Wilder by samsonfry

DÒNAL CÍAN LAKATUA @dona_cl

theverystart wilder issue #1

Note

I completed all of the tasks required for the development of this publication EXCEPT photography, which was collected from the bands featured. I included fake names for the majority of the jobs listed in this colophon.

This is meant to create a more reﬁned appearance, and realistic feel.

verystart

Maya P k & Seth La e

Sam Fry

Provi d by b s M T!, Pu , Col bl d

Self-expression inlocal music is a powerfulreflectionof community,identity, culture,andpersonal experience. Local musicians often use their craft toexploreunique narratives,share stories of their environment,andvoice personalorcollective connectionstruggles.Thisbetween artist and audience is intimate,asthemusic resonates with shared values,traditions,and emotions.

Local scenes oftenencourage experimentation, blendingsoundstraditional artistsinfluences,contemporarywithallowingtopushcreative boundaries. Throughlyrics,rhythm, andmelody,local music fosters a sense of belonging,creatinga platformforauthentic self-expressionand a celebration of individuality withinthecommunity.

C O NTEN OF

NTEN OFTS TABLE

Bozeman, Montana may be known for its outdoor adventures and stunning landscapes, but behind the peaks and valleys, the town has a vibrant underground music scene. And at the forefront of that scene is a dynamic and unapologetically funky group called MINT!

T! the the the the ba nd ba nd ba nd ba nd

The Band. With their unique blend of progressive funk, they’ve been turning heads and making bodies move at local venues since 2020. The band is an eclectic mix of musicians: Benn Busalacchi (lead vocalist and rhythm guitar), Mark Dorcak (drummer), Trace Ketterling (keyboard and vocals), Jeremiah Warmbier (bass), and Alex Pickle (lead guitar). Rounding out the team is their manager, Madi Carlson Although the band may pull in crowds of 100-200 people, for MINT!, it’s not about the size of the audience—it’s about the experience. “I never pay too much attention to the audience size, really,” says Alex. “We’re there to play music and have a good time. As long as we see people out there dancing, having a good time, that’s what it’s all about.” And they do. The band’s sound has a way of drawing people in, whether it’s die-hard fans of funk or locals curious about what’s coming out of their favorite

on a Friday night.

Bozeman Up

Photo by MINT! and friends

The origins of MINT! are just as organic as their music. The band’s roots trace back to a series of casual jam sessions that began when Alex met Benn and Mark. “They invited me over for a jam session,” recalls Alex, “and I had never been to one before. As soon as I started playing with them, just making stuff up on the spot, I was hooked.” His energy clicked with the group, and soon enough, he was a regular at the sessions. Jeremiah’s introduction to the band was equally serendipitous. A guitarist by trade, he ended up on bass almost by accident. “I came over to hang out while they were jamming, and I saw a bass sitting there. I didn’t even play bass at that point, but I picked it up and started playing. It felt right. So, I told them, ‘If we start a band, I’ll

MINT! The Band’s members aren’t just bandmates; they’re family. “For me, it’s all about community,” says Jeremiah. “I’d be alone if I didn’t have music and this band. It’s more than just playing music. It’s about the connection we share on and off the stage.” Alex echoes the sentiment: “I didn’t start playing music until I was 20, but it was a turning point in my life. Music helped me ndﬁ a sense of who I am, and it led me to these guys. They’re my best friends.” a video on social media of the jammingguys in a garage. “I was watching them play on someone’s Snapchat story and thought, ‘I recognize these guys.’ So, the next time I saw them in class, I asked if I could come over and hang out.” One night, they invited him to hop on the piano. He’s been their keyboard player ever since. play bass.’ And that’s kind of where I came in,” Jeremiah laughs . By late 2020, the group had fully come together, and a mutual friend they had from attending MSU together, Trace Ketterling, joined them after seeing

PROGRESSIVE WE LIKE TO CALL IT

Though MINT! The Band ciallyoffi edsolidifi its lineup in 2020, their musical journey began long before that. Each member brings their own eclectic set of uences,infl from funk and rock to jazz and jam band vibes, resulting in a sound that’s distinctively their own. Trace remembers the pivotal moment that brought the group’s name into existence. “We were debating a bunch of names, but after playing a particularly dope jam, I just blurted out, ‘It’s f*****g mint!’ It was a joke at the time, but the name stuck.”

