VOLUME 05 | ISSUE 06 | JUNE/JULY 2017
BOY, DON’T EVEN TRY TO TOUCH THIS
EXPRESS YOURSELF
KEEP YOUR TRIBE SAFE AND SOUND
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
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THINK OF THAT ONE THING THAT GETS YOU THROUGH THE DAY... THIS “THING” IS MUSIC. A GUIDE TO LOCAL MUSIC, P11 CONTRIBUTORS
LETTER
LET’S HEAR IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
FROM THE EDITOR
THE CONSEQUENCE OF SOUND THE POTENTIAL FOR MINDFUL MEDITATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
WHO RUN THE WORLD? GIRLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
WELCOME TO THE 2017 MUSIC ISSUE!
A GUIDE TO LOCAL MUSIC
Welcome to the annual Music Issue! Music has always been an integral part of my life. I was in marching band for more than a decade, from middle school to high school and all the way through college (and then some). I was surrounded by the jazz and blues greats when I was growing up, thanks to my grandmother. She would put B.B. King on the CD player, crank up the volume, and forget the rest of the world. It was amazing. Music is always the easiest way to connect a group of people without using language. But there are more sides to music than you might realize. In this issue, you’ll find that out. We cover a variety of topics, from ASMR to how to teach yourself a musical instrument online. Mallory Kirk and I take a tour of the Shoals, Columbia, and Cullman in search of the newest local music and where to find it. I even got the chance to talk with a local performer, Jacob Brock, about his journey as a musician and discovering his voice. Marc Anderson delves into the growing trend that is ASMR–a strange YouTube event that is taking over video players on every screen. Rebekah Milwee checks out Girls Rock, a nonprofit based in Birmingham, Alabama that teaches young girls about music and escapism. Turn to page 22 to find tips on how to teach yourself and instrument online. In a strange turn of events, cassettes are on the rise. I did the research and present my findings on the rising
AN ART AND MUSIC GETAWAY
AN INDIE SHOWDOWN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13 ONE TANK ADVENTURE NO. 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
THE FAIRY DOORS OF FLORENCE MORE THAN SMALL STREET ART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ARE CASSETTES THE NEW VINYL? PROPS TO PETER QUILL’S MIXTAPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19
CALENDAR WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21
A GUIDE TO SELF-TAUGHT MUSIC trend that is giving new life to the long forgotten format. Outside of music, Ashley Graves locates some of the best camping spots in Cullman County, and Wes Hopkins and Courtney Tulley get all the details on the Florence Fairy Doors - a recent phenomena in the Shoals. At SET Magazine, we appreciate those musicians working hard to get their work out there. It’s not easy! If you want to see yourself in print and online, shoot me an email at editor@getsetmag.com! As always, head over to our social media to see more on everything SET!
BY ISAAC RAY NORRIS, EDITOR
SET is a publication by and for local young people dedicated to lifestyle, finance, technology and community. It is published by Listerhill Credit Union as
part of its ongoing mission to promote the credit union philosophy of cooperation and financial literacy. It is a platform for 15-20 somethings in the community and it is free.
SAVE SOME SERIOUS $$$ THIS SUMMER AND TEACH YOURSELF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23
SPOTLIGHT SET READERS IN ACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-27
STARRY NIGHT CULLMAN AREA OFFERS SEVERAL CAMPING OPTIONS FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
BROCK ‘N ROLL FROM MILITARY MAN TO MUSIC MAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31
HEALTHY VIBES STAYING HEALTHY, SAFE, AND HAPPY AT MUSIC FESTIVALS THIS SUMMER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
FREESTYLE ONE FINAL THOUGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
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4 CONTRIBUTORS
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SET CONTRIBUTORS MARC ANDERSON Florence, AL
DUSTIN COAN
Ford City, AL
REBEKAH MILWEE
MALLORY KIRK
GISELLE MOSIER
MILLIE BAINE
AARON BARNETT
ASHLEY GRAVES
Gilroy, CA
Muscle Shoals, AL
Florence, AL
Florence, AL
Columbia, TN
Athens, AL
WESLEY HOPKINS Florence, AL
ALLIE SOCKWELL
Lawrenceburg, TN
COURTNEY TULLY Rogersville, AL
WILL COREY
Florence, AL
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CONTRIBUTORS 5
6 TECH
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The scientific study of sound is known as acoustics.
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Wind doesn’t make a sound until it hits an object.
THE CONSEQUENCE OF SOUND
ASMR-ERS AT A “WHISPER BAR” IN NEW YORK.
NOT SO CARELESS WHISPERS... Summer is officially here and school is over. You finally have the time to tackle everything on your to-do list, right? Really, who are we trying to fool? If you’re like me, you will either spend your time watching everything available on Netflix or wading through the abyss that is the internet. I don’t blame you. In today’s society, there is an incessant need to be aware of trends and relevant stories. We are very fortunate to have videos, memes, gifs, and other forms of social media at our disposal in order to help us stay caught up.
Recently, I was informed about a video trend that is gaining popularity. The topic of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) and its effects are showing up all over YouTube and Reddit. ASMR is a tricky feeling to describe. From what I understand, it’s a tingle in your brain, a kind of pleasurable headache that can creep down your spine. It’s a shortcut to a meditative state. Not everyone gets this feeling, and though some people can get the tingles through sheer force of will, most depend on external “triggers” to set them off. Triggers can include getting a massage or a haircut or a manicure, or hearing someone talk in a soothing tone of voice. The subject of ASMR itself is only a few years old. There have been forums and discussion on the matter but, the term was not officially coined until 2010. Shortly after that, an ASMR Research & Support website was launched by Jennifer Allen with an
aim to support scientific study of the sensory phenomenon. With further research, ASMR may eventually be categorized as an exercise in mindfulness meditation. Further scientific investigation of this and the available evidence may even reveal additional therapeutic potential. There are countless “Whisperer” videos on YouTube but, those are just one branch of a subculture of ASMR making, discovering, and promoting videos for their triggering properties. Some videos unintentionally cause the tingles—makeup tutorials and vlogs from people with deep, resonant voices. Other videos are more calculated. There’s a whole industry of YouTubers who have created hundreds of videos where they talk softly, eat Oreos while tapping conspicuously on a mug, or pretend to be travel agents, doctors or hair stylists—and people love them. Of course, after all this new-found information, I had to try it for myself.
With over 34,000 subscribers and 12 million plus views, I chose to view a few of the GentleWhispering videos. I can honestly say that I did not necessarily feel a tingling sensation however, the videos did put me in a relaxed, euphoric state. Some of her videos are designed for specific purposes. The part that I found most interesting was the 3D microphone that she used. At one point in the video, the sound of her heels on the hardwood floor sounded like she was in the room with me. Looking back on my experience, I would like to test this out with some of my friends to see what and how they felt while hearing certain sounds. So, if you have any extra time on your hands and want to see if you are affected by weird sounds, I would highly recommend that you give this a try.
