For the past several years we have a had a pretty amazing rotation of artists from around the CSRA and beyond. Most of which are guys and gals I've worked along side for over a decade through my time in bars and with my photography. It isn't often I get to introduce someone pretty new to the scene... well... maybe ever until this past Thursday. Sure, maybe someone new to Aiken, but Augusta has so many venues that many of our Aiken artists are more well known across the river than they are here. Which is one of the reasons I started this blog this year. I hope it helps them reach more fans and catupaults them into stardom. 2% might be for my own ego, but I have a feeling I get more music fans than reading fans here, but that's the point. It's also why I always ask for you to share the blogs and help increase the bands reach.
For the most part it is pretty easy to promote and book my buddies, even when many of them lack much of a digital precense, but at least I'm confident in them. I know the product, and I can accurately anticipate the response from the crowd. Introducing someone new can be a challenge, and a bit nerve wracking if I'm being honest. You ever recommend a friend for a job and suddenly realize that a good buddy doesn't mean a good employee, or worse, that you wouldn't even hire them? That's your name attached to it. Am I saying I've definitely worried about my reputation over potentially helping someone out with a life changing opportunity when they may be at their lowest point and when they feel as if they have no one else that they can turn to? The thought for sure crossed my mind.
Lucky for my fragile ego - The Grumble Delivered. Guess what my ego delivered on - an incredible blind spot. If I'm nervous about someone's performance, imagine how they feel! Amp the Alley is the potential to be seen by hundreds of people who chose to leave their couch after work and are waiting to be impressed. Luckily, we've created a track record that justifies such lofty expectations. I've been photographing bands from The Grumble to ZZ Top to Boston and they all started in the same place. Some garage, basement, or bonus room practicing with the hopes of entertaining people. They've all cut their teeth in bars where the majority of the room is hitting on someone, yelling at the bartender for the shots they've been cut off from, or letting out the Flori-Bama Battlecry - FREEBIRD! If you manage to keep from being discouraged, selling your guitar at a pawnshop, and upgrading to a cubicle requiring a shirt and tie for dental and a 401k, you may practice enough to answer the call like Johnathan Wilson's supergroup did at Amp earlier this year.
Most people think when their foot is tapping while they sing along that they are just experiencing something that has always been, no different than a warm sunrise or shimmering full moon. It hasn't. It has taken time and dedication to deliver when asked upon, and not everyone does. So it's understandable when The Grumble (Patrick, Bob, and Blase) started out with some nerves. Where a drunk chatty crowd who seems like they could care less and have no attention to spare, a very attentive Amp the Alley crowd can be downright intimidating.
The irony is, the crowd is hoping the best for the band as hard as the band is terrified of the worst for the crowd. Here's the secret, I've been shooting bands for around a decade and I've already name dropped a few bona fides, and a lot of them still get nervous and nearly everyone of them screw up. What separates the professionals from the hobbyist are the ones who recover. If you even noticed their nerves or a missed lyric, you didn't remember it.
What you were left with was a confident performance that did exactly what Patrick told the crowd he set out to do. You shared a moment with the band, had fun, and quit worrying about the world for a couple of hours. Some heartland rock by John Cougar Mellencamp was a transcendent nostalgic choice to bring everyone together. All 3 of their sets were dotted with familiar and expected hits from Cream, Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder, and Tom Petty. Where I personally think they shine is in the alternative rock space. The only part I truly hate is realizing that these songs are also classics and nostalgic. I remember when I would switch from Stone Temple Pilots and listen to some classic rock like Tom Petty. I could put them both on the same CD - there I go bringing up antiquated technologies again - I could put them on the same playlist and most kids today wouldn't question and find it perfectly acceptable for a collection of classic rock. That is exactly what The Grumble did and it was awesome. Of course, I grew up in the 90's so I am partial to hearing so many songs you don't hear covered by bands often. Collective Soul (who I just went to see in Columbia a weekend ago), Eve 6, Dishwalla, Sister Hazel, Foo Fighters, Tonic, Sublime, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Wallflowers, and Seven Mary Three. On my laps through The Alley and around the stage, I kept getting stopped by people telling me how great they thought the band was. They did so not for the sake of my ego, but because The Grumble didn't let their nerves and their ego get in the way of putting on an awesome show. Even though I knew I was enjoying the show, and I could see the folks singing, dancing, clapping, and basking in the great vibes - I was reassured by the crowd's direct affirmations. Meanwhile, without being reassured by any singular person, the band rocked on harnessing a growing kinetic energy that swept through the crowd like ball lightning - electrifying everyone. I thank The Grumble for not only putting on a great show, but reminding me to see the bigger picture so that we can take chances that return huge dividends for everyone. We often feel like we are interfacing with the world uniquely and experiencing things no one else could understand. Funny thing is, we usually are all feeling it simultaneously, and once we get past the ego of it all we can see each other. We grow together from those shared experiences, which is what Amp is all about - a shared experience, and The Grumble provided a great experience where we all quit worrying about the world for a while.
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This Week on the Bud Light Stage - Whiskey Business
Whiskey Business meant business when they came to compete in the Battle at The Alley last Saturday. This week's Amp Artist performed in the alcove behind Smitty's and the Alley filled in around them. I point that out, because I think the Bud Light Stage has the advantage of space, allowing spectators more room to comfortably watch the band. So it is impressive how close the crowd got in order to watch Whiskey Business in the tighter Alley. Come check them out this week and see why they won the battle!
Whiskey Business
Here's a promo video from Whiskey Business.
The Battle at The Alley Brought a HUGE CROWD!
This annual event put on by the Aiken County Veteran's Council has been growing every year, and our community keeps showing up in a big way. With 6 different bands playing on two different stages, the fans get the opportunity to vote via donation in jars corresponsing to the bands. This year the crowd alone raised $4000 dollars. I was on the roof of Southbound Smokehouse while Lowell Koppert gave a speech about the significance of our flag and then myself and two other guys unfurled a giant American Flag over the side of the building just in time for a Jimi Hendrix style rendition of our National Anthem. With no singer it didn't take long for the packed alley to begin singing our anthem. I'll be honest, between the speech and the crowd singing, I was overcome by the feels and had a hard time seeing through the tears in my eyes. It was a powerful moment.
Lowell and I have already talked about some things we will be doing different for next year, so don't forget about this incredible annual event that will continue to held in The Alley of the best small southern town we call home.
FUN FACT - Not only did Whiskey Business win 1st place, but Low Country Locals won 2nd place and they will be performing at Amp the Alley in 2 weeks! Amp artists won 1st and 2nd place! Noice!
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