Photo by MINT! and friends

PROGRESSIVE

The Band is a group you’ll want to experience live, where the magic really happens.

“There’s something special about creating a moment with your bandmates that only exists in that time and place.” Jeremiah adds, “Playing live is way more fulﬁ lling than anything else. I used to be focused on studio work, but after playing live, I realized how much I love performing. It’s all about sharing that moment with the audience.” MINT! may be rooted in Bozeman, but with their infectious sound, supportive fan base, and drive to keep pushing boundaries, the future is bright for this funky ﬁ ve-piece. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the local scene or just discovering the town’s musical gems, one thing is for sure: MINT!

Despite its relatively small size, Bozeman’s music scene is vibrant, and the members of MINT! are vocal about their appreciation for the community’s support.

“I feel like we have a great scene,” says Alex. “I’m always surprised by the number of people who show up to local shows. There’s deﬁnitely an audience for live music here.”

Jeremiah agrees, calling Bozeman’s music scene “pretty hot for such a little town.” Trace points out that while genres like bluegrass and folk tend to dominate, there’s still room for other sounds to thrive. “It can be a balancing act for bands, though. You don’t want to oversaturate the scene by playing too much, but when you

do fi nd that sweet spot, the support is defi nitely there.” One of the keys to the band’s early success was their connection with local venues and other bands. MINT! landed their fi rst major gig at the Filling Station (known locally as “The Filler”) thanks to networking with the venue manager and other bands. Trace recalls how another local group, Goochslam, graciously opened for them even though they were more established at the time. “That’s one thing I love about Bozeman ,” says Trace. “Bigger bands are willing to give smaller ones a chance. It’s not an ego-driven scene. It’s about helping each other out.”

As the band continues to grow in Bozeman’s progressive funk scene, their focus remains on creating great music and sharing it with as many people as possible. “For me, the most fulﬁ lling part is putting in the work with these guys and seeing it all come together on stage,” says Trace.

Y c f d m Spo fy by sc n g co bo om page s rch g “M T!” , y c l t ir cu s g , “Trac ,” fo ow m be no fi e ir fir album some me next y r!

Photo by MINT! and friends

TO

has been known for hosting live music.

DATING BACK TO 76

Music of ALL KINDS presented on an AT ALL TIMES more than just your ﬁll of music, you

average of three nights per week. 21 and up . The Filler is good for more than just your ﬁll of music, you can also ﬁll your belly with lunch or one of several daily specials.

The Filling Station

UP D DLE

If there’s one band that embodies the freewheeling spirit of Bozeman’s music scene, it’s Puddle—a punk, funk, and psychedelic rock mash-up that’s been rocking the local stage since late 2021. With its eclectic sound and a laid-back attitude, Puddle isn’t just a band; it’s an experience. Comprised of Hunter Picket (guitar), Sergei O’Sullivan (guitar), McKenna Allen (vocals), Cole Nashan (trumpet, sound guru), Ollie Cole (keyboard), Rusty Brand (drums), and Jordy Grant-Krenz (bass, band treasurer), Puddle has become a staple of the vibrand music community here in Bozeman.

The formation of Puddle wasn’t carefully planned but rather a happy accident. It all began when Sergei, Hunter, and Jordy decided to jam together and then spontaneously booked a gig to open for local band End of Alder. With just days before the show, the rest of the crew joined in, and the group officially became Puddle. As Jordy puts it, “We were loud and played terribly but had so much fun. We’ve been rocking ever since!” And while McKenna Allen, their powerhouse vocalist, joined shortly after that first gig, she quickly became indispensable to the group. “We’d have disbanded if it wasn’t for her,” they say. With their distinctive sound rooted in punk, funk, and psychedelic rock, they’ve come a long way from that first raucous show.`

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Radio KGLT Public Alternative

In a world dominated by cookie-cutter radio stations and algorithm-generated playlists, KGLT stands out as a beacon of individuality. Nestled within the campus of Montana State University in Bozeman, KGLT is a community-powered, alternative public radio station with a distinct voice and a long-standing reputation for delivering unique, hand-curated programming. Whether you’re a Montana local or a listener from anywhere in the world, KGLT provides an unmatched musical experience, spanning genres and generations, with a mission to keep radio creative, exciting, unpredictable, and true to its roots.