STORY BY MARC ANDERSON
JUNE/JULY 2017
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SET isn’t just a magazine looking for people to share their 2 cents. It is entirely comprised of content provided by the 15 - 29 year olds of our community. No one else writes the articles, no one else takes the pictures and no one else decides what runs. That’s why we need you. Attend our next editorial meeting, drop us a line or send us an idea for your story. We want your photography, art and music. Get on SET’s team.
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Kahri Member Since 2013 Abby Member Since 2013
Drew Member Since 2013
Rebecca Member Since 2013
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NONPROFIT 9
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Until the 1980s, few women claimed the rock and roll stage.
GRCA was founded at the initiative of Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls in Portland, Oregon in 2007.
The Runaways were the first all-girl rock and roll band.
WHO RUN THE WORLD? GIRLS Each summer, girls between the ages of nine and 16 with musical ambition have the opportunity to make the trek to Birmingham for a summer camp experience like no other. At Girls Rock Birmingham, rather than tell ghost stories or play capture the flag, campers experiment with vocal coaching, music lessons, and instruments they may never have had access to otherwise. The mission of Girls Rock Camps is simple, yet powerful: to help young girls recognize their creativity and experience the freedom that comes through selfexpression. The nonprofit program started in 2007 as Girls Rock Camp Alliance and arrived in Birmingham, Alabama shortly after. During the weeklong camp, campers are divided into small groups, assigned a coach and an instrument, and then tasked with co-writing a song to play together as a band at a camp wide concert at the end of the week. This can be challenging, as the girls that come to Girls Rock Birmingham come with a variety of styles of music they enjoy and hope to write. Therefore, the task of the bands’ coaches is to combine the different styles of the group and be a mediator
GIRLS ROCK BIRMINGHAM IS JUST ONE OF MANY IN THE ALLIANCE. that guides them to finding their “sound.” This is a unique way for campers to learn the difficulties and rewards of working together as a team, how to brainstorm together, and how to communicate their opinion in a way that is respectful and considerate of the other members of a group, while still maintaining individuality. Throughout the week, campers are given a mixtape of sorts of ninety-some songs by influential female artists from which to draw inspiration. At the end of the week, during a camp wide showcase, each team performs their original song, live, onstage at a local venue. The winning band gets the chance to record their song in a studio digitally, and stream it on the Girls Rock Birmingham website. For many, this is their first ever
chance to play onstage, which can be nerve-wracking. However, the energy of the volunteers who work the camp is contagious, and even the most bashful of prodigies can’t help but come out of her shell by the final concert. Each year, band coaches are pleasantly surprised by the bravery and vulnerability some of their campers reveal over the course of the week. Volunteers for Girls Rock Birmingham are not required to be musical experts or even musically inclined. There are plenty of opportunities to help in other areas besides band coaching, such as meal prep, registration, and cleanup for those who love music more than they know it. For those that can play an instrument or provide musical knowledge, there are volunteer
opportunities for positions such as band coach, lunchtime performer, or instrument instructor. Outside of band practice, campers experience a wide range of options to explore, with workshops on performance and stage presence, audio production and uploading, and even self-promotion. This well-rounded curriculum leaves no stone unturned in fully preparing girls to take on the monster that is the modernday music business. This aspect of camp ensures that not only are campers prepared to create music, but to sell and market it once they get home as well. To register a child, go to “register” on the website. Girls Rock Birmingham volunteers are highly responsive to Facebook messages and very helpful to those wishing to volunteer or register. Their initiative shows just how much they love putting on these camps, almost as much as the girls love attending. Those wishing to volunteer can indicate their intention via Facebook message to the Girls Rock Birmingham event page, or by filling out a form on the website girlsrockbham.org under “get involved.” Those wishing to help who are not available or nearby can opt to loan or donate instruments or gear to ensure that these girls will keep on rocking the Iron City this summer!
STORY BY REBEKAH MILWEE
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FEATURE 11
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Indie artists have to handle everything themselves.
Indie has some shared characteristics with punk rock.
ROCK THE SOUTH IN CULLMAN, AL Think of that one thing that gets you through the day. The same thing that pushes you through your work out, gets you through long car rides, helps you through a study session, calms you down, and allows you to be the most creative version of yourself. This “thing” is music, and from copyrights to selling out the largest venues in the world it has created a multi-billion-dollar industry. Before downloads and streams, the best music in the world came out of right here in the Tennessee Valley. The Muscle Shoals documentary sheds
light on the famous recording studio where all the magic happened, and testimonies from people like Gregg Allman, Wilson Pickett, and Etta James prove this theory. A lot has changed since Aretha Franklin was belting out the blues in Muscle Shoals, but finding legendary music in the area is not one of them. The musical reputation of the Shoals allows local venues to bring in talented, unique bands, and even up-and-coming artists from the
eclectic area. The Shoals might be small town, but the underground music scene in local bars and venues is enough for the area to live up to its name. There are venues in downtown Florence keeping the music coming this summer including 116 East Mobile and the new Singin’ River Live. On June 2, the Pine Hill
Haints are coming to Mobile Street and bringing Tyler Young’s band, Bridal, Belt, and Bit, along with them. The Pine Hill Haints describe themselves as “Alabama Ghost Music” which includes everything from rock and roll gospel to the blues. The talented musicians in
12 FEATURE
Indie includes grunge, britpop, gothic rock, & indie pop.
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The number of indie artists is increasing.
SINGIN' RIVER LIVE IN FLORENCE, AL
the band play the fiddle, harmonica, tenor banjo, mandolin, saw, and accordion. Originating in the Shoals, the Pine Hill Haints have toured all over the states and June will be a treat for locals to see them play here in Florence. The Bridal, Belt, and Bit involve the spine-chilling voice of Tyler Young accompanied by solid drum beats and haunting violin strokes. The two acts complement each other very well, and the show is something you will not want to miss. A few days later, on June 15, 116 East Mobile brings Bohannons to Florence. Out of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Bohannons describe themselves the “Dynamo of Dixie” and have played with big acts like the Alabama Shakes and Jason Isbell. The Bohannons sound is like bluesy-folk had a baby with punk rock, and they say their music is “your morning cup of fringe ‘n’ long locks rock.” On June 22, The Pollies return to Florence where they have built a loyal following over the past years. Traveling with artist Dylan Leblanc, The Pollies have been around the states and multiple countries like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, and they have just been booked to play Sloss Fest in Birmingham. Lead singer Jay Burgess writes songs of “love, loss, triumph and regret” in their latest album “Not Here,” according to Single Lock Records. Their sound is described as experimental, and has the laid-back vibe that will get the crowd singing along. Not only is 116 East Mobile bringing music to Florence this summer, but Singin’ River Live also has a few acts up its sleeve. On June 15, Drivin’ N Cryin’ will perform. Being hard rock band from Georgia, Singin’ River Live describes them as the only band to ever share a stage with “Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sonic Youth AND Neil Young in the same twelve-month period.” Rolling Stone has also described them as having a “Led Zeppelinphilia” vibe to their music. On June 24, Singin’ River Live has taken on the task of hosting a “Summer Bash 5” with more than 13 bands including Random Conflict and Ash of Eden. Open to every age, this bash will be an all-day music extravaganza for only $10. On June 14, Singin’ River Live is having McKenzie Lockhart perform.
