Whatz Up Magazine, Love Letters & Hate Mail; Up From Austin

September 21-27, 2000

I just wanted to drop a line and share a recent observation of the state of local music in Northeast Indiana and send out some kudos to my brothers and sisters in the local music scene.

I am fortunate enough to work for a company that sends me out to travel on occasion, and it just so happens that Texas is a state that I travel quite often. One of the cities in Texas that I have been fortunate enough to travel is the "Live Music Capitol of the World," Austin, Texas. And let me tell you, it is just that (as a matter of fact, there are signs stating it as you walk off the plane - they are very proud of this status).

As I walked down Austin's famed strip a few months ago, I was awed by what I saw. There is live music on every street corner and in every club. Competition was so fierce for your business that no one charged cover. This meant that I was able to soak in quite a bit in the Thursday evening I was there.

I wandered from club to club, comparing and contrasting it to my local music scene - ever so curious to know how we stacked up. What I found was a little surprising…….maybe a better word is "uneventful."

Of the 15 or so bands I saw that night, the only one to catch my fancy was a guy playing an impromptu set at the local piano bar. Everyone else seemed to be from the same blues-based, alterna-rock mold with little concern for the presentation of their material. Needless to say, I was a little disappointed. Here is a world renowned music scene offering little in creativity and diversity.

And then it hit me. I began to make stronger comparisons to Northeast Indiana. My disappointment turned quickly to encouragement as I began to ponder the strengths of our own music scene.

The creativity is incredible. I love that many local bands actually care about their live performances enough to be creative and fun with them. Ever see a Chronics show? How about a Fevertree show, or a Surface or Muffler show, among others. If you have, then you know how different but equally exciting they are to watch. Which brings me to my next observation: Diversity.

If you go club hopping on any given night, it is rare that you will see the same genre of music. It boggles my mind to think about. I hit it early at the Dash In and catch Sunny Taylor and her acoustic guitar. Move around the block to the Munchie and catch Big Red and Rojo's classic rock flavorings. Onward I go then to Legends to catch some hard core action with the Lollygaggers, only then to hear the punk/pop rock vibe later that night from the Abraham boys. I wrap up the evening at the Latch String to the soothing sounds of Fawn Liebowitz. On the way home I realized I missed my favorite hip hoppers, Third Frame. Or some tasty Americana from Dave Todoran. Oh yeah, I missed my buddie's rockabilly band, Blue Suede Shoes. Oh well, back to the Hot Spot on Monday with my girlfriend to check out some inspiring blues on open mic night. The list goes on and on.

So, what's the scoop? Why is Austin world renowned and Fort Wayne just a dot on a map? It would seem the odds heavy in our favor. Well, I'm sure the difference in size accounts for a lot of it, not to mention some of the great acts to come out of Austin (and Texas for that matter). And, to be somewhat fair in my critique, I must admit my judgment is based on one night in Austin and the biased I have in favor of my city of origin.

Nonetheless, I must give two thumbs up to my home town for carving our own path. It is only a matter of time before someone breaks out of here and puts us on the musical map.

To Tad, Chad, et. al. In Jackie Fly who will be relocating to Austin in the next couple months following their musical dream; show 'em what we're made of! It's refreshing to see guys like yourselves willing to make the sacrifice necessary to advance your craft. Good luck on your adventure ahead.

And Fort Wayne, keep your head up and your eyes focused. The prize is there for the taking!

Sincerely,
Michael Archbold
Rosemary Gates


Dear Michael,

Couldn't have said it better myself, except I'd have included Rosemary Gates among the bands of which Austiners would be proud

Mr. Whatz Up