GROUPLOVE performing at Party in the Park. Photo courtesy of Genesis Muckle.
By Genesis Muckle
TAMPA, Fla. — On Friday, March 6, indie rock band GROUPLOVE took the stage with opener Carrie Keller at the University of Tampa’s annual Party in the Park event.
The night began with Carrie Keller, a Las Vegas-based DJ who gained recognition for her high-energy sets and electrifying dance floor music. Her mix of upbeat tracks helped build anticipation as the crowd filled in.
When GROUPLOVE took the stage, the band immediately matched the celebratory atmosphere of the event. Before the performance, the band shared that they hoped the show would capture a carefree and energetic vibe.
GROUPLOVE’s setlist blended some of the band’s most recognizable songs with tracks spanning multiple albums. The performance included fan favorites such as “Tongue Tied,” “Shark Attack,” and “Ways to Go,” which had students singing along from the front of the stage to the back of the lawn. The band also performed songs like “Itchin’ on a Photograph,” “Deleter,” “Borderlines and Aliens,” and “Spun,” showcasing the energetic indie rock sound that has defined the group for more than a decade.
“Good energy,” the band said when asked what they hoped the show would be like. “We hope it’s fun and loose, and people are dancing… Lots of dancing and prancing and romancing.”
The playful response reflected the spirit of both the band and the event itself. Party in the Park is designed to bring students together for a night of music and community, and the performance quickly transformed the lawn into a lively crowd of students, jumping, singing, and dancing along.
Known for blending indie rock, alternative, and pop influences, GROUPLOVE has developed a distinct sound since forming in 2009. During the interview, the band explained that their music has continued to evolve while still keeping the emotional core that defines their style.
“I think it’s evolved,” said lead vocalist Hannah Hooper, when asked how their sound compares to when they first started. The band described their current music approach as “fearfully optimistic,” explaining that their goal is to create music that brings hope, even when the world feels uncertain.
“We’re just trying to bring light and hope in a dark world,” the band said. “Music kind of makes us survive in this world, and we hope we can share that with everyone else.”
The band also revealed that they recently completed a new album, which they described as their favorite project so far.
When asked which song best represents GROUPLOVE for someone hearing them for the first time, the band pointed to “Colours” as a strong introduction to their music. The track, along with band favorites like “Tongue Tied,” helped propel the band to popularity and remains a staple of their performances.
Part of what makes GROUPLOVE’s music unique, according to the band members, is the range of influences that shaped their sound. Each member draws inspiration from different artists and genres, creating a blend of styles that come together in their songs. Their influences include the Pixies, The Breeders, Nirvana, and The Beach Boys.
Despite the range of influences, the band emphasizes that what matters most during the performance is the connection with the audience.
“I think when everyone is in it together, and we’re just one entity,“ the band said when asked what makes a concert memorable. “The stage in the crowd sharing that energy is the most beautiful thing.“
That sense of unity was evident throughout the performance as the crowd moved together, cheered, and sang along under the evening lights. By the end of the night, Party in the Park had become exactly what the band had hoped — a space where students could let go, dance, and enjoy live music.