Independent Music Club rocks USU
Rap, country, alternative and all Americana types of music. These are the styles that make up USU’s own Independent Music Club. On most weekends, the members won’t be found sitting around at home with nothing to do. They’ll be listening to one another play music of every kind.
With 500 members, the music is diverse and the talent is evident in the club. Senior public relations student Ben Hibshman is the president of the Independent Music Club and invites all to come listen to Utah talent.
“We’re something to do on weekends,” he said. “Don’t go home. We do one to two shows a month on weekends. We want to get our name out there and up that. You get to hear good music from mostly Utah bands.”
One such show was Saturday, Oct. 11, when the club put a show on with Joshua James from Provo and Libbie Linton from USU. But music isn’t their only focus, Hibshman said.
“We like to do a couple benefits a few times a year. A couple weeks ago we played for some foster kids at a park. It was really cool,” he said. The club has a variety of different options for member participation.
“I really like open mic night. It gives members the opportunity to express themselves, which is rad. I got to experience other artists,” said Becca Jo Pechim, sophomore in geology.
Aubrey Loomis, junior in the English education department, said although she isn’t a member, she finds the club intriguing.
“It sounds like a very interesting organization that would be very entertaining to listen to. It would give me something to do on weekends,” she said. “If I was musically inclined and had something to offer, I would join.”
On the USU Web site, the Independent Music Club states they are “here to help Utah State University students broaden their horizons and enjoy student activities on campus. It is our mission to help Utah State students have fun. Many students don’t feel there is enough to do on campus. We are hoping to change that. With more members we will be able to put on more activities. As the club grows, so will the ‘Night Life’ on USU’s campus.”
Despite the 500 members, not many students at USU know about the Independent Music Club and most think they’ve never heard any of its members. This, however, is not true. Those who attended the book signing by author Ishmael Beah at the end of the Connections class for incoming freshmEn had the opportunity to hear some artists who are part of the Independent Music Club.
Those who went on the “Taste of Logan” tour were also able to hear several other independent musicians playing at individual stops around the city.
“I have to admit, I haven’t heard much of the Independent Music Club, but what I did hear at the Ishmael Beah book signing and around Logan that night were really talented artists. I hope to hear more from them some day,” said Brittany Jones, freshman in communication disorders and deaf education.
Autumn Jones, freshman in theater arts and visual arts, said she sees the club as an opportunity for expression and to expand horizons.
“I can see how it’s a good club to express yourself and focus on your musical abilities. It gives one a chance to follow their dreams of being a musician and get their name out there. I’m not a member of this club but I can see me as one because I’ve always wanted to sing, but there’s also other ways to do that. This is just one opportunity,” she said. “Some people in the club may be accomplished musicians and some may be amateurs beginning their music careers, but they all have one dream and I think that’s fantastic. I think it’s also good because musicians can get feedback from their peers before going for some big audition or playing a gig.”
Dane Hurst, freshman in civil engineering, said he thinks the members of the club are doing what they do for the right reasons.
“It’s good that they’re willing to express their abilities and have the opportunity to be able to do such. I love how they’re passionate about their music. They’re not being musicians for the fame and glory, but because they want to share their talents, and passions, with the world – or at least Utah State,” he said.
–alaura.shefchik@aggiemail.usu.edu