VOLUME 04 ISSUE 03 MARCH 2016
SING YOUR HEART OUT
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
CHANGING LIVES ONE BITE AT A TIME
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
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LONGEVITY. YOU’RE DOING THIS TO KEEP DOING IT, NO MATTER WHETHER IT PAYS OR DOESN’T PAY. 1-ON-1 WITH ST. PAUL BASSIST JESSE PHILLIPS, P13
LETTER
FROM THE EDITOR
CONTRIBUTORS LET’S HEAR IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
TREATING YOUR BAND LIKE $$$ HOW NOT TO WRITE THE FINANCIAL OBIT OF YOUR BAND. . . . . . . 5
LISTEN UP As I scan my dinky, two bedroom apartment living room, amidst all the Kit-Kat wrappers and old PS2 games, I’m reminded (thankfully) of how musically inclined I am. The colorful 12 x 12 vinyl sleeves adorning my walls are chock-full of musical flavor and fervor. It may be the most random mix – The Doors, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Mamas and the Papas, Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, etc. – but one of my most prized possessions is a signed vinyl of the most melodic duo to ever embrace the Shoals – The Secret Sisters. I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’ve been told we live in an area beaming with musical heritage, but I’ll be the first to say the legacy didn’t end in the 70s and 80s. The current revitalization of the “new” Muscle Shoals sound is taking the area by storm with soldout shows playing nearly every night in various venues. What we’re living is the equivalent to our parents and grandparents reminiscing the “old” sound. It may be a new adaptation, but it’s deeply rooted in chords and riffs gone by. I’ve been to shows and festivals across the South – Birmingham, Nashville, Atlanta and Memphis – and nothing compares to the originality and creativity of the composition in our beloved Shoals area. Now, I can jam to bands anywhere I go, but it’s rare my mind breaks out in convulsions to authentic, melodic gold. Only in the Shoals can you have a religious experience through song. We’re living the rebirth of soul, rock, funk and blues, guys and girls. Don’t let it pass you by. I’m proud to present you SET’s annual
TUNING IN TO YOUR DREAMS FAFA GIVES TEENS RECORDING EXPERIENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
CO-OP FLORENCE DUO BRINGS NASHVILLE FLAIR TO SHOALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1-ON-1 WITH JESSE PHILLIPS BREAKING BREAD WITH A BROKEN BONE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
BAMA INSPIRED WORKOUTS SWEATIN’ TO THE NEWBIES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
REST IN PEACE, PEGASUS LOCAL RECORD STORE UP FOR GRABS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2016 SETTYS WINNERS music issue. I sat down with bassist Jesse Phillips of St. Paul and the Broken Bones to talk about their 8-piece gang rise to musical fame. SET newcomer Ashley Remkus will introduce you to Florence’s newest venue, CO-OP Florence, and explain how they’re impacting aspiring artists in the Shoals. Get a full wrap of new, local bands you’ll be sorry you don’t see live, and learn how to manage your band finances for long-run success. If music is in any way part of your life, there’s something in SET for you. I may be biased, but SET Magazine is a great publication to get your feet wet in writing and photography. If you’re interested, email, tweet or Facebook me for details, and I’ll make sure you’re in the #SETspotlight!
BY ANNA GRACE USERY, 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.
CONTRIBUTORS TAKE HOME AWARDS AT ANNUAL SETTYS . . . . . . 18
CALENDAR WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21
MADE WITH LOVE HOW JOEY+RORY ARE SERVING COLUMBIA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
SPOTLIGHT SET READERS IN ACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-27
THE “NEW” MUSCLE SHOALS SOUND 10 ECLECTIC, LOCAL BANDS TO SEE LIVE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29
FREESTYLE ONE FINAL THOUGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
CONNECT WITH SET MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 566 Sheffield, AL 35660
Please take one copy and share it. Listerhill Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative whose purpose is to improve the quality of life for the membership by providing cost effective services to meet their financial needs while maintaining financial soundness and promoting the credit union philosophy.
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PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
4790 East Second Street Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
4 CONTRIBUTORS
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SET CONTRIBUTORS JONATHAN FOSTER Florence, AL
ASHLEY REMKUS Cherokee, AL
DANIEL PEREZ
Mons, Belgium
KALI DANIEL
Murfreesboro, TN
ALEXANDRIA CHRISMAN Florence, AL
SPENCER BROOKS Athens, AL
COURTNEY TULLY Rogersville, AL
ALEXIS PECK
Columbia, TN
CALEB BILLINGS Sheffield, AL
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Termites eat wood 2x as fast listening to heavy metal.
MONEY 5
KANYE WEST
Art Garfunkel was USED TO WORK AT GAP originally a math teacher.
TREATING YOUR BAND LIKE $$$ HOW NOT TO WRITE THE FINANCIAL OBIT OF YOUR BAND Time and money are two aspects of life we all seek. We are jealous of those who have them and often spend our lives in desperate pursuit of them. Time and money define every band or artist’s career. Will you outlast the trends and make oodles of money throughout the time you’re recording and performing, or will your lack of time and money management end your potential career before the start? Follow these tips to ensure they don’t. Most start-up bands perform small gigs for even smaller amounts of cash. You may be touring in a 15-year-old van with some bandmate’s odorous socks far too close to your lessthan-yesterday sensitive nose, or you may be simply playing the dive bar down the street for a couple of beers and a handful of ones. Either way, there are incurring costs that every fledgling band should be wary of and understand how to manage. Drum sticks, guitar strings, broken amps, Jimmy’s stitches from the story we can never tell his mom, the van’s oil changes: there are numerous charges that will quickly rack up whenever a band starts to play gigs. Costs will inevitably accumulate and place undue strain on whomever picks up the bill. That’s why, once money starts exchanging hands for tunes and services, a band bank (or credit union) account needs to be established. The account needs to grow from money taken off the top of the band’s earnings before the rest is divvied up to the individuals. Additionally — in this modern “techno age” we reside in — there are always apps and websites eager to help. Sites like Bandloot.com, which declares up front, “musicians
are not accountants,” basically acts as a record keeper and funds manager for the band. Second, signing a booking agent in order to acquire more gigs also costs money. Often times the bigger the agent, the larger the fees. It’s best in the beginning to sign with an agent who doesn’t exclusively represent your band but represents many, thus charging less. They will take a percentage off of each show’s earnings, but it’s more often than not worth it if your band is trying to grow in the world beyond the friend’s garage or girlfriend’s backyard stage. If you’ve begun touring, then you’ve most likely already experienced the wonderful world of the overcrowded, smelly and claustrophobic tour van. Or Uncle Joe’s 90s station wagon, for that matter. What you might or might not know, however, is the cost of traveling in said tour van can take off like the next Taylor Swift album... and be virtually as catastrophic on your dreams of becoming the next Foo Fighters. Also, if you’re using multiple vehicles or pulling a trailer, those costs will multiply. Keep a tight reign on the skyrocketing costs in this area. Calculate early on what’s the farthest your tour can go before Jimmy starts munching on his Birkenstocks because your band has no food money left, and a flat tire. Last, bands in this era of technological success must bear an online presence as it’s much of the promotion of today. Successful websites, Facebook advertising campaigns, Bandcamp promos and Twitterstorms are just the beginning.
