A fun blog about all things music here in Topeka, KS! Upcoming events, local talent, full band bios, my experiences as a local musician, and much more.
I've yet to introduce a metal band, and these guys showcase their genre exceptionally well. I know them personally and had an opportunity to help them as a drum tech for a show in Lawrence. They have opened for known touring metal bands such as Periphery, and their potential is huge. With bone crushing riffs played with precision and intensity, On The Shoulders of Giants owns every stage they stand upon.
(image credit @OTSOG Facebook)
Members
(left) - Sage Cornelius, guitar/clean vocals
(middle/front) - Aaron Denher, drums
(right) - Steven Perez, guitar
(not pictured) - Kyler Delfs, vocals - Grant Sunbye, bass
Genre
To reiterate, I'm just not a fan of confining bands to genres. I like to let the music speak for itself. That being said, these guys would gleefully tell you their music is a technical mix of hardcore and metalcore, maybe with a pinch of punk and oh....did I say technical?
Closing
On The Shoulders of Giants has quite a following here in Topeka, and it's no secret why. They're a bunch of fun guys who play metal, and they play it well!
For upcoming shows, tunes, and much more, see the links below!
It's not every day you're going through your old suitcase and stumble across this:
Yes that is an iPhone. More specifically, it's the iPhone I was using to communicate with the world from 2012 to early 2014. Needless to say, I was delighted at the find having thought I'd lost it. Can you guess what happened next? Exactly! I wanted to see what kind of music I was jamming to back in the day! I powered it up, put my music on shuffle, warmed up my car, and hit the local road for a trip down memory lane.
This journey took me to all kinds of places, both in the actual world and in my head. Every song took me to a different place! Some of those places were very touching and brought a smile to my face, and some of those places were very dark and stained with a hint of sadness leaving me scratching my head asking 'what happened to the good old days'. Needless to say, words can't explain the power of music.
Like a book, I think music is one of the most precious things. Whether it be a vinyl record, cds, or old lost mp3s on an old phone, the music you listen to at any point in time will hold a special place in your heart. I think that trip down memory lane reminded me what was, what is, and what can be. For me as a musician this was quite a rejuvenating, spiritual experience. I hope everyone (musician or non-musician) takes good care of their music because it's precious in so many ways!
It only seems fitting to write about some local music venues after discussing places where you can buy music and music related stuff. Celtic Fox First and foremost, this is the place where I've undoubtedly played the most gigs.
(image credit @Celtic Fox Facebook)
Celtic Fox radiates a vitality that I've yet to find with another local venue. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, but also energetic and the place is well maintained.
Aside from being delicious, simply stated it's just a fun place to be. This happens to be the venue where my band Monk's Wine won our first battle of the bands (See Monk's Wine post here).
Aside from having a fun and exuberant name, what some might call a run-down hole in the wall I call an excellent place to hang out and play music. My band has performed here for a CD release party. If you live in Topeka, you've experienced The Boobie Trap. Great place, great people!
I'd love to take this time to give a shout out to some local music stores here in Topeka! They allow local musicians not only creative wiggle room by providing a variety of products tailored to their needs, but they also will give expert advice and quality music lessons. Supersonic Music
Supersonic Music caters to your drum and guitar needs. I've relied on them countlessly for sticks, drum gear, dvds, you name it. In addition to providing top notch products and personal music lessons, Supersonic generously provides gear and support during local music events. Location
Manning music boasts a longtime presence here in Topeka, and you'll know why once you walk in. A helpful and friendly staff will be there every step of the way, whether you're in need of a new instrument or just starting out and seeking lessons. They've got you covered, and once again I'm fortunate to know much of the staff. Great bunch of folks!
Steam Music has been around since I can remember. My parents purchased my first snare drum from Steam Music! Their reviews speak for themselves. Wonderful staff, wide variety of products empowering you the musician to have some creative choice based on your needs and desires. Check them out! You won't regret it.
