April 18 , 2006
FEATURESLocal music scene longs to reach stardom
MCC students found organization to help local bands achieve success
It’s no secret that Arizona has huge amounts of talent in the rock department, and unfortunately many of the most talented artists haven’t been able to breech the surface of the sea of stardom.
Chris Bogle, a student at MCC and local music promoter in the valley, has teamed up with his brother Tom to form an organization called AZ Music Review. Chris and Tom’s organization provides a type of “support system” for talented local bands.
“AZ Music Review’s purpose is to form a network for bands to communicate and set up shows. You know, and an easy way for bands to get their name out across the valley by helping each other,” Tom said.
Bands like the Gin Blossoms, the Format, Jimmy Eat World, and the Refreshments all got their start in the local Arizona music scene before they joined the ranks of national rock stars.
Local rock still thrives today, producing younger bands that are starting to gain recognition across the country like Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Lydia, and the Bled.
The Bogle brothers recognize the talent that pours from Arizona and have decided to help out. In addition to promoting local music, the brothers make t-shirts adorned with phrases such as “Listen To Local Music,” and designs like the Arizona flag or an outline of the state.
Regarding future plans for development Chris said, “This is ultimately a business, and we plan on growing....Our goal is to eventually open a shop where we sell local bands’ shirts, CD’s, and other merchandise, as well as our own shirts. We also want to hold our own shows there.”
Chris and Tom work with some of their favorite bands like Diamante, Alcoholiday, and Wool Gathering, all from the valley.
However, trying to branch out to areas other than just the valley, the Bogles have set up valley shows with bands like Goldmund from Sedona, Bark Bark Bark from Tucson, and Hildee from Flagstaff. In the past, they have organized shows in other parts of Arizona like Pinetop and Flagstaff.
AZ Music Review’s online matters are done mostly through MySpace.com. The MySpace network has provided them with effective tools in getting the word out about their organization and the shows they promote.
Add them at www.myspace.com/az_music_review.
According to the Bogles, the best way to help support whatd they’re doing for the local music scene is by joining in the effort. Come to a show or buy a shirt or, if you’re in a band, post a flyer on the AZMR MySpace site.
At AZ Music Review, the local community is the focus. They try to work with other local businesses such as the Arizona-based energy drink company Kronik.
“If it weren’t for local communities, big corporations couldn’t exist,” Tom said. “We’re not musicians, but we love music and we just think, why settle for big impersonal corporate-sponsored rock when you have dozens of bands that live where you live and write about things you can relate to?”
“Most of these bands are doing it purely for the love of music, not to make big bucks. I think that makes the music more honest, and more enjoyable,” Chris added.
Help support the local scene by attending AZ Music Review’s upcoming show on Saturday, April 15th. Starting at noon that day, there will be a potluck picnic featuring acoustic performances by valley bands and artists.
It is being held at the Chandler Gilbert Community College Amphitheatre, and admission is free if you bring food to share.