“CAN’T TOUCH THIS” – UNTIL I GO BANKRUPT. The old capitalist saying, “One must spend money in order to make it” still resounds today. Promotion is purist capitalism. You must convince others to buy your product and services. You must advertise, and you must sell yourself. If you don’t know how to do all of this extremely well, you will need to pay others to do it for you. *Turn to page 33 for my resume. The costs of a start-up band can be both enormous and seemingly insurmountable. Money is one of
We were really lucky because Paul was in accounting school. We just didn’t pay ourselves until we got off the ground. Actually, the first time we ever got paid for a show, and one of the only times in a period of months, was at the Pegasus Garage. Funnel the money back in the band. Make sure all your gear is functional. Make sure your transportation is solid. — Jesse Phillips, bassist for St. Paul and the Broken Bones
the major creativity killers of today. Approach it with a good plan — with money-managing apps and bank accounts friendly to the management of your creativity machine - and your lives as a fledgling band will be far less complicated by issues of money. That’s right. Treat your band like it were a business. Without the hassle of stressing over money, you’ll find yourselves freer to write, tour and break up over much more trivial matters - like the drummer stealing all the girls.
STORY BY JONATHAN FOSTER
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FAFA partnered with FAME studio before it was built.
Interested in apply to FAFA? Visit gofafa.org.
TUNING IN TO YOUR DREAMS FAFA GIVES TEENS RECORDING EXPERIENCE Take a moment to remember the opportunities you had in high school. You could join the football or baseball team and show off your athletic abilities, or become a part of the school’s band to unite with others and create a spectacular halftime show or spring concert. But, what if you had other talents? Where did you fit in among the jocks and the musical ensembles when you grew up tuning a guitar and writing lyrics to your original songs? Unfortunately, many schools don’t offer venues for students to pursue these skills, but the Florence Academy for Fine Arts (FAFA) took initiative and bridged the gap in 2013. With nine disciplines and one in the works, FAFA offers students a place where they can hone and explore their abilities that aren’t usually part of the normal curriculum. “We’re a school within Florence High School,” FAFA Recording Engineer Michael Ivey said. “It’s a different kind of honor program.” Students must audition and maintain a proper GPA to enter the program. FAFA provides band, choral and orchestral programs, and unique digital media and recording arts classes. In September of 2015, FAFA opened a recording studio at Florence High School to advance the talents of its students. A generous donation of $50,000 from the Oberholzer family and other money raised from contributors helped fund the $200,000 studio. “Everyone wanted to see this
CONNOR MCMEANS, MICHAEL IVEY AND EMMETT REDDING JAM IN CLASS. happen,” Ivey said. “Everyone wants to see these talents developed.” Muscle Shoals’ rich history in music helped drive the creation of the studio. With FAFA being a magnet school, individuals with recording backgrounds were drawn into teaching, including Michael Ivey, grandson of famous songwriter, arranger, producer and musician Clayton Ivey, and recent Grammy award recipient Gary Nichols, lead singer for the Steeldrivers. The recording studio offers the “real life” experience with toptier technology, from a motorized soundboard to Pro Tools, a digital audio workstation. The equipment and the space in the studio is almost equivalent to the same used in Nashville, giving the students professional training and experience. The goal is to have an area similar to what students would be working in if they pursued music in their future, Ivey said. “Sometimes you don’t have the money to go to Belmont or even the
University of North Alabama,” he said. “This gives kids an opportunity while they’re still in high school, while they’re still trying to find themselves to find something that fits them. All the kids I teach want to be here.” Students are learning guitar, songwriting and recording engineering, while getting their first experience in an actual studio. “We’ve recorded a few songs and discovered we had really talented musicians and songwriters in the class,” Ivey said. The students learn to edit their own creations while experiencing teamwork from working with other classmates on projects. They’ll learn every detail of recording and producing, even if they only favor one skill. From setting up microphones to manning a soundboard to perfecting song lyric technique, students develop creative, technical and engineering skills. “They’re doing fantastic,” Ivey said, “They’ve gained more
experience recording than I ever did at their age.” With the progress students are making, they’ll gain ample experience in talent and group psychology, the basics of working in a studio, Ivey said. Students will also have access to collaborative and networking experience with experts in the field and their connections in the music world. “We’re giving them opportunities to find their voice and develop it so when they get into the professional world, they’ll have a head start on everyone out there,” Ivey said. Recording arts and the studio are but one of nine disciplines currently offered at FAFA. The academy has plans for a film studio to be built in 2016 to advance the digital media department.
STORY BY SPENCER BROOKS
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MOST TOILETS FLUSH IN
Hendrix’s tombstone has a Stratocaster carved into it.
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The first electric guitar was created in 1931.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNA TIDMORE
CO-OP FLORENCE DUO BRINGS NASHVILLE FLAIR TO SHOALS Chasing their musical dreams has, for the time being at least, brought Shoals natives Payton Pruitt and McKenzie Lockhart back to where it all began: The home of the Muscle Shoals sound. The songwriting, music-making duo returned to the area with an idea that has manifested itself into the city’s newest music venue: CO-OP Florence. “What we do is create an environment for people to really hear what the artist is trying to say through their music,” said Lockhart, 24. “There are music venues in this area that love local talent — bars and restaurants with people maybe hearing you in the background. But for the artists, that can be discouraging because they have a message they want their listeners to really hear. CO-OP Florence is giving people in this area something we don’t have otherwise.” CO-OP Florence is hosted once each month in the living room of Pruitt’s house at 437 N. Cherry Street near downtown. On average, the event hosts about 30 people of all ages and backgrounds. Admission is “pay what you can” to support the artists. “Everyone is welcome,” said Pruitt, 22. College students are our main audience, but that’s not on purpose. We’ve even had some of our parents and their friends and some Florence High School students. About 60 people is the most we can fit uncomfortably, and about 45 is the best we can do comfortably. But, that’s OK because our goal is to create community among those who come. While the music is going, we like to keep it quiet.” Past performers include locals Rachel Wammack, Mollie Schaefer, Oh, Jeremiah, and former UNA student and “The Voice” competitor Jordy Searcy. “Our goal with CO-OP is to invest in local artists and maybe let people hear groups from out of town they’ve never
head of,” Lockhart said. “We let people really hear what the artists have to say through their music.” The idea for CO-OP Florence was inspired by Nashville venue Call the Scene. “The whole way we got started was Payton and I moved up to Nashville for a short period of time when I had a paid internship and thought it would be a great place to go as signer/songwriter, and Payton ended up getting an internship as well,” Lockhart said. “But we really had a tough time and would get frustrated because it was great to see so many shows, but people would be treating it as social event. It’s hard for us as musicians to see that. For the audience to talk through the whole show is just discouraging for an artist.” Pruitt said he and Lockhart got into seeing Call the Scene, and immediately their wheels started spinning to bring the idea back home. “The location of the shows was secret and it was so small and intimate, you could hear a pin drop in there,” he said. “All of our interesting Nashville experiences led us back to Florence, and we started looking for houses where we could have enough people for the shows. We took some cues from Call the Scene and other promoters we know — learning both the bad ways and good ways of what to do and what not to do.” CO-OP’s first show was in September with Quinn Erwin, whose style falls in the indie rock category. “That kind of set the tone,” Lockhart said. “Our main genres are full acoustic and full bands that can break down and do acoustic. We usually get a local person to open because we want them and our guests to stay after the show and add to the intimate environment. Our biggest show was Halloween, when we had people out on the porch listening through the window.”
