Though it isn’t known for being the birthplace of iconic musicians, there are many small bands and artists who call the Sacramento area their home– and are flourishing.
The Underground Suburban Music Scene Thrives
High Fidelity
Record, album, LP, vinyl. These round discs, the size of a pizza, were how your grandparents listened to their favorite bands. At this time, when digital is so available, why do people still listen to music on a “turntable”?
Listen: Adele
Adele, Nevada County High School Senior
In this episode of Listen, I had the opportunity to interview my friend, Adele. She was in school band for many years. We talk about how she thinks the pandemic has affected high school band programs and what the future will bring.
Podcast by Leonor Bright
Listen: Norbert Stachel
Norbert Stachel, Multi-Instrumentalist and Composer
In this episode of Listen, world-traveling musician Norbert Stachel talks about his humble beginnings in the Bay Area, how that led to a fulfilling career, and his current home and situation in New York City. He also talks about how the pandemic has affected his career.
For more about Norbert Statchel, see:
Podcast by Leonor Bright
The Listen Show
Listen
Hi Everyone!
Welcome to Listen! Just to tune you in on what this whole series is about, I’m a student of Journalism at Sierra College with an undying love for music. I wanted to create a story focusing on different perspectives within the music industry, and find out how these individuals have been affected by this pandemic.
There are seven episodes total, excluding this one and my final thank yous. Each episode features a different guest that I had the opportunity to interview talking about their experience in the pandemic. Really, it’s up to you to decide what order you want to go in. You can listen to all episodes, two episodes, five episodes, it really is up to you.
Seeing as this is my debut as a podcast host, this was a really enriching experience for me. I hope you people out there enjoy listening to this series as much as I enjoyed making it.
Thank you!
Podcast
Here are the shows in the series:
Text & Podcast by Leonor Bright
Listen: Across the Music Scene in a Pandemic
Before the Pandemic Set In
Wow, I am so excited to see my friends for the first time in years. I did not think it would be this soon, but I am extremely glad for it. In a little over a month, April 18th, I will be seeing my friends in Marigold perform live for the very first time. The excitement is boiling up inside. I can barely contain it. Nothing else matters, I have to see this concert. With each passing day, I get more and more anxious, but it is less about my excitement.
Listen: Trina Hill
Trina Hill, Music Supervisor
In this episode of Listen, music supervisor Trina Hill explains what her job is like, and how her job has been affected by the pandemic.
For more about Trina Hill’s work, see:
Podcast by Leonor Bright | Photo provided by Trina Hill
Listen: Katie Knipp
Katie Knipp, Blues Singer
In this episode of Listen, blues singer Katie Knipp talks about how her music career has been affected by the pandemic. She is currently working on her next album in a socially distant environment that still allows for the flow of creativity.
For more about Katie Knipp, see:
Podcast by Leonor Bright | Photo of Katie Knipp by Elle Jaye
Listen: Sierra Contreras
Sierra Contreras, Sac State Music Major
In this episode of Listen, Sierra Contreras, a Music Major at Sacramento State University, talks about her experience with online school. We go over what she hopes for the future of music education and how the school is attempting live rehearsals.
Listen: Marigold
Marigold, Sacramento-based Punk Band
In this episode of Listen, punk band Marigold talks about how they started as a band, and their experiences recording and performing. They also go into how they are able to create new music throughout this pandemic.
For more about Marigold, see:
Instagram: @marigold916
Twitter: @marigold916
Podcast by Leonor Bright | Photo provided by Marigold
Listen: Geoff Siegel
Geoff Siegel, Music Licensing and Former A&R
In this episode of Listen, music businessman and former A&R Geoff Siegel talks about his current experience licensing and the considerable slow-down in his work. He also talks about what the job would have been like had he still been an A&R.
For more about Geoff Siegel’s work, see:
Podcast by Leonor Bright | Photo provided by Geoff Siegel
The Untold Story of a Bedroom Studio Artist
Click. Silence. Four Beats. A breath. And go. This is the beginning of a typical recording session for Northern California based artist, Shilla Varasteh. At only nineteen, she has released several singles, an EP, and more all while balancing home and school life. She writes, produces, and releases her songs from her bedroom studio.