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The Daily OrangeDisappearing act
Syracuse music scene leaves little room for growth
By Dan Kaplan
Posted: 9/4/08, 1:58 AM EST Section: Feature
"There are a lot of bands from around here who only play in Syracuse, and I feel that is extremely limiting," Canavan said. "It seems that only a small subgenre of the overall musical output of this town really puts in a lot of road time. They ought to try and get out there a bit and see more of the world."
At the same time, many people, like Wesley Miles of Ra Ra Riot, feel that things are looking up, and that many opportunities for young bands are available, if not in the city then on-campus.
"It's so easy for a band to show up at a house party and play a show," Miles said. "We played a few attics and second floors at SU which were always fun. Parties around the campus always were interested in having a band play."
In addition to the fraternity and house parties, he pointed out the many steps taken by UU to promote campus talent.
Last year, UU Concerts introduced a new concert series in the Jabberwocky Café called "Artists on the Brink" aimed at showcasing student bands and other local talent. Each show filled the Café to near capacity, Bertog said.
The concert board went a step further for April's Block Party concert in the Carrier Dome. It granted local band Sophistafunk, composed of current SU students and alumni, the opening slot for headliners Fergie and Sean Kingston. It was the first time an amateur band had opened for a major act playing at SU.
"Nurturing on-campus talent is an important part of building a strong college music scene," Bertog said. "You never know where some of these bands might go, so it is important to showcase quality talent while we have the chance."
Mikey Powell, known for his lacrosse legacy, came back to SU last year, not for a lacrosse game or media circuit. He came to play in Corner Bar in Armory Square with his band, Villain's Trust.
Though some degree of fame follows him as a lacrosse player - once at Syracuse, now as a member of the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse - Powell came back to play music. His appearance helped bring attention to the music scene, attracting athletes as well as music.
Bertog is keeping his hopes up for the Syracuse music scene campus at least.
"Believe it or not, I think this might be the best time to be starting a band," Bertog said. "If you can put a solid band together, it is likely you'll be able to get some decent exposure rather quickly."
Canavan intends to continue to do his part at Westcott to support the music scene in Syracuse. The Community Center holds all-ages shows most weekends, giving many new bands opportunities to play their first shows among their friends. And while he calls the future of Syracuse music "cloudy," he believes there are always possibilities.
"You never know what's going to happen here," he said. "Or what random kid in the audience is going to start a great new band somewhere down the line."
sdkaplan@syr.edu
At the same time, many people, like Wesley Miles of Ra Ra Riot, feel that things are looking up, and that many opportunities for young bands are available, if not in the city then on-campus.
"It's so easy for a band to show up at a house party and play a show," Miles said. "We played a few attics and second floors at SU which were always fun. Parties around the campus always were interested in having a band play."
In addition to the fraternity and house parties, he pointed out the many steps taken by UU to promote campus talent.
Last year, UU Concerts introduced a new concert series in the Jabberwocky Café called "Artists on the Brink" aimed at showcasing student bands and other local talent. Each show filled the Café to near capacity, Bertog said.
The concert board went a step further for April's Block Party concert in the Carrier Dome. It granted local band Sophistafunk, composed of current SU students and alumni, the opening slot for headliners Fergie and Sean Kingston. It was the first time an amateur band had opened for a major act playing at SU.
"Nurturing on-campus talent is an important part of building a strong college music scene," Bertog said. "You never know where some of these bands might go, so it is important to showcase quality talent while we have the chance."
Mikey Powell, known for his lacrosse legacy, came back to SU last year, not for a lacrosse game or media circuit. He came to play in Corner Bar in Armory Square with his band, Villain's Trust.
Though some degree of fame follows him as a lacrosse player - once at Syracuse, now as a member of the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse - Powell came back to play music. His appearance helped bring attention to the music scene, attracting athletes as well as music.
Bertog is keeping his hopes up for the Syracuse music scene campus at least.
"Believe it or not, I think this might be the best time to be starting a band," Bertog said. "If you can put a solid band together, it is likely you'll be able to get some decent exposure rather quickly."
Canavan intends to continue to do his part at Westcott to support the music scene in Syracuse. The Community Center holds all-ages shows most weekends, giving many new bands opportunities to play their first shows among their friends. And while he calls the future of Syracuse music "cloudy," he believes there are always possibilities.
"You never know what's going to happen here," he said. "Or what random kid in the audience is going to start a great new band somewhere down the line."
sdkaplan@syr.edu
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
snowboarder85
John
posted 9/04/08 @ 10:58 AM EST
Don't forget bands like:
Long Since Forgotten who had 2 records out with a west coast indie label Rocket Star (who launched Acceptance and Gadsby's American Dream)
Honor Bright who were just on TRL and Warped Tour
Merit who have had their music all over satellite radio and are recording with the producer of MCR and Brand New
Engineer who are on Black Market Activities. (Continued…)
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