MORE THAN THIS (BAND) PERFORMS AT CO-OP FLORENCE. Lockhart and Pruitt, who also lead worship at The Well, said they got their start in music at early ages, and their wide variety of musical taste is evident in the shows. Pruitt started college at Northwest Shoals Community College with the intention of transferring to the University of North Alabama’s music department. The string instrument maestro began playing at 12 years old and started performing publicly at 17. “Everything my friends and I were all learning together, we were learning outside of school. I figured I would rather not be in debt and just follow where the opportunities were leading me, so I dropped out. All the stuff I’m using right now in my music career are things I am doing now and learning in real experience.” Lockhart, a self-taught guitarist and vocalist, skipped college altogether. “I was really good in school, but as a junior and senior in high school, I was playing music and traveling. I prayed about it a whole lot and decided college wasn’t for me because I don’t have a technical music background. I learned from watching others and just playing myself to death.”
For information about upcoming shows or to contact Lockhart and Pruitt about performing at CO-OP Florence, contact them on social media or at co.opflorence@gmail.com.
STORY BY ASHLEY REMKUS
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HE WALKED INTO RIVERTOWN COFFEE CO. FRIDAY, FEB. 12 AT 6:15 P.M. SPORTING A SHAGGY HAIRCUT, FULL BEARD AND A BRIGHT RED BACKPACK, SEEKING A HINT OF CAFFEINE LIKE ANY REGULAR COLLEGE STUDENT MIGHT. BUT HE HAD ALREADY PASSED THE REALM OF COLLEGE LIFE, AND I RECOGNIZED HIM IMMEDIATELY. This meeting was probably second-thought for him, but I pulled myself together, took a long quaff of my special dark blend and walked the plank to introduce myself. “Jesse?” I asked, sticking out my semi-wobbling hand in exchange for a hint of familiarity. “Hey, yeah.” He answered, nonchalantly. He shook my hand firmly. “I’m back here in the back whenever you’re ready,” I said, my voice an octave higher than my bro-normal. The hardest part was over. Jesse Phillips, bassist and “co-captain” for the funktastic soul band St. Paul and the Broken Bones took his seat in front of me and my publisher, Chris Anderson, and began explaining where the musical madness originated.
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The state of Alabama has consistently produced rock, country and blues music prodigies, and the recent wave of hit artists has the state wondering if Etta James, Otis Redding and Leighton native Percy Sledge have reincarnated themselves through Bama-bred blood to get a taste of the South again. A handful of bands rise to the top, and Birmingham-cultivated soul crushers St. Paul and the Broken Bones is sitting pretty at the zenith. Frontman Paul Janeway’s voice is a booming rocketship of crooning gold, with each note deeply rooted in his gospel-background raising. “It’s like takin’ y’all to church each time I get on stage,” he said at the Broken Bones Friday night show Feb. 12 at 116 E Mobile. Phillips and Janeway were in musical cahoots early on with a Zeppelintype cover band called Secret Danger. Janeway began to realize that wasn’t his style, and they wavered from the rigid, hard rock. Phillips’ knowledge of music and all around good people aided in his process of hand-picking the Broken Bones as we know them today. He’s singlehandedly created an octaheaded, rock-n-roll monster that blows fans away after each striking chord. And by judging the amount of sold-out-in-15-seconds shows they’re performing, I can gather it’s a cult classic band the nation welcomes.
ANNA GRACE USERY: Picture your childhood. What’d you want to be
when you grew up?
JESSE PHILLIPS: I wanted to be a professional hockey player. My second choice was fighter pilot, and then I amended it to rockstar when I was in high school. All very practical, right? *chuckles* AG: You’re from Canada, correct? Is that where the hockey vibe came into play? JP: Yeah, my childhood hero was Wayne Gretzky. I played for 11 seasons
growing up. I started when I was 4 years old. I was pretty medium by Canadian standards. So you’d imagine you’re 13 or 14 years old and they (hockey league) first start allowing actual body contact in games. At age 13 and 14 there’s boys with five o’clock shadows and then there’s me who’s
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The bass guitar was first made in the 1930s. like 85 pounds. But whenever I moved to an American school and the two weeks we’d play indoor hockey in P.E. I was a rockstar.
AG: How’d you first get into music and playing bass? JP: I started out playing the trumpet in my school’s band, like everybody does. I did that up until I moved to college. I started playing guitar when I was like 13, and I was a mediocre guitar player. Again, once you get into that world of competitive guitar players, there are many more gigs for bass players. Just be reliable and don’t suck too bad. But I got really into writing songs when I was in college. I had a really difficult time finishing anything, so that’s eventually why Paul and I became such good working partners — because I could just make something half-ass and give it to him, and he would finish it.
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The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Ontario. PHOTO BY DANIEL PEREZ
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AG: What is good music to you? JP: That’s…a deceivingly difficult question. My tastes are really all over the map. I would use to give you some sort of a grouchy answer about something that sounded organic and authentic, but I don’t even think that’s the case anymore. I mean, you know, I don’t really care about Kanye too much as a rapper, but I realize I like almost everything he produces. I just like real songs. AG: Real as in? JP: Just when people put effort into the construction, composition and flow of the song. I’ve never really been able to get too much into the modern jam scene because a lot of times it seems like they forego where the song is just a vehicle for the jam. It’s like, you know, you could hear a Neil Young and Crazy Horse song that’s 17 minutes long and there’s that long jam in it, but it’s really just the song. It’s about the song, and they just happen to jam to it. AG: Have you ever been on the road and seen a new band and been like, “Yes. This is it. This is the real thing.”? JP: It happens frequently. What’s most fun is if you play with a band that maybe you’re friends with, like our buddies in the band Banditos – they used to live in Birmingham, but they live in Nashville now – came out on tour with us. I hadn’t seen the band in like a year and a half. They came out on tour with us and when they started sound check I was like, “You guys are sooo GOOD! This is awesome.” I think sometimes what bands do is they, when they’re first getting started, they’re loose because that’s all you can be. And then they kind of almost overcorrect and they tighten up so hard that it gets a little too rigid, and then they all figure out how to relax collectively again. Once you get into that phase of collective relaxation is when bands really start to sound good. I mean, I like a lot of stuff from here, too. The first time I heard Dylan LeBlanc’s new record “Cautionary Tale” I was pretty blown away by what Ben Tanner and John Paul (White) are doing in their studio. Everything coming out of that place sounds amazing. The Donnie Fritts record is fantastic. AG: You and Paul pretty much put the band together to what it is now. How’d you know Browan Lollar from Muscle Shoals? JP: I met Browan right after he left the 400-Unit and he was touring with Maria Taylor. She was just touring as a solo artist and my band from Birmingham at the time was called The Grenadines. Maria took The Grenadines on her east coast tour and Browan was playing guitar. He had cool shoes and he was really good at guitar, so… He moved to Birmingham later and he called me to play bass for some of his solo shows. Actually, the first time I think I ever played in Florence with him was right out there on that street *points to Shoals Theatre* at an art thing. Then we played in the Pegasus garage later that night.
