitar solos, drum solos and bass solos. We\u2019re all extremely animated performers, so there\u2019s a real energy to the show.\u201d<\/p>\n
The group performs for children from preschool age to intermediate and early secondary school, filling a gap between traditional children\u2019s entertainment and mainstream concerts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Wiggles cater to a really young age group,\u201d Nicola said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur biggest audiences are 3-year-olds right through to 13 and 14-year-olds.\u201d<\/p>\n
The band also partners with music schools and offers discount codes in the hope more children will be inspired to pick up an instrument.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re all really passionate about music, and we\u2019ve noticed fewer kids getting involved,\u201d Nicola said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re trying to drive that passion for performing in young people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Away from the stage, touring has become one of Indy\u2019s favourite parts of being in the band.<\/p>\n
One day, Indy would like a punk band of his own. Photo \/ Tom Eley<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s pretty cool,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like touring with the band and my family because I get to spend time with them somewhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also enjoys sleeping on the tour bus, but says nothing beats looking up from behind the drum kit to see the audience dancing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like the atmosphere. Everyone\u2019s jumping up and down and having a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n
For children inspired to follow in his footsteps, Indy has one piece of advice.<\/p>\n
\u201cPractice and it will pay off,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut don\u2019t practice for six hours a day because you\u2019ll tire yourself out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tour Dates<\/p>\n
August 2 l Cambridge Town Hall.August 8 l Hamilton Garden\u2019s Pavilion.August 22 l Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua.<\/p>\n
Show times range from 3pm to 6pm with ticket prices from $25 to $30.<\/p>\n