Welcome back to the Athens music scene, a scene which is very much still alive and striving to stay that way. This Wednesday I got the unique opportunity to experience Nuci's Space and the Athens music scene in full action, as the music business school hosted their first live music event. Headed by local musician, producer, engineer and professor, David Barbe, this event exceeded many expectations and included two bands, The Powers and The Vinyl Suns. Barbe placed full control into his students challenging them to produce a successful event--and I, as a journalist, was lucky enough to reap the benefits.
Nuci's Space is a resource space for young musicians that provides rehearsal and performance space as well as a support system for those facing anxiety, depression or other similar issues. The values of this nonprofit organization is to promote well being, end the epidemic of suicide and advocate for creative people of the Athens community. This great resource is located in the shadow of the R.E.M. steeple, which is so deserving of the efforts put in place by this center.
As the night at Nuci's Space winded down, I got the chance to sit down with Paxton McLelland, lead vocalist of The Vinyl Suns. A band which encompasses a trifecta of jazz, rock and blues. Here's what he had to say on behalf of his band:
How did you did you guys get started?
Chris, Trey and I, the three string players, all went to high school together but we didn't really know each other in high school until we jammed together in college. We were trying to look for a drummer and Jack was the random roommate that Chris got, it got around to us that "Jack plays drums" and so we invited him to practice...and after that practice it all just came together after that.
How long ago was this all going down?
Not too long ago, about a year ago, I would say August of last year. So we have been around a year.
If you had to pick just one influence what would it be?
Can I give two? Ah that is so tough, as a band I would say Led Zeppelin is our all around, who doesn't everyone want to be Led Zeppelin? A close second would be The Black Keys.
How has Nuci's Space helped you in this whole process?
Oh my god, we owe our career to Nuci's Space! I live in an apartment, I can't take my amp up to my apartment, so my amp is in my car until we come to practice, we practice at Nuci's Tuesday's and Thursday's every week, we drop bank over here, this is where we met Jack, we've written half our songs here--we owe a lot to Nuci's.
What are some goals you as a band wish to accomplish in this upcoming year?
This year we want to play the Georgia Theatre, 100 percent! We would love to play at the rooftop and then inside. Also, we have hit a total of 3 states and by the end of the year we are aiming at five states total so yep those are our plans.
How did you get your band name?
(laughs) Literally, just process of elimination, we all have very strong personalities in different ways, so anytime someone would suggest something, someone would disagree. So what we did was write our favorite names down on a sheet and cross them off one by one, and the Vinyl Suns, because of the way we grew up listening to vinyl music, became the one we chose.
What is the music writing process?
It depends, it depends on who brings the song. For example, some songs I will come up with on my own and write lyrics to it real fast and then bring it to the band. Other times we are in practice and someone plays something real cool, and I'm will be like, "keep doing that," and then we will all write lyrics to it real quick. Sometimes it's even just a cool lyric to start with and then we write music to fit along with it. Most of our songs are group processes.
How would you describe and rate Athens music scene and how it has influenced your music?
I would say 7/10 now, it is a great place to grow musicians. We aspire to be like the Drive By Truckers and New Madrid and all these big bands that come out of here but I guess only time will tell right?
Where did you record your EP?
Chase Park Studios! Dave Barbe definitely hooked us up.
The Vinyl Suns next show is fast approaching as they continue to play shows connected with this business music project. The next event will be October 13th and feature both The Vinyl Suns as well as the band Mosaic. The best part of all of this is, their eight song EP, Rise N' Shine, is available now on Spotify and Itunes! Be sure to keep up with The Vinyl Suns through social media because this isn't the last you will hear of them!
Also the link to Nuci's Space Page can be found here!
