Pablo Carrizo Brings a Sold-Out Indie Night to Life at Mr Shaw’s House, Derby

There’s something about a packed-out room on Sadler Gate that just feels right, and on Saturday 21st March, Mr Shaw’s House delivered exactly that. With tickets snapped up quickly and anticipation building all week, The Indie Night once again proved why it remains one of the most vital forces in Derby’s grassroots live music scene.

Set within the intimate, character-filled space of Mr Shaw’s House, the night leaned into an acoustic-led lineup that allowed each artist’s songwriting and musicianship to take centre stage. Great ale, a buzzing crowd, and a genuine sense of community made this one feel special before a single note had even been played.

Dylan Ward Opens with Raw Emotion

Kicking off the evening was Dylan Ward, a Hull-born artist whose journey into music began during lockdown. What started as a hobby has clearly evolved into something far more meaningful.

Ward’s set was stripped back but powerful. Armed with just an acoustic guitar and a voice full of grit and character, he delivered a series of honest, reflective songs rooted in everyday life and personal growth. There’s a rasp to his vocals that gives weight to every lyric, and it carried beautifully through the room. It was a lovely opening set, rich in emotion and sincerity, setting the tone perfectly for the night ahead.

Romy Delivers Depth and Power

Next up was Romy, who brought a different texture to the bill with a sound that blends pop, pop-punk, folk and grungy pop rock influences. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Avril Lavigne and Dolores O’Riordan, Romy might be early in her career, but there’s an undeniable maturity to her performance.

Her acoustic set was both delicate and commanding. A standout moment came with Tattooed Skin, a track written for a women’s charity supporting those affected by domestic abuse. It was a deeply moving performance, delivered with both vulnerability and strength, and one that clearly resonated with the crowd. A stunning voice, an old soul, and a songwriter with something real to say.

Jude Forsey Adds a Modern Edge

Jude Forsey followed, bringing a slick and contemporary twist to the evening. Based in Nottingham, Forsey’s sound blends indie pop with subtle electronic elements, offering a refreshing contrast to the more traditional acoustic sets.

Melodic, rhythmically sharp, and forward-thinking, his performance added depth to the lineup. It’s the kind of set that makes you feel like you’re catching an artist just before things really take off.

Pablo Carrizo Commands the Room

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. Pablo Carrizo took to the stage to a room already buzzing with excitement.

Fresh from sell-out shows, national radio play on BBC Introducing and Radio X, and even performing his Hull FC anthem live on Sky Sports in front of 21,000 fans, Carrizo arrived in Derby with serious momentum. And from the opening notes of Bit of Me, it was clear exactly why.

An instant indie anthem, the track’s infectious chorus had the entire room locked in. Carrizo’s voice is powerful and distinctive, but it’s his musicianship that truly sets him apart. His fingerpicking style is mesmerising, blending elements of country, folk and even Spanish flair into something uniquely his own.

Throughout the set, he moved effortlessly between styles. One moment, he’s delivering soaring indie hooks, the next he’s leaning into intricate, Bob Dylan-style folk passages. Every song felt tight, purposeful, and completely dialled in.

A standout moment came when he pulled out the harmonica and led the crowd into a singalong of Dancing in the Dark, channelling Bruce Springsteen and turning the entire venue into something closer to a room full of mates than a traditional gig. That connection, that sense of shared experience, is what separates good performers from great ones.

He even threw in a cover of Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz, reworking it in his own style and bringing the night to a high-energy close. By the end, the title felt fitting. Everyone in the room was, without question, feeling good.

A Standout Night for Derby’s Live Scene

Credit has to go to The Indie Night for curating a lineup that balanced emotion, energy and emerging talent so well. Nights like this are exactly what keep Derby’s grassroots scene alive and thriving.

Mr Shaw’s House once again proved why it’s one of the city’s most important venues. Intimate, welcoming, and perfectly suited to nights like this, it continues to provide a space where artists and audiences can genuinely connect.

A final shoutout to Gez Addictive on sound duties, ensuring every vocal, every note, and every subtle detail cut through perfectly.

All four acts delivered, but this was undeniably Pablo Carrizo’s night. If this is where he’s at now, it’s exciting to think about where he’s heading next.

Derby will be ready when he comes back.

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