Being an independent artist undoubtedly comes with its challenges. However, for soul/jazz artist Rommy Gabay and indie folk artist Aurora D’Amico, the ability to shape their own artistic narrative outweighs the obstacles. They share their stories in the latest Far Out podcast episode, themed Groningen x Italy.
Storytelling through Music
One of the key connections between these two artists is their approach to storytelling through songs. Rommy Gabay’s reflective lyrics and soulful voice take listeners on an introspective journey—an emotional rollercoaster that illuminates the contrasts of life, wrapped in groovy sounds and captivating melodies. Aurora, on the other hand, draws inspiration from folk music. Her songs have a distinctly international character, using her music to share her life’s story in a way that resonates with audiences. While both artists are at the early stages of their careers, they already bring valuable experience to the table.
DIY, but not alone
Both artists emphasize the importance of crafting their own paths as musicians, but they agree that having a supportive and inspiring community is vital. For Rommy Gabay, Groningen offered the perfect environment to kickstart her journey. It’s also where she met Jelle Mulder, her collaborator on new music and one of the band members. Aurora D’Amico grew up in Palermo, which boasts a vibrant music scene, albeit with its own challenges. For instance, before the COVID lockdown, there were numerous venues for emerging artists, but many of these have since disappeared.
Taking the leap
Both artists have stepped out of their comfort zones, which they see as an essential step for growth. Rommy moved to Utrecht for her studies, partly to escape the Groningen bubble and seek new influences. Aurora ventured to the United States to develop her international sound further. Her music was featured in a successful Netflix film in Indonesia, which led to a tour there.
Choosing your stage wisely
Participating in international showcase festivals has helped both artists expand their networks and boost their careers. Rommy Gabay was featured in Hit the North during the previous edition of ESNS. This is a selection of acts from the northern provinces of the Netherlands within the ESNS program. ESNS provided her with the opportunity to present herself not only to a new audience but also to the music industry, an essential step for career progression.
Aurora participated in SXSW in Texas last year, a festival similar to ESNS but larger and more international. She describes it as a leap of faith, emphasizing the importance of having a clear plan for what you aim to achieve. Both artists stress the importance of maintaining control over their artistic narratives and how they are presented. For this reason, they are critical of large talent shows like X-Factor, where artists often have less control over their public image.
The stories at Far Out
The full conversation, with even more insights into surviving and thriving as an artist in 2025, is now available in the Far Out podcast series. With Far Out, we aim to dive into diverse music and art scenes, featuring live sessions, music videos, deep conversations, and personal stories that showcase the creative journeys of our guests. The podcast explores the evolving world of music and culture, highlighting the challenges and opportunities artists face today. It delves into themes such as digital innovation, mental health, diversity, inclusion, and the rise of new revenue models and streaming platforms. Far Out serves as a platform for artists to share experiences, exchange ideas, and navigate the rapidly changing music industry.
This project is powered and supported by Kunstraad and the municipality of Groningen, Poppodium VERA, Stichting Frequenzy, and Studio Mojo Dojo.