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Most indie fans are anti-hit songs.
They are also fond of nameless artists.
WAREHOUSE 414 IN SHEFFIELD, AL Lockhart is a singer-songwriter from the Shoals, and has a “folk-pop” sound to her music. With influences such as James Taylor, Lockhart “paints a vivid picture of a young artist coming of age and wrestling with what it means to find mature love, community, and faith.” Warehouse 414 in Sheffield is also bringing music to the Shoals area this summer. On June 3, Andrew Duhon is coming to town. With influences like Bob Dylan and Tom Waits, Duhon gives off a folksyblues vibe originating from his hometown in New Orleans. Duhon was nominated for a Grammy in 2014, and has recently formed a trio that is touring all over the country. On June 16, local band the Sun. the Moon. is playing at Warehouse 414. With influences such as Ben Howard and The Killers, this indie duo strives to “bring love back into the world, and bring patience and unity to a world that is rushed and broken” with their music. Moving further north and into Columbia, Tennessee, we find Variety Records. Not only does the shop have an immense and diverse array of vinyl records to choose from, they also feature various artists throughout the year. Recent acts include Damien Boggs, Meredith Joi, Airpark, The River Tramps, and Lacey Canfield. Columbia has a growing music scene, and even the coffee shop Muletown Coffee is getting in on the action. Look up
Muletown and Friends Vol. 1 and prepare your ears! Heading towards Cullman, you’ll find Rock the South featuring all the hottest country musicians. Though these guys aren’t local, you’ll find Sam Hunt, Luke Bryan, and Brett Eldridge. Rock The South was formed out of tragedy. According to its website, “April 27, 2011 was a day nobody in this area will ever forget. Tornadoes ripped across our great state and took precious lives and ripped apart everything familiar. Since then, our area has grown together and brought out the best in all of us.” Rock the South was originally intended to be a one-year celebration of recovery from that horrific day, and has continued to expand to become a massive celebration. Since the first Rock the South in 2012, Rock the South has continued to be an important community partner giving back over $400,000 to local charities including The Link, Alabama Forever, and many more. Local music and local venues can be hard to come by, especially when musicians can go unappreciated these days. As you travel this summer, keep these venues and events in mind and go support local musicians!
116 E MOBILE IN FLORENCE, AL
VARIETY RECORDS IN COLUMBIA, TN
14 ENTERTAINMENT
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ENTERTAINMENT 15
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Bell Buckle is the smallest town in TN to be a Tree City USA.
Bell Buckle also plays host to the RC Cola Festival.
AN ART AND MUSIC GETAWAY ONE TANK ADVENTURE NO. 2 OLD VICTORIAN HOMES LINE THE STREETS OF BELL BUCKLE. If peace is the goal of your getaway, Bell Buckle, Tennessee, might be the place for you. With a population at 500, its vistas of farms in the Tennessee hills, a well-known art scene, and music venues, Bell Buckle might be the perfect escape. Long famous for its Moon Pie Festival each June, the small town in southeastern middle Tennessee is home to the Webb School, a prestigious, private institution that serves as the site of one of the state’s largest craft shows each fall. But you don’t have to wait for a major event such as Dandelion Days or Old Fashioned Christmas to find your Zen moment in Bell Buckle. Just park along the town’s old-fashioned shops and take a stroll down covered sidewalks to The Coffee Shop. Start by ordering a blueberry latte, one of the newest concoctions in their repertoire. From there, stop in to any of the antique and art stores where you just might find that elusive tunic, a hip pair of leather boots, a newly refinished antique end table, or maybe even a piece of sculpture that speaks to you. If you like sculpture, check out Russ Faxon’s Selah Studio just over the railroad track. There you can find bronze pieces for sale, crafted by Faxon, who served as a resident artist at Webb School for years. After all that walking, you will work up a thirst, so you may as well stop in at the Southern Charm Tea Room next to the railroad track. There you will find a beautifully appointed space, including a sun room for
SOUTHERN CHARM CAFE. private events. The shop in front features unique pieces of jewelry and one-of-a-kind ladies’ clothing, handbags and accessories. The tea room serves fruit and specialty teas with a lunch menu boasting such delicacies as Lobster Bisque and Southern-style yellow cake. Working your way back up the shaded sidewalk, there are surprising finds, not to mention bargains. Tucked away in the back of many an antique shop, you will find prom dresses nestled among antique armoires, out-of-print books, decades-old Life Magazines, naturally-scented candles and Watkins brand all-natural spices and cooking extracts. In season, farmers sell produce and local honey. In fact, Bell Buckle is known for rustic, authentic fare served up by genuine people who truly appreciate your business and show it.
But the highlight of the Bell Buckle experience is the Bell Buckle Café, boasting the best Southern traditional cooking in the area and locally renowned bands playing a variety of music on weekends. If you order a meat and three plate, be sure to get the delicately fried okra. Also on the menu, you’ll find strawberry salad and a super-moist traditional oatmeal cake with caramel sauce some find habit-forming. By this time, you’ll want to extend your stay. The Walker Inn just up Webb Road provides a taste of the 19th Century with modern amenities and a homemade breakfast for a moderate price. The Inn is within walking distance of everything that makes Bell Buckle a natural choice if your goal is to get out of the fast lane and lose yourself in a different place and time.
STORY BY GISELLE MOSIER
16 ART
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ART 17
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Most owners like to stay anonymous.
Good luck finding a fairy!
THE FAIRY DOORS OF FLORENCE MORE THAN SMALL STREET ART
It’s Friday night in downtown Florence, and I’m standing next to one of its ancient buildings, talking in a group of three. During a pause in the discussion, I look down. There it is—right where the gravel floor meets the timeworn brick—a small set of double doors, no more than 5 inches tall. It’s wooden. The frame is painted white, doors blue. Glass panels are glazed and delicately painted. It’s
the first fairy door I’ve seen, and I can’t help but smile. It’s cutest street art I’ve ever seen. Florence Fairy Doors can be found, randomly scattered, throughout downtown Florence. Some are in more visible locations than others, but all are in popular areas. They’re diversely decorated, some with tile accents, others with stone. Some are garnished with
features that accentuate the buildings they adorn, highlighting their history. The creator of these mini-masterpieces stays anonymous, but she made an Instagram account (@florencefairydoors) to help fairy door fans find the almost undetectable pieces of art. She posts photos of the fairy doors and responds to fans in the comments with hints at their locations. In a message, she signed the Fairy Mom. So, that’s what I call her. She said the first few doors were just a fun experiment, but “the fairies were thrilled” with the response by people of all ages to their scaled-down entryways, so the Fairy Mom continues to honor the people of Florence with her art. “The doors are a labor of love,” she said, “and a gift to a charming town that is so welcome to newcomers—people and fairies alike.” Some people have chosen to be less cool and vandalize and steal the fairy doors. What quarrel do these humans have with the fairies? Two doors have been stolen, and one vandalized. On Instagram, the Fairy Mom politely refers to these saboteurs as “mean people.” She tolerates the thieves with a positive attitude, observing that the fairies get “more love than haters.” She’s right. People love the fairy doors. She made something more than just art; she created an activity. Once you find one, you’re compelled to find the next and the next, until you’ve found them all. It’s cute scavenger hunt. The Florence Fairy Doors Instagram page has 624 followers and is full of comments expressing how much fun people had finding the fairy doors or how badly they want to find them. The Coiffure, a hair salon in downtown Florence, was inspired by the Fairy Mom’s art to put out their very own fairy door. Whether you learn about the fairy doors and decide to go hunting for them or stumble upon one by accident, they’re certain to entertain you and your friends. These adorable doors don’t just give us something pretty to look at. They give us a reason to walk around and learn about the history of Florence. So, go check ‘em out! I’ll give you a hint. Court Street is a nice place to start.
STORY BY WESLEY HOPKINS
18 SPECIAL FEATURE
Cassettes were invented in 1963 by Phillips.
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The original purpose for cassettes was for dictation.
ARE CASSETTES THE NEW VINYL?
PR
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SPECIAL FEATURE 19
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Between 1963 and 1988 3 billion cassettes were sold.
Greatful Dead pioneered cassette taping at their shows.
ROPS TO PETER QUILL’S MIXTAPE Starlord isn’t the only one who’s obsessed with old media. There’s an old physical media that’s on the rise–cassettes. Think about when you were first introduced to the medium. For me, it was in my granddad’s Oldsmobile. An arch of cigarette smoke drifted slowly past my face and the nostalgic hum of AM radio and Alabama football played in the background as I fumbled around with a plastic see-through rectangle I had found in the floorboard. “What’s this?” I asked. “That’s a cassette – it holds music. The tape on the inside holds songs that you play through the car stereo,” he said. He put the cassette into the player and turned the music on. It was, of course, some jazz musician’s cassette that belonged to my grandmother. The sound was thick – like the smoke that was billowing out of my grandfather’s car. After a few songs the music stopped, and that was when my grandfather explained you had to flip the cassette to play more music. I was amazed. Eventually, I found a Walkman at a pawnshop and became obsessed with portable music. To think that today, any song I could ever want is available to me at the tap of my phone’s screen is amazing, considering where we started. Now, that old medium is making a comeback, partly due to a little film called Guardians of the Galaxy. Hipsters everywhere rejoice: according to Nielsen’s year-end music report of 2016, cassette sales rose 74 percent, to 129,000 units. Vinyl, of course, is the reigning king of old media, selling 13.1 million units in 2016. CDs? Not so much. The CD market notched 105 million units. Yet similar to vinyl, a cassette sale bump represents a healthier appetite for physical media only on “vintage,” hardware. Helping the cassette boom are a few factors. For one, the official soundtrack for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is still going strong, despite its 2014 release. The soundtrack, featured heavily in
the movie as the personal mixtape of Chris Pratt’s character Peter Quill, sold 4,000 units last year. That brings its total to 11,000 units since release. Justin Bieber’s Purpose and The Weeknd’s Beauty Behind the Madness, both 2015 releases, also brought in around 1,000 cassette sales each thanks to exclusive partnerships with retailer Urban Outfitters. Additionally, there were tape reissues of Eminem and Prince albums that brought in another 3,000 to 4,000 units each. So, how are cassettes sold? Nowadays, cassettes are usually sold online in direct-to-consumer settings. While these are obviously well-known albums from the world’s biggest musicians, a majority of cassette sales come from small batches being bought by hardcore fans online. Billboard notes that 43 percent of all cassette sales in 2016 were through direct-to-consumer operations like bands’ personal websites or the online shops of independent record labels. Often times, cassettes and vinyl act as an outlet for a band’s aesthetic tastes and product design prowess, giving consumers something physical to cherish at a time when unique album art and liner notes have been relegated to nonessential status. As with all things nostalgia, there’s a personal bond made with physical objects. Cassette tapes are just one that are making their cultural comeback.
