FLAMING HEART RECORDS
- ballpointpressbne
- Oct 27
- 7 min read
Words/Interview: Aysha Swanson
Images: @raani.jade and @sublimesyndrome
Sophie Ryder is the sort of organiser who makes a town feel like a band — quietly coaxing lineups out of basements, turning community halls into front bars, and insisting that music stay messy, urgent and for everybody. She runs Flaming Heart Records, an indie imprint and promoter rooted in the Northern Rivers/Bundjalung region, and in recent years has translated that love into Flaming Heart Fest and a string of all-ages, low-barrier events that stitch together Byron, Billinudgel and the coast.
Sophie’s path — from SAE audio grad to label-owner, producer and festival organiser — reads like a map of how independent scenes survive by doing more than play shows: they make community, raise funds, teach skills and keep stages open. That DIY, community-first spirit is exactly the energy humming through initiatives like The Messy Fuzz — small-scale, fiercely local, and stubbornly hopeful.
AYSHA: You’ve built Flaming Heart Records from the ground up in the Northern Rivers — what was the first moment you realised you wanted to move from being a producer/engineer into running a label and putting on shows?
SOPHIE: You know what’s wild? While I was studying for my audio degree back in 2020, I literally had a dream that I was back in high school and a teacher asked the class what we wanted to do when we grew up. I answered: “run my own record label” - this is something I’d never even considered consciously. But I really took that dream seriously and didn’t look back. Initially, Flaming Heart started as an outlet for mixing and mastering, but evolved into something I felt more passionate about - championing the local music scene.
AYSHA: Putting together Flaming Heart Fest earlier this year — with multiple emerging acts, community stalls, visual arts, plus managing sound, logistics, volunteers, funding, promotion and audience expectation — must have been quite the undertaking. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in bringing everything together, and what those moments of reward or success (big or small) that affirmed to you it was worth doing?
SOPHIE: This year’s Flaming Heart Fest was the third one I’ve organised, and while definitely hard work, I absolutely love every aspect of it! I collaborated with Spangled Drongo for the 2025 event, who are incredible to work with. Not long after the announcement, we had to change the original venue after being told off by the fun police (council). Although that was a bit of a roadblock, we managed to secure the great Burringbar Hall, which ended up being the perfect venue! When working in events, things can change so quickly, I think it’s important to remember that it can often be a positive redirection. Watching some of the most exciting up-and-coming bands play in a 100-year-old hall under a disco ball was magical and I’m stoked with how it all came together in the end.
AYSHA: Women still get boxed into certain roles in the music industry — as publicists, managers, or token performers. As a young woman running a label, producer and festival organiser, what invisible barriers have you noticed, and how do you push back?
SOPHIE: I am really grateful to be surrounded by a lot of encouraging and genuinely wonderful people who believe in what I do. To be totally honest, I’ve been ghosted by other promoters, left on read and been given unfair criticism - all from men in the industry. But I’ve learned not to take it personally. I push back by showing up, speaking up and always staying true to myself and my vision. I receive so much love from friends and strangers about Flaming Heart and that triumphs every hurdle. I truly hope what I’m doing can inspire the next young woman coming through the scene.
AYSHA: The Northern Rivers scene feels both tight-knit and transient. Who were the local people, bands or venues that taught you how to do this work — and what did they teach you that no textbook could?
SOPHIE: The Northern Rivers scene is small but powerful! Everyone wears so many hats and really looks out for each other. I’m inspired so much by local bands who work hard, like Flukes of Sendington and Thirst Trap, and venues like The Northern who give emerging artists a stage to shine. A lot of the nitty-gritty I do is self-taught, but I wouldn’t be where I am without the support and guidance of so many talented and generous people. No textbook can teach you about the strength of community, the importance of DIY culture and harnessing your passion - all things that Flaming Heart represents.
AYSHA: Ballpoint Press has been celebrating DIY projects like The Messy Fuzz — how do you see DIY promoters and micro-festivals shaping the future of regional music, and do they complement or replace historic venues?
SOPHIE: Since traditional venues are sadly closing down so often, it really is up to people who love music - like Ally from Messy Fuzz - to take the reins on putting on shows! DIY promoters and indie labels are popping up more and more and it’s exciting to see the positive responses. I think when you have a show organised by people who genuinely love it, it’s bound to be a good time. The energy is always great. There is an important space for DIY shows, especially in regional areas, and I believe they are becoming a very crucial part of our changing culture.
