lokalgrown sees local success
Members:
Jacob Callister—guitarNate Davis—guitarDaniel Callister—bass guitarQuinn Dietlein—keyboard/pianoMatt Sadowski—drums/percussionKeith Sorensen—drums
Utah Statesman: Where are you from? Are you really “Local Grown?”
lokalgrown: We are if you consider Utah “local.” Members of the band grew up in Cedar City, Brigham City and Salt Lake, but the band originated here at Utah State.
US: Speaking of Utah State, what is it that you would like the students of Utah State University to know about you?
lokalgrown: We would love to say thank you. We really feel that this is a cool place for an amateur band to start. This is a great atmosphere for local music. We have made the greatest friends and have received unfailing support from the university and its students. We love Logan.
US: How long has lokalgrown been together?
lokalgrown: It all began with a Christmas concert in December of 2001. A few of us had sung and played together before, but the Christmas concert was the first official time that lokalgrown sang together.
US: Who or what has been your musical inspiration?
lokalgrown: Our musical inspirations have a wide variety. Artists who have inspired lokalgrown include older artists like John Denver, Dan Fogelberg, The Moody Blues, as well as newer acts like Toad The Wet Sprocket, Cake and Guster. Each of the six band members comes from unique musical backgrounds. Some enjoy Broadway and classical, while others like punk and alternative.
US: What is your purpose in having a band?
lokalgrown: Our goal is to provide quality fun and music. We are just six guys who are great friends, who enjoy each other’s company and love to make people happy.
US: Where do you expect lokalgrown to go? What are your goals?
lokalgrown: Lokalgrown is something that has become more than we ever expected. Our basic goal is to proceed with the band during our college careers. We live day to day. We honestly just like to have a good time. If the opportunity did arise, we would not pass up the chance to become professional.
US: What makes your band different from
other bands?
lokalgrown: We’d like to think that our show is unthreatening and un-intimidating. We are just “the guys next door.” We have the type of music that even grandma can enjoy. Everyone in the band sings, so this provides a good variety of sound. We cover the good old stuff, stuff that your mom and dad danced to during the class of ’72, and these sounds come through in our own songs.
US: What is the next lokalgrown event we can look forward to?
lokalgrown: Our next concert is Feb. 20 in the TSC Ballroom. This is a Chi-Omega Fest. Everyone is invited. The actual concert starts around 8 p.m.
US: Is there anything else that we should know about you?
lokalgrown: Yes. We have CDs for sale. You can get our first CD at the USU Bookstore, at The Book Table, at Hastings, at our shows, or you can just tackle one of us on campus and get one. They sell for $10. Also look for our new CD coming out next month, called the “Sixes.” There will be a CD release concert at the end of March.
US: How do you feel that your music influences your audience?
lokalgrown: Our goal is to be uplifting. We want to help and to serve. I know it sounds cheesy, but we want to use music to make the world a better place. We are very particular about our choices of songs and their lyrics. We want to touch people and make them feel. Music has a power that we don’t take lightly, and we want to use it in a positive way.
–syllee@cc.usu.edu