Founded in 1968, KGLT has been a cornerstone of Bozeman’s cultural landscape for more than five decades. While many stations have gone corporate, KGLT has remained fiercely independent, driven by its team of passionate volunteer DJs. This allows the station to play what it likes—there are no commercial constraints or top 40 playlists in sight. Instead, listeners are treated to an eclectic mix of indie rock, jazz, blues, soul, and much more. From local artists to underground music from around the globe, KGLT’s DJs pride themselves on introducing listeners to hidden gems they won’t hear anywhere else. One of KGLT’s most compelling aspects is its connection to the community. With signals reaching southwest Montana—including Bozeman, Helena, Livingston, Big Sky, and the surrounding areas—the station plays a vital role in keeping local residents informed and entertained. The station doesn’t just serve the Bozeman area; it serves the spirit of Montana. This deep connection to the local scene is reflected in the station’s regular programming which features interviews with local musicians, coverage of Montana events, and showcases of regional talent. KGLT also has a strong online presence, making it accessible to a global audience through live streaming. This feature allows fans from around the world to enjoy the sounds of Montana’s alternative music scene, expanding KGLT’s influence far beyond the FM dial. Whether you’re listening to the station while commuting, working, or relaxing at home, KGLT offers a diverse range of programs that are sure to engage and surprise you. One of the station’s hallmark events is its annual on-air fundraising drive, held each spring. During this time, listeners can support the station by donating and receiving special thank-you gifts like music, station merchandise, and gift certificates from local businesses. The fundraising drive is more than just a financial support system—it’s a celebration of the station’s role in the community and a reminder of the loyalty and love KGLT inspires in its audience. Tune into KGLT at in Bozeman or know what song will play next, but you 91.9 FM wilder

KGLT wouldn’t be what it is without its volunteers, who dedicate their time to bringing listeners the best in underground and alternative music. These DJs come from all walks of life—students, professionals, retirees—and all share a deep love for music and community radio. Their passion is palpable in every show, creating an intimate listening experience that feels as personal as having a friend recommend you a song. Unlike commercial stations where songs repeat in a loop, KGLT DJs have the freedom to create setlists based on their moods, the time of day, or the weather in Bozeman. This spontaneity makes tuning into KGLT a fresh experience every time. You could catch a late-night jazz set one day and stumble upon an hour of rare punk tracks the next. KGLT fosters the discovery of new artists, forgotten classics, and everything in between. In a media landscape that can feel increasingly homogenous, KGLT is a refreshing reminder of what radio can be—genuine, unpredictable, and driven by passion. Whether you’re a long-time listener or someone just discovering the station, tuning into KGLT is like finding a well-worn record at a local music shop.

stream online at . You’ll never can trust it’ll be something special.

KGLT

COLOUR

COLOUR BLIND important It’s“u” very

HAYDEN FONNESBECK

INDIE ROCK

Bozeman, Montana, a city known for its rugged outdoor beauty and vibrant college town energy, might not be the ﬁrst place that comes to mind when thinking of an emerging indie rock scene. But nestled between the mountains, among the growing number of local artists, is ColourBlind, a four-piece band thatʼs making waves with their raw talent, infectious energy, and thoughtful approach to music.

thatʼs making waves with their raw talent, infectious

What started as a simple collaboration between

The band—made up of Sam Gould (guitarist and vocalist), Woody Dexter (lead vocalist and keyboardist), Cade Streeter (drummer), and Louie Cevasco (bassist)—isnʼt just a group of musicians. They are students at Montana State University (MSU), balancing school, jobs, and their passion for music. What started as a simple collaboration between friends has turned into something much bigger.

so much joy in this, and we want to keep pursuing that as much as possible.” that will help redeﬁ ne the scene for years to come.

