Local artists kick off 2019 at WhySound
WhySound brought together three of Utah’s favorite local acts on Saturday, Jan. 5 for the venue’s first show of 2019. The show, which nearly sold out, was headlined by Sammy Brue and the Grinders, with support from Branson Anderson and The Backseat Lovers.
“These are the kind of events that make you want to do them over and over again, because you do make some money and it’s fun for everybody and everyone is dancing around, getting all sweaty and having a great time,” said WhySound co-owner Taylor Ross Wilson.
The show began with a solo set from 25-year-old Ogden-based solo artist, Branson Anderson. Anderson, who has done shows with Sammy Brue and the Grinders in the past, brought a classic Americana sound to the evening to complement the indie rock and folk music sets the audience would be hearing from the other two artists.
His set included songs like “Pick Me up on Your Way Back Down” from his 2017 album, “Graydog.” These songs showed off Anderson’s refined style and dedication to the classic Americana sound. Anderson has a few more shows planned in Utah for early 2019 before he will join country artist Corb Lund on tour.
Anderson said this show at WhySound was exciting and enjoyable for him because he got to show his “old-fashioned” style to the younger audiences that artists like the Backseat Lovers and Sammy Brue typically attract.
“The audiences are super young, which is cool because these young kids are getting into and supporting local music. But it’s also kind of funny for me because I’m basically poaching these young performer’s young fans,” Anderson said.
The fans didn’t seem to mind. Cassie Anderson, photographer for the Backseat Lovers and audience member on Saturday, even said that this particular show was something she had been waiting for her “whole life.”
Branson Anderson was followed by Logan favorites, The Backseat Lovers. Fresh off the release of a new single called “Pool House,” the Lovers are no strangers to playing in Logan. The Lovers became Logan favorites following their performance at Utah State University’s Big Agg Show in August 2018 and always draw crowds when they make their way back.
“Logan never fails to bring the kind of energetic atmosphere for an amazing live show,” said Jonas Swanson, guitar player for the Backseat Lovers.
The Lover’s appearance at WhySound comes only a few weeks before the release of the group’s debut album, which will be available Jan. 26, 2019.
The Backseat Lovers energized the crowd with the indie rock tunes they have perfected since the group formed back in June 2018. They added some songs from their upcoming album to the evening’s setlist, including a new song titled “Shut Your Mouth.”
The Backseat Lovers play at WhySound on Jan. 6, 2019, in Logan, Utah. (Megan Beth Media)
The Backseat Lovers helped set the tone for headliners Sammy Brue and the Grinders. Brue released his debut album “I Am Nice” in 2017, embarked on a U.S. summer tour in 2018, and most recently released an EP titled “Down with Desperation” in August 2018—all before his 18th birthday.
Brue and the Grinders started their set by playing jams like “The Catch” from the new EP. They also played old fan favorites, including Brue’s most commonly-known song, “I Know.” Additionally, they surprised the audience with a cover of Wilco’s 2002 hit, “Jesus, etc.”
Toward the end of their time, Brue dismissed the Grinders from the stage and embarked on a solo set. Brue put his natural stage presence on display, proving his ability to transition from band frontman to acoustic soloist with ease.
K.J. Ward, guitar player for Sammy Brue, enjoyed coming back up to Logan for this show.
“The crowd was super interactive,” Ward said. “We haven’t played up in Logan for a while, so it was really nice coming up here. We played Kilby Court last weekend and that was another amazing show. It’s just cool to go across the Wasatch Front and play for new people every night.”
For now, Sammy Brue and the Grinders will be taking a break from the Wasatch Front—after joining the Backseat Lovers for their album release show—and are heading to England to record Brue’s second album.
WhySound’s first show of 2019 set a tone of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming year of local music. All three performances came together as a cohesive event that left the audience full of energy. Even after the show ended, concert goers remained at WhySound to mingle with the musicians who had just performed. It eventually evolved into a dance party before the venue completely cleared out. WhySound aims to host more shows like this in the future.
Information about upcoming shows and events can be found on WhySound’s Facebook or Instagram.
Branson Anderson, The Backseat Lovers and Sammy Brue can all be found on Spotify, Apple Music and most social media platforms.
—allisonallreddd@gmail.com
–@allisonallreddd