STORY BY ISAAC RAY NORRIS
20 CALENDAR
EVENTS
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JUNE 1 - JULY 31 CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE 1
JUNE 4
“MY HOMETOWN” ALL-STARZ RECITAL @ NORTON AUDITORIUM, FLORENCE, AL 6:30 PM FLY BOYS @ ASGARD BREWING CO. & TAPROOM, COLUMBIA, TN 4:00 PM BUSKERFEST 2017 @ DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE, HUNTSVILLE, AL
FRONTIER DAY @ POPE’S TAVERN, FLORENCE, AL SUNDAY AT CHILI’S @ CHILI’S GRILL AND BAR, FLORENCE, AL 4:00 PM
JUNE 2 THE PINE HILL HAINTS WITH BRIDAL, BELT, AND BIT @ 116 E Mobile, Florence, AL 7:00 PM ROCK THE SOUTH 2017 @ CULLMAN COLUMBIA FIRST FRIDAYS @ COLUMBIA, TN 5:00 PM ROSSI AND DAMIEN BOGGS LIVE! @ MARCO’S AT 822 SOUTH, COLUMBIA, TN 8:00 PM BUSKERFEST 2017 @ DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE, HUNTSVILLE, AL VAALBARA FT. ONE DAY CLOSER & BIG GAPING HOLES @ MAGGIE MEYERS IRISH PUB, HUNTSVILLE, AL 9:00 PM MR. & MISS ROCKET CITY PRIDE PAGEANT @ DEJA VIEUX, HUNTSVILLE, AL 8:00 PM THRIVE ALABAMA DINING WITH FRIENDS @ REDSTONE HARLEY DAVIDSON, MADISON, AL 7:00 PM SOUNDS OF SUMMER CONCERT SERIES @ BRIDGESTREET TOWN CENTRE, HUNTSVILLE, AL 6:00 PM
JUNE 3
PHOTO BY ROBERT RAUSCH
JUNE/JULY 2017
JOHN PAUL WHITE WITH LERA LYNN @ SATURN, BIRMINGHAM, AL 7:00 PM
FRONTIER DAY @ POPE’S TAVERN, FLORENCE, AL ROCK THE SOUTH 2017 @ CULLMAN 313 CONEY DOGS @ ASGARD BREWING CO. & TAPROOM, COLUMBIA, TN 11:00 AM EINSTOK TAP TAKEOVER @ ASGARD BREWING CO. & TAPROOM, COLUMBIA, TN 6:00 PM BUSKERFEST 2017 @ DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE, HUNTSVILLE, AL DAYS TO COME/TBA @ COPPER TOP DIVE ‘N DINE, HUNTSVILLE, AL 8:00 PM SLICEFEST @ SLICEFEST, BIRMINGHAM, AL 1:00 PM
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JUNE 5 SKYCAMP 2017 JUNE SESSION @ SKY ZONE FLORENCE ART CAMP UNDER THE SEA @ RECLAIMED SPIRIT, FLORENCE, AL 11:00 AM CAB LAB @ COLUMBIA ARTS BUILDING, COLUMBIA, TN
JUNE 6 CANNED FOOD DRIVE @ CHIC-FIL-A, FLORENCE, 4:00 PM SKYCAMP 2017 JUNE SESSION @ SKY ZONE FLORENCE ART CAMP UNDER THE SEA @ RECLAIMED SPIRIT, FLORENCE, AL 11:00 AM CAB LAB @ COLUMBIA ARTS BUILDING, COLUMBIA, TN J. COLE @ AVONDALE BREWING COMPANY, BIRMINGHAM, AL 8:00 PM
JUNE 7 SKYCAMP 2017 JUNE SESSION @ SKY ZONE FLORENCE ART CAMP UNDER THE SEA @ RECLAIMED SPIRIT, FLORENCE, AL 11:00 AM ACRO IN THE PARK @ DEPOT PARK, CULLMAN 6:00 PM CAB LAB @ COLUMBIA ARTS BUILDING, COLUMBIA, TN
JUNE 8 YOGA FOR KIDS – SUMMER CAMP @ SHOALS YOGA, FLORENCE, AL 10:30 AM SKYCAMP 2017 JUNE SESSION @ SKY ZONE FLORENCE
JUNE 9 SKYCAMP 2017 JUNE SESSION @ SKY ZONE FLORENCE SECOND FRIDAY @ CULLMAN FARMERS MARKET – FESTHALLE, 5:00 PM
JUNE 10 15TH ANNUAL RALLY AT THE RIVER @ MCFARLAND PARK, FLORENCE, AL 9:00 AM
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DIXIE DUDS & DÉCOR CAR AND BIKE SHOW @ DIXIE DUDS AND DÉCOR, CULLMAN 1:00 PM CRAWFISH & SHRIMP BOIL @ BUBBA GANDY SEAFOOD COLUMBIA, COLUMBIA, TN 11:00 AM BOY NAMED BANJO @ ZYDECO, BIRMINGHAM, AL 9:30 PM JOHN PAUL WHITE W/ LERA LYNN @ SATURN, BIRMINGHAM AL 7:00 PM
JUNE 14 JUNE MONTHLY COFFEE @ COLUMBIA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, COLUMBIA, TN 9:00 AM
JUNE 15 DRIVIN’ ‘N CRYIN’ @ Singin’ River Live, Florence, AL 8:00 PM FLY BOYS @ ASGARD BREWING CO. & TAPROOM, COLUMBIA, TN 4:00 PM SM’ORES & POURS @ AVONDALE BREWING COMPANY, BIRMINGHAM AL 6:00 PM
JUNE 16 313 CONEY DOGS @ ASGARD BREWING CO. & TAPROOM, COLUMBIA, TN 12:00 PM THE STOLEN FACES @ VOODOO LOUNGER BAR & GRILL, HUNTSVILLE, AL 10:00 PM MEAN GIRLS @ BIRMINGHAM THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM, AL 7:00 PM
JUNE 17
JUNE 22
JUNE 30
JULY 9
LIVE AT SWAMPERS @ MARRIOTT SHOALS HOTEL & SPA, FLORENCE, AL 8:00 PM DISPATCH LIVE @ IRON CITY, BIRMINGHAM, AL 7:00 PM
WIZARD ROCK IN FLORENCE, AL! @ Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, Florence, AL 7:00 PM DWARVES, RICHIE RAMONE WITH CANCERSLUG & PROPERTY @ MAGGIE MEYERS IRISH PUB, HUNTSVILLE, AL 8:00 PM
RENAISSANCE MAN TRIATHLON @ McFarland Park, Florence, AL 7:00 AM METALLICA, AVENGED SEVENFOLD AND VOLBEAT @ SunTrust Park, Atlanta, GA 6:00 PM TRUTV IMPRACTICAL JOKERS @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA 7:00 PM
JUNE 23 LIVE AT 306 BBQ FLORENCE @ FLORENCE, AL 6:00 PM FLASHBACK FRIDAY: MUSIC @ FLORENCE-LAUDERDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 3:00 PM MUSIC CITY BRISKET @ ASGARD BREWING CO. & TAPROOM, COLUMBIA, TN 4:00 PM SWEET TEA @ SPRING CREEK PARK, TUSCUMBIA, AL 7:00 PM TIERA @ SPRING CREEK PARK, TUSCUMBIA, AL 5:00 PM WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE @ ALABAMA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM, AL 7:00 PM ZACH TAYLOR AND KENNY LOFTEN @ THE SYNDICATE LOUNGE, BIRMINGHAM, AL 8:00 PM
JUNE 24 FRIENDS OF THE CAFÉ DINNER: ASHLEY CHRISTENSEN @ THE FACTORY CAFÉ, FLORENCE, AL 6:30 PM SUMMER FEST 2K17 @ 206 7TH EAST STREET, COLUMBIA, TN 9:00 PM HELEN KELLER FESTIVAL @ TUSCUMBIA, AL 7:00 PM
DÉJÀ VU @ FLOBAMA, FLORENCE, AL 6:30 PM FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH @ THE FACTORY CAFÉ, FLORENCE, AL 10:00 AM GLADYS KNIGHT @ THE BJCC, BIRMINGHAM, AL 8:00 PM GET STOKED @ TRIMTAB BREWING COMPANY, BIRMINGHAM, AL 7:00 PM
JUNE 25
JUNE 18
JUNE 27
FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH @ THE FACTORY CAFÉ, FLORENCE, AL 10:00 AM
JUNE 20 GRILLING WORKSHOP @ THE FACTORY CAFÉ, FLORENCE, AL 6:00 PM
JUNE 21 MUSIC IN THE PARK – THE NUTONES @ WILSON PARK, FLORENCE, AL 11:30 AM
JULY 1 FREEDOMFEST 2017 @ Twin Forks, Bear Creek, AL INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION @ Sportsman Lake Park, Cullman, AL 4:00 PM
JULY 2 CHILI’S SUNDAY MUSIC, MICHAEL BUD AND THE E’RDAY BAND @ Chili’s Grill & Bar, Florence, AL
JULY 3 CAFFEINE CINEMA: DOCTOR STRANGE @ Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, Florence, AL 2:00 PM
JULY 4 SHOALS SPIRIT OF FREEDOM CELEBRATION @ Mcfarland Park, Florence AL
JULY 5 PINSPIRATION: BUBBLE PAINTING @ Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, Florence, AL 5:00 PM
JULY 6
HELEN KELLER FESTIVAL @ TUSCUMBIA, AL 7:00 PM
CHRIS FLEMING @ Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville, TN 8:00 PM
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JULY 7
ART CAMP 2017 @ BROADWAY RECREATION CENTER, FLORENCE, AL