AG: I mean, how did you guys – if this is a word – “geniously” put all that talent together? JP: This sounds so dumb, but I’ve always had a running tab, like, if I could put a fantasy band together right now, who’d be in it? And this one just, for whatever reason, it worked out. AG: How’d it come together the first time you all got together? Did you just jam on something you’d been working on, or? JP: Do you know the whole band did not meet for the first time until at the first show? Everybody was on different schedules and doing all kinds of different stuff. I’d meet with the horn players and rehearse with them, then I’d meet with the drummer and rehearse with him. So we rehearsed everybody separately, and then we came together at the first show at Avondale Brewery in July 2012. AG: How’d you guys get connected with the Shoals and Single Lock Records? JP: It was mostly via Ben Tanner. When we finally had four songs we were comfortable with for the EP, we thought they could be mixed a little
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Mick Jagger is a keen ballet dancer. differently. I’d heard a little bit of Ben’s stuff, and Ben was friends with Browan, so we sent it to him. A couple weeks later he was putting together this record label with John Paul White and was like, “Do you guys wanna make a record? Are you serious about music?” And we were like, “I think so?” Basically between Ben making that offer and us deciding to do it we had six weeks before coming to Florence to do tracking. It was a crazy six weeks.
AG: So, do you think those new band members were kind of the catalyst
between Secret Danger and St. Paul?
JP: I think it was more the philosophy was, “Let’s just play to Paul’s strengths
and see what happens,” as opposed to, “Let’s try to make something sound like a Led Zeppelin song.” I mean he could do it, but it’s not his best venue. Probably three of his favorite artists of all time are Otis Redding, Tom Waits and Prince. Nick Cave is probably up there, too. Once we finally figured out that we can just let him do his garage gospel, Mad Men, three-ring circus, ring leader preacher thing, it felt like we’d done this before.
AG: How far along were you guys playing into shows when you felt that vibe come out? Was it instant or was it after a big show? JP: It was right at the very beginning. Paul had a vision right from the beginning. He was always like, “We’re going to have horns in this band. I’m going to wear a suit.” I think he kind of knew how he wanted to approach it. AG: I follow you guys on Instagram and T-shirts and jeans seem to be the staple. What’s with the suit and tie on-stage persona? JP: Paul has always worn a suit. I think as we moved along everyone started
dressing a little bit nicer to kind of look like, you know, we were a band.
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Keith Richard's mother bought him his first guitar. AG: Do you have a Billy Reid suit? JP: Paul has a couple Billy Reid suits. The first one he got was really amazing. They got him all measured and did a final fitting, and got to put it on before our first show in New York City at the Mercury Lounge. And then he immediately blew out the crotch. AG: What was the experience like being the front men for the Rolling Stones in New York? JP: It was one of the most surreal days I’ve ever had. When we finally did get to have our meet and greet with them – actually, everybody except for Paul who’d gotten whisked off to their dressing room earlier on – got to have a proper hang out. It was right after our show, right before their show. So imagine this tunnel that the Buffalo Bills run out of – it’s right behind where the stage is set up. It’s filled with people who are giant rock stars. Like, Paul McCartney’s guitar player. I start talking to this guy who looks really familiar, and someone told me, “That’s the bass player from Green Day.” Somebody said Tom Petty was there. I saw Richie Sambora walking past me. The whole place was filled with genuine rock stars. But when the Stones came out, everyone cleared out. Their security came out and cleared everyone out and just left us standing in this tunnel with the Stones. Mick’s a little aloof. All the other guys are really nice. They call Charlie, Ronnie, Mick and Keith “The Principles.” So, all the other people in the band are just chilling the whole time. They’ll come into your dressing room and hang out and chat, but with the four Principles it’s like meeting the Queen of England. AG: I’m really excited to ask, what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen on the road? JP: That’s appropriate? AG: Yeeeaaaaahhhhhh. But let’s talk after.
HOMETOWN: British Columbia, Canada BROTHER AND SISTERS: One brother, one sister, both younger SINGLE OR TAKEN: Taken. Sorry, ladies. FAVORITE SONG: The Beatles – “All You Need Is Love” FAVORITE DISNEY MOVIE: The Lion King FAVORITE 90S JAM: Harvey Danger – “Flagpole Sitta” FAVORITE ALABAMA EATERY: Sunday brunch at Trattoria Centrale* FAVORITE FLORENCE SPOT: Odette or Rivertown FAVORITE COLOR: Purple FAVORITE SOUTHERN FOOD: Barbecue BOXER OR BRIEFS: Boxer briefs *Saw’s Barbecue is a close second
JP: This isn’t a typical day, but right before we went back into the studio – we were in Macon, Georgia – the Otis Redding Foundation reached out and said they’d like to take us out to Otis’s ranch. We were like, “OK, this sounds great.” We were all super psyched about it, because the band was initially sort of built to be like a shitty, punk rock Booker T. and the M.G.’s fronted by Otis. Not that we could ever compare ourselves for a similar set up. So what we didn’t realize is it’s actually Zelma Redding’s house. It’s not like a museum or a place you could go. I just thought, “Oh man. I’m just walking around Otis Redding’s house.” We got to go into his music room and, like, she’s got some of his cuff links laid out, and his piano is in there. You know, there were letters on the wall from the vice president. There was his original BMI publishing contract. So you’re thinking, “Oh this isn’t just a museum. This is his real house.” It was really sweet of them to let us come out there and poke around. He’s actually buried out there, too. His family was like, “Oh, you know who else has gotten to do this?” And we were like, “No, who?” “You guys, the Rolling Stones, the Allman Brothers and Michael Bolton.” So that’s not something that happens every day. AG: So, did touring internationally teach or show you anything? JP: Well, you start to really appreciate coming home to a place like Alabama. It’s inexpensive, everything moves at a reasonable pace, people are generally pretty nice. I think the thing about touring internationally, since you’re moving so quickly from place to place, it’s not like the United States where you generally know how everything works. You can spend American dollars, you can go out and get a coffee, you can find a place to go to the bathroom, you can read a subway map. But if you’re in La Rochelle, Paris or Madrid, Spain, or you’re in Switzerland to play, a lot of times you won’t remember who you are because you’re just waking up in a bus. And you’re like, OK: New language, new monetary system, new
MARCH 2016
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Ray Charles invented soul music in the late 1950s.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSH WEICHMAN
The first Grammy Awards was held May 4, 1959.
FEATURE 13
customs. Granted, most of the places we’ve been have been in western Europe, so you can still figure it out. We were in a restaurant in France one day, me and two of the other guys, and none of us spoke French. The girl couldn’t speak English. One of the guys in our party could speak Spanish and the girl at the restaurant at the bar could speak Spanish. So, they ordered together and that’s how we got our drinks.
AG: Who are some of your current, local musical inspirations?
JP: One we had talked about recently was a side project of Foxygen called Diane Coffee. I just saw their Tiny Desk concert. It’s kind of Bowie-esque. It’s kind of cool. It’s kind of theatrical. It’s very weird pop music. I kinda like it. AG: Do you see St. Paul and the Broken Bones as being like The Rolling Stones where you go until the end of your life having the same job? Or do you see producing in your future?
JP: Anything coming out of Single Lock is inspiring because it’s great mixing. Those guys have just really come a long way. I think they’ve kind of gotten Sundropped in now, because you can tell they’ve been really working hard. Everybody from the Shoals is basically an inspiration. David Hood is one of the greatest R&B bass players of all time and he just hangs out here. Those guys are all humble, too. It’s all really inspiring. The scene in Birmingham is cool. There’s a band that opened up for us just recently called The Burning Peppermints. They’re rock with a capital ‘R.’ They’re so full of piss and youthful verve. It’s really refreshing to see right now.
JP: Your goals change as things move along. You know, you start marking things off the list like, ‘Oh, cool we got to play at the Ryman. We got to play on TV. We got to play for the Stones.’ Now I’m thinking it’d be really great if you could set yourself up career-wise kind of like a band like Wilco has. Tour a few months out of the year. Maybe you have a few hundred thousand people who really give a shit. Or a career like the Avett Brothers where you reach a level that’s sustainable, but it’s not back breaking. I think that’s when you achieve longevity.
AG: What can you say about St. Paul's new album?
AG: What kind of advice would you give to local, aspiring musicians who want to fit your shoes?
JP: Uh, it’s a departure. It’s a bit more adventurous for us. It still has its roots in the same thing, I feel. For instance, there’s one song we tried to approach, like, if Taylor Powell was going to make a Motown song. So we’ll see how that turns out. It’s definitely more of a psychedelic record. It’s a little moodier, it’s a litter roomier. It’ll come out in the fall, but we’re not sure exactly when yet. AG: What’s a band you guys really want to tour with?
JP: Go into another line of work. OK, I’m kidding. A lot of people don’t realize it’s like any other line of work if you want to advance and move ahead. I mean, you kind of just have to sometimes wait a really long time for that opportunity. I mean, I’ve been playing in a band since I was 15 and St. Paul was the first one that ever made a dent in the music industry, and I was in my 30s before that happened. Longevity. You’re doing this to keep doing it, no matter whether it pays or doesn’t pay.
14 HEALTH
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MARCH 2016
MARCH 2016
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Your heartbeat mimics the music you listen to.
Music is one of the few activities that utilizes the entire brain.
HEALTH 15
Music releases dopamine which gives you chills.
BAMA INSPIRED WORKOUTS
ALABAMA SHAKEWEIGHTS
ST. PAUL AND THE HOPE I DON’T BREAK MY BONES
CIVIL TUG-OF-WARS
16 SPECIAL FEATURE
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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.
MARCH 2016
MARCH 2016
SPECIAL FEATURE 17
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Pegasus opened in Florence Mall in 1980.
August 12 is National Vinyl Record Day.
REST IN PEACE, PEGASUS
DUDE.
LOCAL RECORD STORE UP FOR GRABS Pegasus Records, 36, of Florence, Alabama, turned its table for the final time as it went to be with the vinyl gods Feb. 2, 2016. Pegasus was born in what is now On the Rocks in 1980 to Joey
Flippen. It traveled from the Court Street location to a Tennessee Street shop until July 1, 2007, when Pegasus was adopted by Joey Flippen’s son, Eli Flippen. Pegasus later married the Tennessee Street
location where it currently resides, and gave birth to a Muscle Shoals shop as well as a Florence Mall location. Both died prematurely. Pegasus was known for harboring masses of angsty youth in its belly for weekly shows, creative actors for burlesque performances and nerds young and old for comic book extravaganzas. While no memorial service has been scheduled, community members are encouraged to attend the virtual wake that is Pegasus Records’ Facebook thread. Pegasus is survived by its hundreds of fans, the Vinyl Junkies, potential owners and a $100,000
price tag. Pegasus’ home is sold separately, though Eli Flippen is open to selling them together. Final shipments of music, T-shirts and posters are available through March. Pegasus remains on vinyl support until March 31, when the stylus will be permanently removed from the soundtrack.
STORY BY KALI DANIEL
18 SPECIAL FEATURE
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MARCH 2016
CONTRIBUTORS TAKE HOME AWARDS AT ANNUAL SETTYS Douglas Adams, author of “The Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy”, once said, “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” But I think esteemed horror-fiction author Stephen King summed it up perfectly when he said, “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.” These are all poetic adaptations of real feelings writers embrace. Deadlines pass by, bits of garbage flow from our fingers onto the keyboard, but once in a blue moon it all comes together and we can tell a story. This year’s 20152016 SET contributors have made, what seemed to me, an impossible journey a stark reality. As editor, I am amazed at the sheer talent and creativity these writers emit, which extends past the brainstorm phase into application. I call these amazing people not only my coworkers but good friends. Whether or not you received an award, I’m proud of each and every work ethic and vision I hope I’ve helped improve. As contributors, you made SET Magazine a possibility. I hope you each continue to hone your craft and excel as artists. You are all worthy.
