Freedom Filled Liberty Hall as TAYA Turned Sydney Into a Sanctuary

TAYA’s night at Liberty Hall was nothing short of incredible. From the moment the doors opened, it was clear this would be a night centred on true worship.

The atmosphere was set before anyone even stepped inside. The community feel in the line outside the venue was noticeable. In fact, the contrast between this crowd and those lining up for another major artist in Sydney that same night was striking. From the way people carried themselves to the mix of ages represented, there was a shared anticipation and quiet purpose that felt unmistakably different.

The night opened with One Body Worship, who led the room into a space of reverence. There is something deeply refreshing about experiencing sincere worship outside a traditional church setting. For many in the room, it felt renewing. This was my fourth time witnessing this collective lead, and each time I am reminded how pure their posture is. It is genuinely encouraging to see young Australians stepping boldly into their calling and leading with such authenticity.

When TAYA took the stage, she began at the keyboard singing spontaneously before heading into the first song of her set and the first song from her debut album, “In This Place.” That moment alone could have carried the night. There was a softness and depth that immediately settled the room. Hearing her play felt almost sacred. Her love for Jesus and grounding in Scripture were unmistakable. While many already know her story, seeing it expressed in this setting carried fresh weight. It was evident that the years since Hillsong Conference stages have shaped her. There was maturity. There was testimony. There were encounters behind the songs.

Each song was thoughtfully curated, flowing seamlessly into the next. I noticed she led from the first song of her first album into the first song of her second album “Worship!” The set flowed more like a church worship gathering than a standard tour structure, yet she remained deeply aware of the room. TAYA led with a seeker-sensitive grace, careful not to overwhelm anyone unfamiliar with Christian language. Instead, she wove in her own story. She spoke honestly about church hurt and about leaving Australia to build a life in the United States. It made the message accessible and human.

Click the image below to see our mini-vlog recap of the night!

One highlight for me was hearing “Gonna Be Good” live. Its energy was infectious, and her vocal technique is just so admirable, as a vocalist and worship leader myself, I was in awe. Later, during worship toward the end, the presence of God was palpable. Many around me were in tears as we were gently guided into His presence.

One of the most significant moments of the night was when she made space for a salvation call. In a concert setting, that kind of boldness is never small. It was intentional, pastoral, and powerful. Praise God for artists who still prioritise eternity over entertainment.

Compassion was also given meaningful space to share. Rather than feeling like an interruption, it felt aligned with the heart of the night. The invitation to reflect on generosity, social structures, and how we steward money landed deeply.

Musically, the band carried the night with excellence. The drummer, in particular, anchored the energy with precision and strength. Every musician played with both skill and sensitivity, supporting what God was doing in the room rather than drawing attention to themselves. Excellence and humility worked hand in hand.

Throughout the night, TAYA consistently redirected attention away from herself and back to Jesus. That posture was not performative. It was embedded in how she spoke, how she led, and how the room responded.

She closed the evening with familiar and celebratory moments, including the song most people were in anticipation to hear live “Oceans”, followed by an upbeat finale that left the room lifted and joyful. But what lingered most was not nostalgia. It was encouragement.

People did not just leave humming songs. They left stirred, refocused on the Lord, reminded of the hope offered to us.

Liberty Hall did not feel like a venue that night. It felt like holy ground.

Follow TAYA: @tayagaukrodger