💨 Go forth and listen locally

Today's Smokestack features a sit-in from Chris Huber, Founder and Editor of Extra Chill, a community-driven music blog with a bent towards all things local, independent, and grassroots. Extra Chill was the first publication to cover Train Songz, back last May during the launch of our second issue.

Today, I asked Chris to sit in on Smokestack and write a manifesto about "going local" with your music fandom. What lies beyond this introduction is a powerful reminder of the role of fans in shaping the future of the music industry, why showing up for small shows might just be the most impactful thing you can do as a music lover, and the power of a local community.

And before we get into it, let me plug the Ladles, an amazing band I saw on a date at local bar that has some kind of great small-format, donations-based shows going on five night a week, and a bluegrass jam on the sixth. I'll listen to the Ladles until the end of time, and I never would have heard of them if I didn't beat the inertia and get out of the house that night. (Toss 'em a follow on Instagram if you're in or around New York State, and wait patiently with me for more shows to be announced.)

Please comment!!! What band is your version of the Ladles? What local band from your area can you put us onto, and maybe link a YouTube video? Leave them in the comments, and I'll publish the full list next week. Please comment!!!

Hi friends, