After living in Laramie for over a year now, it is safe to say a large part of my happiness comes from the local music scene.
I’ve come to know several bands and their music from being a writer here at the Branding Iron and specifically covering the local musicians in the features section. There is almost always a show I’m attending on the weekends no matter the genre. Though it took me some time to discover this, Laramie’s music scene is one of the best things I’ve been a part of and I’m so grateful it exists.
There are so many reasons why I love Laramie’s music scene, but the first is that there are so many talented humans in this town. It’s amazing to see them shine in a small state where music isn’t recognized on a larger scale. There are so many bands like Elk Tongue, 10¢ Stranger and The Woodpile that I see live and continue to see because their musicianship is so impressive. I never get over their musical abilities no matter how many shows I go to.
Considering I have interviewed many of the bands around town, I have to say that all of the musicians are so humble and happy to talk about their endeavors and really appreciate the support. More often than not, the bands I have talked to post the articles I wrote about them and they remember me when I show up at one of their shows. I enjoy being able to share their stories and bring their successes to light in a feature for the student body. They deserve the recognition for their hard work, as majority of them use their own money and give up a lot of free time to create and perform their works to others.
I also love the sense of community the music scene brings. I have found a group of friends through going to shows and I am friends with several of the musicians. They’re all such passionate people in their own ways and everyone is so inclusive and accepting. I think music is very powerful in this sense of bringing people together.
I could go on forever about how much I appreciate local music and how it makes my weekends so enjoyable, but I will end by saying that I don’t think I could go anywhere else and feel this content. There’s definitely something special about Laramie, I’ve noticed that from the start. I think Laramie has life because of the local music scene. It’s so easy to find a place where you belong because there are so many different genres to choose from and even if you show up at a gig you don’t think you will enjoy, you end up liking it and going back. I don’t know if my college experience would be as amazing if I didn’t have shows to go to on Friday nights and quite frankly, I don’t want to imagine what it would be like if I didn’t have them.
If you can, go to a show. Most are free or extremely inexpensive and there are so many talented people in Laramie that deserve to play to a full venue. Even if you’re skeptical about the genre of the band or not knowing anyone that goes, it’s worth a shot because I have definitely become a more colorful person because of the diversity of music I have discovered here. It’s a great way to take a break from the stress of schoolwork and everyone is so happy to be together that there is no way you won’t fit in. Laramie is beautiful, and it’s the music scene that really makes it that way.