So having done a great deal of boasting about some local musicians, it feels appropriate to step back and reminise on my earlier days as a young drummer starting out. Every musician has to start somewhere, and one mustn't ever forget their roots. How to Start a Band Step 1: Practice your instrument! It's crucial to find a good teacher early on who can not only instill passion and drive, but one who can teach you proper technique. In doing so, you can explore your talent and won't be at great risk of injury. Step 2: Get involved locally! No matter your age, go meet musicians or music enthusiasts. Go to shows. Go be as social as possible, get some names and numbers, and build a network! Step 3: Hopefully by now you've established yourself in the local music vein. If you've reached a point of confidence in your instrument, call up some friends to jam! Discuss your musical styles, find common ground, and if it permits then begin composing some songs. Step 4: If you hit it off with a willing member or two, solidify the group and discuss the notion of playing more seriously. Continue composing and learning songs, and practice practice PRACTICE! Step 5: Get out there and be heard! At this point your group is rehearsed and confident, and you realize that you deserve more. Begin to utilize tools like social media and create pages, make connections, build press kits, get your music recorded, and begin booking local shows. Step 6: Play play play! Continue playing shows, give people the time of their lives and word will spread that you're a musical force to be reckoned with. Step 7: Repeat step 6, and enjoy the ride! Closing Well there you have it, a little friendly advice on starting a band from yours truly. Any accomplished musician can attest to a variation of steps, some going as planned and some throwing in curve balls. Even legendary bands have had their struggles. Perhaps the most valuable advice I can offer an aspiring musician, though, is this: Practice, and always play from the heart.
Slow Ya Roll is an accomplished local band, and their engaging stage presence is matched by very few. Not only am I fortunate enough to know these fine musicians but I've shared the stage with them several times, including a Battle of the Bands. They came in at a close 2nd to our 1st place snag!
(image credit @Kendollphotography)
Members
(far left) - Justin Fowler, keys/vocals
(left) - Bryan Schmutz, guitar
(right) - Sean Walker, bass guitar
(far right) - Elvin Graves Jr, vocals/percussion
Genre
Now I'm not one for confining bands to specific genres, as you may have noticed while reading my Monk's Wine blog post. These guys combine elements of undeniable funk and smooth silky soul, while experimenting with ambient and reggae....there, that was my best shot!
Closing
From a small local bar to a theater, Slow Ya Roll are some very well rehearsed artists who know how to please a crowd. Having been to several shows as an audience member, let me tell you there is never a dull moment when they control the stage. I couldn't endorse a more spirited local band.
For upcoming shows, tunes, and much more, see the links below!
It gives me great pleasure to introduce my band, Monk's Wine. From the bottom of my beating heart I couldn't ask to play with a better group of musicians. These guys are more than just rehearsed professionals, they're dear friends and all around creative individuals.
(image credit @Kendollphotography)
Members
(left) - Sam Zlotky, drums/vocals
(middle) - Jarrod Guth, guitar/vocals
(right) - Ashley Reynolds, lead vocals/keys
Genre
....Let us get back to you on that one, we still aren't sure! The best I can do is say we have been affectionately dubbed 'piano rock' by some, combining the flavors of bands such as Dave Matthews Band and Ben Folds (hope that helps).
My Experience
Looking back over the years, one of my most treasured decisions still today is joining this band back in 2010. Much has changed in 5 years. At the time I was a music major at Washburn University, and I couldn't have been more eager to immerse myself in music. I'd heard from a drummer friend that a band needed a drummer, so despite being nervous, I went for it. Lo and behold, I nailed the audition!
Were it not for setting aside fear and just going for it, I wouldn't be the musician that I am today. We've played many shows, locally and beyond. Some of the shows went as planned, some forced us to quickly improvise! Along the way I've certainly grown as a drummer, and through experience I've learned to curb my performance anxiety. Even furthermore, I've had experience recording in studios since joining this band.
Closing
I've come a long way in 5 years. If not for my bandmates, I'm not sure where I'd be today in the music world. Chances are I wouldn't be qualified to create a blog about the local music scene. I'm blessed to be a part of this group, and I look forward to what the future holds for us.
For upcoming shows, tunes, and much more, see the links below!
My name is Sam Zlotky and I'm a junior at Washburn University. Some would describe me as reserved and stoic, while others might describe me as crazy and outgoing. I like to think that I'm a nice blend of the two. When it comes to music, however, I'm about as out there as you can get! I've been playing drums and percussion since the 4th grade, and it's been quite the journey.
Looking back it's still hard to believe I was once a young boy learning the basics to the snare drum. Today, I find myself playing drum set/percussion for Topeka based band Monk's Wine. Furthermore, I enjoy producing electronic music both professionally and recreationally. Music is certainly my passion, that goes without saying. I believe that with that passion comes an innate responsibility to be aware of the local music in my community.
As a Topeka native and a long time Topeka musician, I'm blessed to be involved in the local music scene. I look forward to sharing with you what Topeka has to offer in the realm of music entertainment. It will be exciting to blog not only in an informative manner, but through the eyes of someone who is a part of the local music scene. Stay tuned (especially guitar players, yes pun intended).