THE 610 PROJECT
STORY BY ANNA GRACE USERY
BEST WRITER – JASMINE FLEMING
BEST PHOTO, “SLOSS FEST PHOTOS” – WILL COREY
BEST ARTICLE, “THE STRANGE LIFE OF NICKELODEON’S GREEN SLIME” / “ALABAMA NEEDS A HORROR MOVIE” – CALEB BILLINGS
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER – JACKSON TOWNSEND
EDITOR’S CHOICE, “BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO” A DEAR JOHN LETTER TO THE BRAVES – SARAH EMERSON
THE VAULT AWARD – WESLEY HOPKINS
MOST IMPROVED CONTRIBUTOR – HALEY PAIGE MCCAY
MOST ENTHUSIASTIC – ALEXANDRIA CHRISMAN
THE CHRONICALLY LATE CONTRIBUTOR – WESLEY HOPKINS
THE 4,300 – ALLIE SOCKWELL
BEST FEATURE, “OLD SOUL, YOUNG ARTIST: FIREKID” – KALI DANIEL
MARCH 2016
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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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SPECIAL FEATURE 19
20 CALENDAR
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EVENTS
MARCH 2016
MARCH 1 - MARCH 31 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
ANDERSON EAST @ WORKPLAY THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM, AL, MARCH 26, 7 PM
MARCH 1
TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm KEVIN GATES @ Iron City, Birmingham, AL, 8pm
MARCH 2
TRIVIA @ Truelove’s Pizza and Grits, Columbia, TN, 6:30pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm SONGWRITERS NIGHT @ 822 South, Columbia, TN, 7pm
LEON BRIDGES @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7:30pm WAFFLE HOUSE WEDNESDAY @ 1104 Nashville Hwy, Columbia, TN, 10pm
MARCH 3
GEORGE LINDSEY FILM FESTIVAL @ UNA Communications Building, Florence, AL, 10am BIRMINGHAM ART CRAWL @ 113 22nd St. N, Birmingham, AL, 5pm RUDY FRANCISCO @ UNA Performance Center, Florence, AL, 7pm
TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm KARAOKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm
MARCH 4
GEORGE LINDSEY FILM FESTIVAL @ UNA Communications Building, Florence, AL, 10am FIRST FRIDAYS @ Court Street, Florence, AL, 5pm BLAKE SHELTON @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 7pm
POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm BTL – BLUE MAN GROUP @ Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL 8pm SAILOUR + THE ACORN PEOPLE @ the end. Theatre, Florence, AL, 9pm LIVE MUSIC @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 9:30pm LONDON HAS FALLEN @ Your Local Movie Theater ZOOTOPIA @ Your Local Movie Theater WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT @ Your Local Movie Theater
IF YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED, EMAIL CALENDAR@GETSETMAG.COM
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR @ Your Local Movie Theater DESIERTO @ Your Local Movie Theater
MARCH 5
GEORGE LINDSEY FILM FESTIVAL @ UNA Communications Building, Florence, AL, 10am COLUMBIA STATE’S LUNGS OF STEEL 5K @ Maury County Park, Columbia, TN, 10am BTL – BLUE MAN GROUP @ Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL, 2pm & 8pm
MARCH 2016
BLAKE SHELTON @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 7:30pm THIRD DAY WITH BRANDON HEATH @ Nashville War Memorial Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7pm
MARCH 6
CEE LO GREEN @ Iron City, Birmingham, AL, 8pm BTL – BLUE MAN GROUP @ Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL, 2pm & 7:30pm
MARCH 7
BILLIARDS @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8pm CEE LO GREEN @ Iron City, Birmingham, AL, 8pm
MARCH 8
TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm MERLE HAGGARD @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7:30pm CHORAL MASTERWORKS @ North Wood Methodist, Florence, AL, 7:30pm
MARCH 9
TRIVIA @ Truelove’s Pizza and Grits, Columbia, TN, 6:30pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm SONGWRITERS NIGHT @ 822 South, Columbia, TN, 7pm MERLE HAGGARD @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7:30pm WAFFLE HOUSE WEDNESDAY @ 1104 Nashville Hwy, Columbia, TN, 10pm
MARCH 10
CALENDAR 21
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SHOALS BIG IDEA COMPETITION @ UNA Communications Building, Florence, AL, 5pm THE ROCK & WORSHIP ROADSHOW @ Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm ADAM LAMBERT @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7:30pm MAYDAY PARADE & THE MAINE @ Iron City, Birmingham, AL, 8pm KARAOKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm
MARCH 11
MAURY COUNTY HOME & GARDEN @ Maury County Park, Columbia, TN, 12pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm CEE LO GREEN @ Exit In, Nashville, TN, 7:30pm GOOD PEOPLE @ George S. Lindsey Theatre, Florence, AL, 7:30pm A GREAT BIG WORLD @ Mercy Lounge, Nashville, TN 8pm LIVE MUSIC @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 9:30pm 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE @ Your Local Movie Theater THE BROTHERS GRIMSBY @ Your Local Movie Theater THE YOUNG MESSIAH @ Your Local Movie Theater
MARCH 12
MAURY COUNTY HOME & GARDEN @ Maury County Park, Columbia, TN, 8am MUSIC CITY IRISH FEST @ Demonbreun Hill, Nashville, TN, 11am FLORENCE WINE FEST 2016 @ Mobile Plaza, Florence, AL, 2pm GOOD PEOPLE @ George S. Lindsey Theatre, Florence, AL, 7:30pm RA RA RIOT @ Saturn, Birmingham, AL 9pm
MARCH 13
GOOD PEOPLE @ George S. Lindsey Theatre, Florence, AL, 2pm DAVID LIEBE HART (ADULT SWIM/ TIM & ERIC) LIVE! @ the end. Theatre, Florence, AL, 7pm CARDBOARD KIDS, THE BEAR AND THE BRIDE, & OLD SPORT @ The Mane Room, Florence, AL, 7pm RA RA RIOT @ Exit In, Nashville, TN, 9pm
MARCH 14
BILLIARDS @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8pm CARLY RAE JEPSON @ Mercy Lounge, Nashville, TN, 8pm
MARCH 15
TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm
MARCH 16
TRIVIA @ Truelove’s Pizza and Grits, Columbia, TN, 6:30pm SONGWRITERS NIGHT @ 822 South, Columbia, TN, 7pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm WAFFLE HOUSE WEDNESDAY @ 1104 Nashville Hwy, Columbia, TN, 10pm MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN @ Your Local Movie Theater
MARCH 17
ST. PATRICK’S DAY FALL OUT BOY @ BJCC, Birmingham AL, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm GOOD PEOPLE @ George S. Lindsey Theatre, Florence, AL, 7:30pm KARAOKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm
MARCH 18
POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm GOOD PEOPLE @ George S. Lindsey Theatre, Florence, AL, 7:30pm VANCE JOY @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 8pm TRAVIS TRITT @ Lyric Theater, Nashville, TN, 8pm LIVE MUSIC @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 9:30pm THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT @ Your Local Movie Theater THE LITTLE PRINCE @ Your Local Movie Theater MIDNIGHT SPECIAL @ Your Local Movie Theater
MARCH 19
GOOD PEOPLE @ George S. Lindsey Theatre, Florence, AL, 7:30pm WALK MS: CULLMAN @ Heritage Park, Cullman, AL, 9am
MARCH 20
GOOD PEOPLE @ George S. Lindsey Theatre, Florence, AL, 2pm PUSHA T @ Marathon Music Works, Nashville, TN, 8pm
MARCH 21
WORDS LIKE DAGGERS & FOREVERANDNEVEN WITH SEEKING SEVEN, GOODBYE SKYLINE, GREEN RIVER KILLERS @ the end. Theatre, Florence, AL, 5:30pm KILLSWITCH ENGAGE @ Marathon Music Works, Nashville, TN, 7pm BILLIARDS @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8pm
MARCH 22
TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm HONOR ABOVE ALL @ Norton Auditorium, Florence, AL, 7:30pm
MARCH 23
TRIVIA @ Truelove’s Pizza and Grits, Columbia, TN, 6:30pm SONGWRITERS NIGHT @ 822 South, Columbia, TN, 7pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm WAFFLE HOUSE WEDNESDAY @ 1104 Nashville Hwy, Columbia, TN, 10pm
MARCH 24
BAND OF LEGENDS @ Norton Auditorium, Florence, AL, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm KARAOKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm
MARCH 25
GOOD FRIDAY POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm LIVE MUSIC @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 9:30pm BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE @ Your Local Movie Theater MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 @ Your Local Movie Theater THE DISAPPOINTMENTS ROOM @ Your Local Movie Theater
MARCH 26
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE ART @ Ansbach Artisans, Franklin, TN, 6pm ANDERSON EAST @ WorkPlay Theatre, Birmingham, AL, 7pm
IF YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED, EMAIL CALENDAR@GETSETMAG.COM
MARCH 27
EASTER DISTURBED @ Iron City, Birmingham, AL, 8pm
MARCH 28
BILLIARDS @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8pm
MARCH 29
TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm
MARCH 30
TRIVIA @ Truelove’s Pizza and Grits, Columbia, TN, 6:30pm SONGWRITERS NIGHT @ 822 South, Columbia, TN, 7pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm WAFFLE HOUSE WEDNESDAY @ 1104 Nashville Hwy, Columbia, TN, 10pm
MARCH 31
ARTS & CRAFTS/FLEA MARKET @ Maury County Park, Columbia, TN, 10am TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm KARAOKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm
22 SPECIAL FEATURE
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Kahri Member Since 2013 Abby Member Since 2013
Drew Member Since 2013
Rebecca Member Since 2013
MARCH 2016
MARCH 2016
SPECIAL FEATURE 23
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Rory Feek wrote Blake Shelton’s “Some Beach.”
