On February 13, 2025, Vancouver’s up-and-coming folk-soul artist Talia Duvet marked the launch of her new single “Time” with a release party at HippoSonic Recording Studio.
HippoSonic relocated in January 2017 to 201 West 7th Avenue, the former home of the legendary Little Mountain Sound Studios—where Bon Jovi famously recorded “Livin’ on a Prayer” in 1986—and has since become one of Vancouver’s premier creative hubs.
From the moment you stepped in, the room felt less like a typical venue and more like someone’s living room—with Talia’s closest family and friends gathered around. She personally greeted every guest, took the time to chat, and created such an inviting, friendly atmosphere that by the first chord of “Time,” it felt like a celebration among old pals.
Talia brought the showmanship of Bo Burnham to her performance—not merely singing but staging an entire mini-production with a clear plotline woven through each verse. The result was less a concert and more a narrative journey, complete with moments of humor, tenderness, and theatrical flair.
Opening Acts by RAIAAN & Dani Black
Emerging Vancouver artists RAIAAN and Dani Black set the tone.
- RAIAAN kicked things off with high-energy R&B grooves that literally pulled the crowd forward—closer and closer to the stage—song by song.
- Dani Black followed with her irresistible “Chai Tea” track, a jazz-infused earworm that I couldn’t shake for days afterward!
Carly from @close.friends.bar rolled in her fantastic traveling setup and mixed up frosty craft cocktails all night. Her blue-hued signature drink was both photogenic and perfectly balanced, and she also poured a rotating selection of BC beers and wines.
Before heading out, I snagged one of four mini-posters that combine into a single large design—a limited set that the other three variants will be sold at upcoming shows! Plus, I grabbed the full-size poster as a keepsake of a night that truly felt like home.