AYSHA: Venue closures are a reality across the country. When a room closes, what practical and emotional consequences ripple through a small scene, and what have you learned about keeping performance opportunities alive?
SOPHIE: It’s really disheartening to see so many venue closures, especially up in Brisbane. We don’t have as many dedicated music spaces here in the Northern Rivers, so developing a relationship with your local venue is so important! Showing up during slow seasons and sharing gig posts really does make a difference. As I mentioned earlier, adapting to change can also be an opportunity. Harness your creativity and throw events in halls, cafés and breweries. Collaboration becomes even more crucial - reach out to local businesses who actively support the music scene and want to be involved.
AYSHA: Your November 7th lineup — Masochist, Problem Green, L.A.R.M & The Fem Grems — at Hotel Metropole in Lismore is billed as a night of “sweat, speed and pure punk energy”. What is drawing you to this particular mix of bands?
SOPHIE: The punk and hardcore scene in Lismore is truly special and as someone who loves this kind of music (even more since interning at Century Media), it’s been awesome to help put this show on. Problem Green reached out for my help as part of their upcoming North Coast tour, which is so cool. It means so much when a band contacts me to put on their show! The lineup is a blend of both Northern Rivers and Sydney bands, with the bill representing female and gender-diverse musicians! This will also be the first Flaming Heart show in Lismore, so that’s pretty exciting.
AYSHA: How do you see this show reflecting the identity of Flaming Heart in 2025, and what have been the biggest challenges (logistical, financial, curatorial) putting it together in a time when venues are precarious, and audiences are fragmenting?
SOPHIE: Flaming Heart’s ethos is built on DIY energy and punk has always been a huge part of that culture. This will be the 10th show of the year, so it feels great to wrap up 2025 with a bang. Putting on a show always comes back to community spirit and collaboration. We’ve had amazing local support for this one, with Spangled Drongo sponsoring drinks for the bands and Planet Music providing the PA gear. Keeping live music alive is something that only works through team effort and shared passion. That said, putting on ticketed shows is becoming more and more of a gamble. Getting people to show up to local gigs is a nationwide issue - everyone’s feeling it. It’s a current obstacle, but hopefully one that dissipates through boosting and nurturing the industry.
AYSHA: If you change one thing about the Australian music ecosystem (policy, funding, venue protection, education, whatever), what would it be — and what would it mean for women and independent artists in regions like the Northern Rivers?
SOPHIE: Funding, funding, funding! I attended the Regional & Remote Music Summit in Byron Bay in July, and this was by far the biggest need highlighted by industry professionals. There’s no doubt most of us work in music because we love it, not for money - but unfortunately that’s just not sustainable. While there are some great grant opportunities available, they’re not always accessible to everyone, and funding often goes to artists who are already mid-to-high level in their careers. More opportunities specifically for emerging, regional and femme/gender-diverse creatives would be a huge step forward. The possibilities would be incredibly motivating and inspiring, especially seeing more representation covered across all parts of the industry.
AYSHA: Flaming Heart has become a safe haven for independent artists trying to get their start without the backing of big industry infrastructure. What do you think independent musicians need most right now — resources, mentorship, connection, or just space to be heard? And how does Flaming Heart help bridge those gaps in a way that feels genuine and sustainable?
SOPHIE: Every band has their own thing going on, and some are absolutely killing it independently, such as Loose Goose (shout-out Ryan). It really depends on the artist - some of them despise doing admin and need help with behind-the-scenes logistics; while others might not know how to make a TikTok or need guidance promoting a release. It’s really important to me that the support I offer is not only helpful, but meaningful. I want to propel the music and the people I believe in. Flaming Heart will always have emerging artists at its core and my passion only gets stronger everyday.
AYSHA: Finally: What’s coming up for Flaming Heart Records? What can we expect for the future?
SOPHIE: I’m so excited to have two incredible bands on the Flaming Heart roster right now - Brave Daisy from the Gold Coast and Lucy’s House from Lismore. You can expect regular single rollouts from both acts, with albums on the way! Flaming Heart Fest magic is also in the air…the fourth annual event will definitely be making its return sometime early next year. Also, the label will be turning 5 next year…sounds like a birthday celebration should be in order?
AYSHA: Yes! Please! I'll be there!
FLAMING HEART RECORDS