LIVE GIG REVIEW: ZAROONI AND FRIENDS | 5 October

Date: 05 October 2024

Location: Theatre of Digital Art (TODA)

This was the second time I was watching a Zarooni (@zzarooni) show and it was clear that the aim was to raise the standard from the last show. To a nearly sold out Theatre of Digital Art (TODA), Zarooni wanted to pay attention to a combination of elements to create an experience for the attendee. Anyone that has been to or been a part of a show at the Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) would know that there is a lot that goes into producing a show like that. Even before Zarooni got on stage, the thought and effort to create this experience was displayed through the personal messages sent on instagram to guests prior to the show, the jazz pianist and singer(@katiemcg234) that performed in the foyer while people mingled and the fantastic opening act Job (@theaveragejob) that got the crowd’s attention with a combination of originals and sing-along covers like “I want it that way”. In many ways this was more than just a show to watch Zarooni and his band. 

Zarooni then took to the stage with an instrumental that showcased his band and the 5 woman choir assembled from members of the local music community (I recognised @riribeautyy, @crazy.with.a.g and @mariegoldofficial). The show was then a showcase of 90 minutes of Zarooni’s original songs (most of which were unreleased). The choir would sometimes disappear backstage with one of the ladies reappearing to feature on certain songs. The production elements were mostly fantastic, well executed and included a mixture of digital visuals, someone dressed as a scarecrow to represent Zarooni’s alter-ego during his song “Got Me”, a poet (@ayaalmohtadi) that read out a meaningful poem in the form of a lullaby and the use of props like the colourful balls that came tumbling down during his hit song “Kids are Laughing”.

The songs were a mix of alternative rock, indie and pop. The keys and acoustic guitar provided a nice balance to the hard hitting drums, south asian influenced guitar solos and thumping bass lines. While there were a few technical issues that drowned out the beauty of the softer elements like the keys and the choir, Zarooni and his band however showed no signs of being disturbed by these challenges. Like a man on a mission, Zarooni pushed through playing one original after the next. 

If you’ve heard Zarooni’s music before, you would know that his songs are simple stories about his life, work, kids, childhood etc. Like many songwriters, the hope and dream is to be relatable, likeable and provide a message of some sort to the listener.

I believe that Zarooni made an artistic choice to provide little introduction or explanation for most of the songs and instead to simply lay out his gallery of original music, enhanced by the supporting cast and production elements, for the audience to absorb and hopefully enjoy. It was a statement show for an independent artist - to get that many people to a venue like TODA, cater to the pre-show activities, weave together the production and have that audience listen to and watch over 15 original songs. That in itself is a great sign for those that are interested in the local music scene, artists that are a part of it and for the community at large to take notice. The show ended with Zarooni’s most popular release on Spotify, “Now and Never” and a gracious bow by the band and choir.

While there may be a long way to go for independent music, musicians and audiences in this region, the “Zarooni and Friends” show was certainly a step forward and a guidance note for those that are willing to put in the effort.