As ColourBlind continues to hone their craft and build a loyal following, they stand as a testament to Bozemanʼs untapped musical talent. With passion, persistence, and the support of their community, this indie rock band is poised to become a key player in Bozemanʼs musical landscape—one

Despite the challenges of promoting live music in an era dominated by streaming, ColourBlind is optimistic about the future. “Weʼve found a common interest in creating music together,” Sam concludes. “Now weʼre focused on seeing how far we can push that. Every one of us ﬁ

people but also showcases our passion.”

“Music is such an incredible form of expression,” Sam says. “Itʼs hard to fully put into words the impact that creativity has, but we want to dive as deep as possible into that side of ourselves. We want to write music that connects with

Photo by HAYDEN FONNESBECK

While ColourBlind is dedicated to pushing their own boundaries and pursuing their music as far as it will take them, theyʼre also keenly aware of the importance of visibility. Bozeman, like many smaller cities, is home to a dedicated but often overlooked group of musicians. “Local college-based radio stations do a great job of supporting and enhancing the scene,” Sam admits, “but the reality is, radio just isnʼt the mainstream source of information for younger generations anymore. Streaming platforms are where itʼs at now. Still, college stations do help increase awareness and provide a platform, especially

While ColourBlind is dedicated to pushing their own boundaries and pursuing their music as far as it will take them, theyʼre also keenly aware of the importance of visibility. Bozeman, like many smaller cities, is home to a dedicated but for older generations.” found a common interest in creating music together,” Sam concludes. “Now weʼre focused on seeing how far we can push that. Every one of us ﬁ nds

inﬂ uence and style to the songwriting process, and the result is a sound thatʼs both cohesive and constantly evolving.

in their music, which carries a unique blend of indie rock thatʼs raw and reﬂ ective. Each band member brings their

That sense of community and collaboration is core to ColourBlindʼs ethos. The band goes out of their way to foster positive relationships with local venues and other musicians. “We try to be consistent with our messaging and perspective with every place we play. Itʼs worked out really well for us and for the venues,” Woody adds. “Right now, bands supporting each other is whatʼs going to help the music scene grow the most.” They like to make it a point to attend other local live shows and collaborate with fellow musicians when time allows. Their dedication to creative expression is evident ective. Each band member brings their inﬂ uence and style to the songwriting process, and the result is a sound thatʼs both cohesive and constantly evolving.

ey re getting ’

recent addition on bass solidiﬁ ed their lineup. growing music community. enhance the community with live music and entertainment.”

They just getting star t justd ing ’ e

“Thereʼs deﬁ nitely a music scene here, but itʼs underappreciated,” Sam explains. “Thereʼs so much talent in Bozeman that could really shine if the local venues and businesses put more eﬀ ort into pushing the scene forward. This city is growing fast, and itʼs a great opportunity to

Despite their relatively short time together, ColourBlind already has a dedicated local following. They typically draw about 100 people to their shows— impressive for a band that is still so fresh to the scene. For them, itʼs not just about building a fanbase; itʼs about being an active part of Bozemanʼs

“Weʼve only been a four-piece for about two months,” Sam shares, “but Woody and I started playing together about a year ago. It all began with a couple of tunes we wrote together. After that, we hosted a garage show for our close friends to check out what weʼd been working on.” The positive response from friends was the catalyst for ColourBlindʼs evolution. After picking up a drummer, they started playing more oﬃ cial gigs, and Louieʼs

NO DOGS PLEASE

Looking for a no-frills dive with a ton of character and live music every single night? The Hau rau has you covered! Cold drinks, classic bar food, and a stage that keeps the good vibes rolling all week long. Pull up a stool, enjoy the tunes, and experience a place where everyone feels like a regular.

H A U F B R A U