In a continuing effort to introduce new music to you, we are proud to introduce a new feature called “Plug Your Scene,” a weekly column in which we will spotlight another city’s local music scene. The goal is to bring fresh, new, and largely unheard of talent to the attention of the Vanderbilt community, encouraging a cross-pollination of sorts of scenes and styles. As we are not the experts on your local scenes, we want this to be as reader-influenced as possible. To submit your ideas or suggest new artists to spotlight, email us at plugyourscene@gmail.com.
As I am unabashedly proud (and perhaps a bit obsessed) with my own hometown of Memphis, I thought we’d start things off with a few of the most talented artists out of the home of the blues and rock ‘n roll.
Harlan T. Bobo
Rock/Indie
Easily the most mysterious musician Memphis has to offer, Harlan T. Bobo just showed up in town roughly a decade ago and has since established himself as one of the most talented artists in the area. Bobo is one of the more talented lyricists out there today, writing heart wrenchingly personal songs depicting love, loss and despair. With low, raspy vocals layered over organs, folksy acoustic guitars, rough electric guitars, Harlan T. Bobo’s sound is all his own, taking limitless inspiration from a wealth of other genres and artist and adding a theatrical whirl.
Albums: Too Much Love; I’m Your Man
Top Tracks: Stop; Left Your Door Unlocked; I’m Your Man
Star & Micey
Pop/Rock/Folk
It has only within the last six months or so that Star & Micey have finally begun to make headway in the local community, but in this time they have exploded onto the scene, crafting their own brand of infectiously catchy music. Recently signed to newly reactivated local label Ardent Records, this threesome (joined live by a rotating crew of guest drummers) is set to release their debut album in October. Star & Micey have not only worked to find their own place in the Memphis music, but have embraced the scene, including such local music royalties as Luther Dickinson (The Black Crowes, North Mississippi Allstars), Jody Stephens (Big Star) and Rick Steff (Cat Power, Lucero) on their upcoming album. To get a sampling of this fresh new band on the rise, download their debut album sampler from their website.
Albums: Star & Micey (Out in Octobor)
Top Tracks:Salvation Army Clothes; So Much Pain