I SEW MEAN @ First Fridays, Florence, AL MICHAEL BUD AND THE E’RDAY BAND @ First Fridays, Florence, AL LA LA LAND IN CONCERT WITH THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville, TN 7:00 PM
ART CAMP 2017 @ BROADWAY RECREATION CENTER, FLORENCE, AL
JUNE 29 ART CAMP 2017 @ BROADWAY RECREATION CENTER, FLORENCE, AL
JULY 10 CAFFEINE CINEMA: THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE @ Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, Florence, AL 2:00 PM ONE REPUBLIC HONDA CIVIC TOUR @ Ascend Amphitheater, Nashville, TN 6:00 PM DANCING WITH THE STARS: LIVE! @ Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, TN 7:30 PM
JULY 14 MICHAEL BUD AND THE E’RDAY BAND @ Lil Capone’s Italian Bar & Grill, Florence, AL 7:00 PM DAVID BLAINE @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 8:00 PM
JULY 15 SLOSS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 2017 @ Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Birmingham, AL
JULY 16 HANS ZIMMER @ Ascend Amphitheater, Nashville, TN 7:00 PM SLOSS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 2017 @ Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Birmingham, AL
JULY 17 WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN 6:30 PM SLOSS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 2017 @ Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Birmingham, AL
JULY 18 SMACKDOWN LIVE @ TheBJCC, Birmingham, AL 6:45 PM
JULY 8
JULY 19
HEROS & VILLAINS NASHVILLE @ Music City Center, Nashville, TN NOCKING POINT: ONE NIGHT IN NASHVILLE @ Music City Center, Nashville, TN 8:00 PM
TED NUGENT @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:30 PM
JULY 21 NICOLE ATKINS @ 116 E Mobile, Florence, AL
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BARENAKED LADIES @ Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta, GA 8:00 PM
JULY 22 HANDY WEEK KICK-OFF @ SidePocket Lounge, Florence, AL 9:00 PM WC HANDY DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT @ McFarland Park Disc Golf Course, Florence, AL 7:30 AM REO, STYX & DON FELDER @ Ascend Amphitheater, Nashville, TN 7:00 PM IDINA MENZEL @ The Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA 8:00 PM
JULY 28 STEEL MAGNOLIAS @ Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, AL 7:00 PM
JULY 29 LITTLE BIG TOWN @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 8:00 PM FOREIGNER W/ CHEAP TRICK AND JASON BONHAMS @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA 7:00 PM
JULY 30 THE SOUND OF MUSIC @ Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, AL 2:00 PM 2017 ALABAMA MUSIC AWARDS @ The BJCC, Birmingham, AL 2:00 PM
JULY 31 FOSTER THE PEOPLE @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:30 PM GOO GOO DOLLS LIVE @ Ascend Amphitheater, Nashville, TN 7:00 PM
22 MONEY
Elton John began teaching himself piano at the age of 3.
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Implicit learning is learning without knowing it.
A GUIDE TO SELF-TAUGHT MUSIC
GO AHEAD, PICK UP THAT OLD GUITAR!
SAVE SOME SERIOUS $$$ THIS SUMMER AND TEACH YOURSELF
The internet holds a vast wealth of knowledge, so before our AI overlords take over and use us as an energy source a la The Matrix, why not pass the time learning a musical instrument? In this article, I cover the various ways one can self-teach themselves how to play and practice, an instrument of their choice. Remember – you don’t become a musician by thinking about it, you become one by practicing.
USE FREE VIDEO AND WEB TUTORIALS
There are a ton of options for learning how to play an instrument
online. YouTube is one of best ways to get expert education on playing an instrument for free and you can find lessons for just about any instrument you can imagine. YouTube’s music section has tutorials for how to play any instrument in pretty much any style you want. Search for the instrument you want to learn, and spend a couple of minutes watching the teacher. If they feel like a good fit, you’re done. If not, move onto the next one. It’s okay if you’re picky because you have a ton of options, so find a teacher you like. If videos aren’t your thing, you can almost always find free written
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Jack White taught himself guitar.
Classical musicians have a high quality of “non-exactness.”
JIMI WAS SELF TAUGHT. BE LIKE JIMI. guides for most instruments. About’s hobbies section can help with common instruments like the guitar and piano. Otherwise, a Google search should reveal free guides for just about every instrument imaginable. If sheet music is more your thing, a web app like Soundslice is an excellent way to learn songs with both interactive notation and tabs. Just queue up a song and you see the song streaming across a sheet of music. Similarly, you can use YouTube to learn songs you already love. Chordify turns a music video on YouTube into tabs so you can practice and play them.
USE MOBILE APPS TO PRACTICE (OR STUDY) ON THE GO
Both the iTunes App Store and Google Play have massive directories of mobile apps that help you take your learning on the go. It might sound silly, but having a way to (quietly) practice an instrument on the go is great.
As you’d expect, the bulk of these apps teach you skills like chords and how to read sheet music. They do a good enough job at it that you might find yourself using them even when you’re at home. Assuming you don’t want to take your instrument of choice with you everywhere you go, an app’s a pretty stand-in for most aspects of the learning process.
GET LIVE VIDEO HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT
Sometimes no amount of video tutorials or reading can help you figure something out. In that case, it’s time to turn to a real-life teacher. Teachers are great because it’s easier to ask a real human questions. They can also point out if your posture is bad or if you’re misunderstanding a core concept. Of course, a real person does cost money, but since one-off meetings are more common online than they are with an in-person teacher, you won’t need to spend as much. Google’s Helpouts are a great place to find a cheap teacher, and music lessons over Skype or Bandhappy
are easy to set up. You don’t need to do this for a full course of lessons, but for the occasional question and check-in, a video meeting can help a lot.