The Feeks donated many of their proceeds to charities.
MADE WITH LOVE
PATRONS GATHER FOR BREAKFAST AT MARCY JO’S.
HOW JOEY+RORY ARE SERVING COLUMBIA I sat down at the vintage, countryinspired diner — Marcy Jo’s — in Columbia, Tennessee and scanned the menu. My waitress Marcy stepped up, took my drink order and asked if I’d like to start off with a cinnamon roll. Yes. The answer is always yes when it comes to cinnamon rolls. I looked around the little meal house and tried to take it all in. I noticed the license plates from across the world nailed to the walls and floors. There were newspaper clippings and posters hanging next to guitars signed by famous country singers. On the
opposite wall there were antiques and handmade jewelry nestled next to homemade preserves and jams. The potbelly stove in the middle of the room gave off a cozy heat in contrast with the crisp air coming through the front door when a new customer arrived, which was often. The place was packed. As I savored every bite of spicy, gooey goodness from the cinnamon roll, I noticed a sign above the entryway. It read, “Changing Lives… One Bite at a Time.” I began to ponder that statement.
You see, Marcy Jo’s has been serving Columbia, Tennessee and surrounding cities since 2007. Famous to locals and country music fans everywhere, Marcy Jo’s has hosted many songwriters’ nights and filled us with some of the best comfort food around. Columbia’s own Joey+Rory helped open the restaurant and renovate the old general store that is now Marcy Jo’s. You may have seen snippets of the restaurant on TV from Overstock. com commercials or Joey+Rory’s time on CMT’s “Can You Duet” in 2008. Since then, the eatery has been a great place to gather with friends and family for a homestyle meal. More recently though, visiting Marcy Jo’s has been a way for us locals to show support to Joey Martin Feek and her battle with cancer. Joey Feek had surgery in 2014 to remove a cancerous tumor from her cervix. She underwent a second procedure in 2015. After recovering from surgery and undergoing chemotherapy, Joey+Rory went back to their daily grind and were able to squeeze in a few shows, including a TV taping of one of their farmhouse concerts. But in late October Rory made a devastating announcement on his blog about Joey’s health: after weeks of chemotherapy they decided to stop treatments. Joey’s illness was now terminal. When Rory announced Joey had decided to discontinue chemotherapy treatments, the media lit up. They
called for prayer vigils for this sweet couple and their three daughters. It’s clear to see this community loves to support this family in their hardship because they’ve done so much for us over the years. For most of their music career, proceeds from albums sales and shows have gone back to help charities, foundations and needs around us. Even their latest and possibly last record “Hymns that are Important to Us” gives $1 for every record sold to the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation. They’re not making music to be considered famous or to live a dreamy life. They’re creating it as a way to give back, to show they care, and to be a part of our lives. This was true for the early days of Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse and Bakery, too. Joey worked, waited tables and baked bread to love on others. While I was finishing my delicious breakfast at Marcy Jo’s, I continued to mull over their slogan “Changing Lives… One bite at a Time.” I looked around the room. People were laughing and carrying on their conversations. I watched the friendly servers refilling cups, serving food and even striking up conversation with their guests. They were also continuing Joey’s work of caring for people, even if it’s simply warming up their cup of coffee. I finally asked, “So what’s the story behind your slogan?” Marcy smiled and replied, “I always said that those cinnamon rolls would change your life. Rory added on to it with the ‘one bite at a time.’” What I love most about Marcy Jo’s isn’t those amazing size-of-your-face cinnamon rolls, the warmth from the wood stove or even the antique china sitting in the hutch by the register. It’s that you become a friend as soon as you walk in the front door. So, while those cinnamon rolls may change a life, I think the impact left by Joey Martin Feek’s legacy of love through song and service at Marcy Jo’s may last longer.
STORY BY LEXI PECK
24 SPOTLIGHT
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SAY CHEESE!
SET READERS IN ACTION
MARCH 2016
PHOTOS BY DANIEL PEREZ, COURTNEY TULLY AND ALEXANDRIA CHRISMAN
DYLAN LEBLANC AND ST. PAUL AND THE BROKEN BONES 116 E. MOBILE, FEBRUARY 12-13, PHOTOS BY DANIEL PEREZ AND COURTNEY TULLY
ANDREW LEE, ST.PAUL AND THE BROKEN BONES
PAUL JANEWAY, ST.PAUL AND THE BROKEN BONES
ST.PAUL AND THE BROKEN BONES
MARCH 2016
SPOTLIGHT 25
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DYLAN LEBLANC
KAITLYN BARNES AND JOHN MICHAEL CURTIS
BROWAN LOLLAR, ST.PAUL AND THE BROKEN BONES
DYLAN LEBLANC
ADAM AND JENNIFER THOMPSON
ANNE RYAN AND GRANT CAVIN
MACK AND AMY MONCUS
DANIEL AND MAGGIE CRISLER
THOMAS EDWARDS AND EMILY WOODS
26 SPOTLIGHT
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MARCH 2016
UNA ICE SKATING RINK FLORENCE, AL, FEBRUARY 13, PHOTOS BY ALEXANDRIA CHRISMAN
KELSEY WEAVER AND HEATHER MANCEL
TYLER THOMPSON, BELLA MARTINEZ AND NIKKI MATHEWS
REBEKAH MILWEE
ANNA AND KASEY YOUNG
AMBER LYONS
GINGER WILLINGHAM
MARCH 2016
SPOTLIGHT 27
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2ND ANNUAL SHOALS CHILI FESTIVAL SINGIN’ RIVER BREWING COMPANY, FEBRUARY 20, PHOTOS BY COURTNEY TULLY
CULLEN STEWART AND AUDREY MONROE
WADE AND LAURA BAKER
JOHN CARTWRIGHT AND JOSH DRISKELL
JESSI PARKER AND SAM SULLIVAN
CARRINGTON SWEET, TYLER ROSS AND EVAN LANE
PRESTON AND MALLORIE SETTLE
ANGELA NIXON, CAROLINE BENSON AND DERRYL GARDNER
TED SINGLETON, MARK GREER, LEE RANEY AND CORTNI STEENBOCK
28 MUSIC
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM The Doors was the first band to advertise on a billboard.