SET UP A PRACTICE TIME AND STICK TO IT
When you’re learning how to play an instrument on your own, it’s important to stick with a routine. As with any online education, it’s best if you’re independently driven since a teacher won’t hound you to finish your work every week. So, set a time and practice deliberately. If you need some help with motivation, we’ve got you covered. You’ll also want to intentionally hinder yourself sometimes. As we’ve pointed out before, failure helps us learn. When you’re taking lessons online or learning how to play a specific song from YouTube, it’s easy to rely too much on those guides. Remember to take a step away from the computer and practice without it now and again. After you get comfortable with playing, it’s a good idea to start
recording yourself to see how you sound so you can improve. You don’t need a special crazy music production studio. Your phone or computer’s mic is fine. The goal is to make yourself aware of your mistakes so you know what you need to work on. This is an important part of having a teacher that’s hard to emulate on your own, but it’s possible if you can tune your ear enough to notice your mistakes. Finally, have fun and experiment. It’s easy to get caught up in rushing through a series of videos or a set of lessons and forget to enjoy what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to walk away from the computer and start writing your own stuff. Even it’s terrible it’ll at least be your own. Good luck!
STORY BY ISAAC RAY NORRIS
24 SPOTLIGHT
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SAY CHEESE!
SET READERS IN ACTION
JUNE/JULY 2017
PHOTOS BY DUSTIN COAN, MILLIE BAINE, WILL COREY AND AARON BARNETT
SET SPRING PARTY AND BOOK SWAP POCKET PARK, FLORENCE, AL, APRIL 27, PHOTOS BY DUSTIN COAN AND MILLY BAINE
AMANDALYN DORNER AND DAVID BURSON
JACOB BROCK
ELI ADAY
AMANDA JORDAN
AMANDA JORDAN
KAITLYN DANIEL WITH DUSTIN COAN
JUNE/JULY 2017
SPOTLIGHT 25
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UNA SPRING CONCERT FLOWERS HALL, FLORENCE, AL, APRIL 29, PHOTOS BY WILL COREY
JOHN BELLION
JOHN BELLION
ROB STONE
ROB STONE
JOHN BELLION
NIYKEE HEATON
26 SPOTLIGHT
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JUNE/JULY 2017
ALLEGORY ARTS SHOWCASE ALLEGORY ARTS, FLORENCE, AL, MAY 5, PHOTOS BY AARON BARNETT AND MILLY BAINE
BOBBY USHMAN AND EMMERA WATKINS
DONNA AND MARK SANDLIN
ULYSS BLAIR, TONIA ROBERTS, AND EVA JEAN
EMMERA WATKINS
SAWYER RUSSELL
JUNE/JULY 2017
SPOTLIGHT 27
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WEST MEANS HOME, CHRIS SWARTZ, AND PLANS SOUTHERN TRASH, FLORENCE, AL, MAY 19, PHOTOS BY MILLY BAINE
KASEY AND KERRY HARRELL AND BOBBY USHMAN
CHRIS SWARTZ
SAWYER RUSSELL AND HANNAH FARRIS
SAWYER RUSSELL AND AUSTIN BRENT
KEN YOUNG
ANTONIO MARTELLI AND EMMERA WATKINS
28 FOOD
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Nick Walton
Miracle Osborne
Member since 2015
Member since 2013
Visit Our Stop by The Hill
to relax, recharge, or (of course) take care of your financial
needs. The Hill is a full service, student-run Listerhill Credit Union location in The Commons at UNA dedicated to helping students reach their full financial potential.
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FOOD 29
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Look for shade between noon and 3:00 p.m.
For all the summer events: cullmancountyparks.com
STARRY NIGHT
SPORTSMAN LAKE PARK.
CULLMAN AREA OFFERS SEVERAL CAMPING OPTIONS FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS School is out for summer, and temperatures are on the rise. For nature lovers, it’s prime time to answer the great outdoors call. Whether it be hooking up the RV and hitting the road, or pitching a tent and building a fire, Cullman County has several hidden gems sure to make for a perfect night under the stars. Just inside the city limits off the main highway sits Sportsman Lake Park. Known for its large, shallowbody of water that’s teeming with fish and wildlife, the park offers 12 RV
spots with power and water, as well as primitive camping. “I think it’s one of Cullman County’s best kept secrets,” said Park Manager Randall Campbell of the camping area. “People are shocked when they find out we have that to offer.” In addition to camping, the park also has numerous amenities to enjoy such as an 18-hole putt-putt golf course, paddle boats, bike and kayak rentals, hiking and fitness equipment , which is stationed at various locations. “We’ve got something for everyone,”
Campbell said. While entry to the park is free, there is a small fee for most of the activities, excluding hiking and the fitness equipment. RV spots rent for $24.70 a night, while tent camping is $10 per night. Reservations can be made by calling the park office at 256-734-3052. There are several other parks, but two of the most popular ones are Hurricane Creek Park and Smith Lake Park. Down the road from Sportsman Lake Park, nestled in a 500-footdeep canyon in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, lies Hurricane Creek Park. This park hosts more than 60 acres of natural trails and wildlife for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy. Currently, the daylight to dark park offers hiking, rock climbing, picnicking and bird watching. However, beginning in June, the Park will be launching a new endeavor — open camping nights. For a small fee of $5, primitive camping will be available the first Friday of each month beginning at 6 p.m. through October. This is the only
night camping allowed in the park. A permit must be obtained at the park office when entering the park. Next, Smith Lake Park is located on the shores of the 21,200 acre Lewis Smith Lake and the park is open yearround for camping. The park has 9 cabins for rental, 199 full service sites, five water and electric sites, 61 tent sites with electric hook ups, and unlimited primitive camping. Activities include a pool, fishing pier, kayak rentals, and several special events and festivals throughout the year. RV camping is $24.20 per night, while tent camping is $15.40 per night. Cabins rent for $71.50 with a two-night minimum required. Reservations are required for holidays. Keep these options in mind when looking for a place to camp this summer!
STORY BY ASHLEY GRAVES
30 SPECIAL FEATURE
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Brock is releasing his next single, “Little Feet,” in June.
JUNE/JULY 2017
He served 2 tours: Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay.
BROCK ‘N ROLL
JACOB BROCK
FROM ARMY MAN TO MUSIC MAN
SET’S Spring Party and Book Swap was enlivened by the sweet sounds produced by Fairhope, Alabama native Jacob Brock. “I grew up in Fairhope, AL, but now I live in Florence, AL. I had several friends going to school up here and they got me a few shows in town. It didn’t take long to fall in love with the place.” What Brock performs usually depends on the type of show, he says. “I can do a small show with a local event like CO-OP or what used to be The End, and play all originals, or I can do a show at On The Rocks and bang out four hours worth of cover songs ranging from jazz to hip-hop.” Brock didn’t feel comfortable revealing his work until after a tour
of Afghanistan in 2014. “There’s something about being in a place where you’re forced to build a new home, and make the people around you new family that opens up this channel of inspiration inside of you. It made me more receptive to new experiences and really liberated my writing in a major way. I spent the entire year after Afghanistan gigging around the East Coast. “ Finding old vinyl in his grandmother’s garage is what, Brock says, kicked off his interest in performing and play guitar. “My family has always been very music oriented. My dad was in a widely known alternative-rock band when I was young, my mother’s side of the family had notoriety in the
Southern Gospel community,” he said. “My dad tried to teach me guitar when I was about 7, but it hurt my fingers so I put it down for a few years and picked it back up around the age of 12.” “I found all of his old vinyl in my grandmother’s garage. The record that I loved, and still own to this day, was a collaboration record that Stevie Ray Vaughan did with Lonnie Mack. That’s where I learned how to play most of my lead guitar. I was a blues kid for sure.” Brock’s newest project encompasses work from the last four years. “I don’t write songs for people, I write songs about people. Some of my songs are situations that I’ve exaggerated, but most of my songs are real life
JUNE/JULY 2017
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Music was Brock’s way of coping while on tour.
SPECIAL FEATURE 31
His newest project includes work from the last 4 years.
situations that are based on either personal experience, or something that someone I’m close to is going through,” he said. Brock’s writing process, he says, “comes in fragments.” “My writing process is unique. Most people either create the music before the words, or vice versa, but sometimes my songs come in fragments. I can write something down one day, and revisit it a year later and create something really special with it. Sometimes that particular way gets really annoying, but sometimes I like to let my thoughts sit for a while so I can revisit them with fresh eyes.” The classics are what Brock says inspire him most. Artists like Jimmy Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, and Stevie Ray Vaughan all inspire his covers. “Earlier on, it was people like Stevie Ray, John Mayer, B.B. King – you know, the whole blues scene. Then I started getting into flatpickers like Zac Brown. After that, I got heavy into pop and hip-hop, picking up people like Chance the Rapper, Ed Sheeran, Jason Mraz. I have so many more that I could name, but we’ll just stick to the highlight reel.” Brock says that he doesn’t have a favorite genre, but depends more on his emotions and what kind of day he’s had when it comes to listening and creating music. “Music is music to me. It doesn’t have to be segregated. I know that sounds super hipster, but I just listen to wherever my mood takes me. I’m always looking for new inspiration.” Brock gives his manager, Ryan Rogers, most of the credit for his success. “I’m not going to brag on his accomplishments or anything and blow up his ego anymore, but I will say that I don’t know that I’d be following this dream if it weren’t for him. Shouts to Ryan Rogers. #broccolisquad” You can find Jacob in various venues in the Shoals, where he performs covers for the crowds. He plans on releasing his newest single, Little Feet, in June.
STORY BY ISAAC RAY NORRIS
BROCK AFTER A PERFORMANCE IN FLORENCE, AL
32 HEALTH
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3.5M tweets were sent on the first weekend of Coachella ‘15.
On average, people travel 903 miles to go to festivals.
HEALTHY VIBES
STAYING HEALTHY, SAFE, AND HAPPY AT MUSIC FESTIVALS THIS SUMMER It’s summer! For most, that means it’s time to step back from responsibilities and soak up the sun. Some choose to spend free time on a vacation or chilling by the pool, but others prefer to travel to music festivals to hear the hottest musicians. A music festival is unlike any other experience, and it is not for the faint of heart. You will get sweaty. You will get tired. You will learn to tough it out. But, if done correctly, you will leave with so many memories and stories to share. Below you’ll find a few tips for staying healthy and safe at any music festival you may attend this summer. Remember, each festival has its own tricks and secrets for getting the most out of your experience, but overall here are some general guidelines: One of the most common issues for festival-goers is dehydration. Spending all day, every day outside
in the sun can be draining on your body. Take breaks in the shade when you can find it, or create your own by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (fashionable and functional…win/ win). Make sure to drink plenty of water. Most festivals have water stations where you can fill up your own bottle. Festivals like The Hang Out in Gulf Shores allow you to bring one empty water container up to two liters in size. Seriously, do not wait until you are thirsty; constantly be drinking water to refuel. And remember, caffeinated sodas and energy drinks do the opposite for your body by not replenishing. So follow each drink with a bottle of water. Heatstroke is another concern at festivals. You will more than likely be packed around crowds of people listening to the bands. Schedule break times where you can step away and cool down. Find a fan or shade. Most festivals even have a
shower station where you can rinse off. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen every few hours; while this may not be the “cool” thing to do, blistering like a lobster isn’t quite charming either. Learn your way around. When you first arrive at the festival, besides checking out the band lineup, figure out the arrangement and location of things. Where are the toilets, first aid, food stalls, chill-out zones, etc? Most festivals provide a map. If you are with a group of people, schedule a designated meeting place in case (or when) you get separated. I promise you, your phones will die at the worst possible time or you’ll have spotty cellphone service. Leave valuables at home. You can find a list of allowed/prohibited items on each music festivals’ website. Don’t take unnecessary items (especially expensive ones) with you. Take the necessities (sunscreen, your water bottle, hat,
sunglasses, money to purchase food, cellphone), but keep it on you and be mindful. Most festivals also offer lockers, which is something to consider if you feel you can’t keep your valuables on you. Watch your drinks. Don’t share or accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave your drink unattended. Stick with the buddy system. Don’t wander around the festival alone. Stick with a person you came with and watch out for each other. Don’t let them leave with a stranger. If you came together, you should leave together, too. Pace yourself. Veteran festivalgoers know the best rule for enjoying festival fun is to take breaks. Take time to eat and sleep. Don’t burn out by Day Two. Remember to continue caring for your body so you can maximize good times. All festivals have dedicated medical/first aid stations. Utilize these. If you feel faint, overly hot, dizzy, etc., have a friend help you locate one for professional help. Anything from a bee sting to heatstroke to an illness, they are there for you. Do your research beforehand. Check out the festival website, plan what you will pack and bring with you, and check the forecast so you can best prepare for your wardrobe. Preparation provides the most enjoyable experience. Ultimately music festivals are meant to be a time to step back from your everyday stresses and enjoy the outdoors and beat of the music. Make sure to keep it a fun experience by being proactive about your health and safety. Remember that there are people designated to help you, whether that be health or security. Make smart decisions and be aware of your surroundings. Here’s to rocking it out (safely and healthfully) at those festivals!
STORY BY ALLIE SOCKWELL
34 FREESTYLE
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ONE FINAL THOUGHT
PHOTO BY WILL COREY
FREESTYLE
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HANNAH HOOPER OF GROUPLOVE AT THE 2017 BEALE STREET MUSIC FESTIVAL
JUNE/JULY 2017
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FREESTYLE 35