“Born in the USA” was the first CD pressed in the U.S.
MARCH 2016
“Freebird” is dedicated to Duane Allman.
THE “NEW” MUSCLE SHOALS SOUND 10 ECLECTIC, LOCAL BANDS TO SEE LIVE
YOUR BOYS
ABOUNDING
1. ABOUNDING
Genre: Metal Metal is one of the most diverse genres in music, but more often than not the term conjures up specific clichés of what metal bands sound like as well as what they look like. This band’s progressive sound blends together various forms of black metal in epic tracks that often blow past the six minute mark. The duo’s unassuming appearance is far removed from the images of pale makeup and sharp metal studs that would typically come to most people’s minds. Likewise, their live show features no theatrical gimmicks, with the emphasis being completely on the band’s complex compositions. The band so far has released one full length album and an EP. Both can be heard at abounding.bandcamp.com, as well as on Spotify. In the past the band has played in Florence at both the end. theatre and Pegasus Records. They’ve been on a hiatus from performing live for more than a year, but with the release of their new EP they’ll be playing at local venues again, as well as touring other parts of the South.
2. MUNOOK
Genre: Electronic When you start listening to Munook, it’s initially surprising to discover the band is actually one artist. The best way to describe his sound is a mix of electronic and live instruments, which he faithfully recreates during his live performances. Munook is more than just a musical experience. It’s also incredibly visual with video and lighting playing an important role in his live performances. So far Munook has released one album, which can be found on Spotify and for sale at www.munook.com. To get the full experience of Munook, it is highly recommended you see him live. He’s played at the end. theatre in Florence numerous times, but has also played in bigger cities throughout the South including Birmingham, Nashville and Atlanta.
3. YOUR BOYS
Genre: Punk This is the wild offspring of the popular Florence band Isaac and features two out of three of its original members. While
the band members refer to Isaac as “bliss rock”, Your Boys is all out punk. There’s a strong improvisational element to their shows, which makes each one completely different from the last. It’s definitely one of the most aggressive and intense live acts you’re likely to see here in town. While Isaac has released an album that can be found on both Spotify and iTunes, Your Boys is much more mysterious. They have not officially released any of their songs nor do they have a social media presence like Isaac does. If you want to experience their music, you’ll have to see them live.
4. CLARA BELLE AND THE CREEPS
Genre: Doo Wop The sound of 60s girl groups like The Shangri-Las and The Ronettes is very rare these days, which is what makes Clara Belle and The Creeps so distinct. It’s easy to hear their influence on lead singer Gracie Barrier’s vocals and the fun, infectious sound of her five-piece backing band led by her dad Joey. Gracie’s lyrics even manage to capture the lightheartedness of many of the hit songs of that era, while also going in a different direction (check out their new song “Could Be A Date With A Vampire”). Clara Belle and The Creeps’ second album, “The Modern Underground
Sound of Muscle Shoals Soul” was released this past January. To celebrate, they played a release show at Pegasus Records. In the past they’ve also played in Florence at Rivertown Coffee, The Black Owl Trading Company, 116 E Mobile and in Huntsville at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment. No shows are currently announced, but keep an eye on their Facebook page for more updates.
5. COSA NOSTRA
Genre: Alternative Rock It’s not often you see band members switch instruments throughout a show, but that’s something you can expect if you catch Cosa Nostra live. Their sound bears the influence of a variety of different styles of rock. At times it can lean towards punk, while at the same time being slow and dripping a moody atmosphere. It’s never all serious, either. The band has a strong sense of humor that comes across in the music they perform. Cosa Nostra hasn’t recorded an album yet, but one is apparently forthcoming. They play frequently at the end. theatre, so check the official band Facebook page to see when their next show will be.
6. BELLE ADAIR
Genre: Alternative Rock This band’s ambient folk rock sound has earned them positive notices from NPR Music, Uncut Magazine, and The
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Oxford American, among many others. They even had the chance to open for the Alabama Shakes this past year. Their music is even better live, and the new songs they’ve been playing show them moving from the more laid back sound of their first album to a louder, more rock-like sound. The group’s debut album came out in 2013, and their second album is currently awaiting a release date. This writer got a preview of the album a few months ago, and I can say it’s more than worthy of a follow up. The band has been on a break from performing live since their show at 116 E Mobile in December, so follow their Facebook page for future live dates.
7. DANIEL ELIAS + EXOTIC DANGERS
Genre: Rock Daniel Crisler has had numerous musical projects in Florence over the years. His latest band is rooted heavily in the sound of 60s rock ‘n’ roll with a Byrds-esque guitar sound and classic Farfisa organ. Their approach to rock music might be old school, but they take it in fresh, new directions. It’ll be exciting to hear how they grow in the future. The band released a four song EP this past year, which can be heard on Spotify or purchased at Pegasus Records. The band plays shows regularly at 116 E Mobile in Florence and also does plenty of out-of-town shows. You can see more of what they’re up to on their Facebook page or official band website, http://www. exoticdangers.com.
8. OLDSPORT
Genre: Alternative Rock Musically, this indie/alternative rock band is very tight. Their sound also has a very uplifting and anthemic quality to it, which can be heard in their first and, so far, only released song “Humans”. This will be an interesting band to watch and see if the rest of their music follows suit or if it goes off into something different. No album has been released yet, but you can listen to the song “Humans” on Spotify and iTunes. If that doesn’t whet your appetite, keep a look out for show dates on their Facebook page. They usually play locally at the end., but they’ve also been playing shows throughout the South, too.
9. PUJOL
Genre: Southern Gothic Rock Pujol, a Columbia, Tennessee born and bred trio, could fall into several different sub categories of rock. Their Facebook page lists them as “Southern
DANIEL ELIAS + EXOTIC DANGERS Gothic Rock”, but they have more of a raw garage rock sound mixed with power pop. The music is high energy with catchy choruses and to-the-point lyrics. It’s hard not to be entertained by it all, and their growing number of fans is a testament to that. Learn more about Pujol at their website www.pujoldotcom.com. There you can watch videos and order copies of their first two albums. This band plays plenty of local shows throughout Tennessee, but at the same time has extended their reach to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn.
10. TEMPTER
Genre: Metal Tempter is a hardcore metal band that has the power to whip their audience into a frenzy in no time. This is all a result of how much energy the band puts into each of their performances. The sludgy heavy sound of the guitars and the guttural howls of lead singer Spencer Letsinger are not for the timid, but if you’re looking for something intense, this will be perfect for you. A full length album is in the works, but in the meantime enjoy the threesong EP they released last year. You can give it a listen on the band’s YouTube page, as well as live clips they’ve posted.
PUJOL STORY BY CALEB BILLINGS PHOTOS COURTESY OF BANDS’ FACEBOOK PAGE
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ONE FINAL THOUGHT
#WINNING
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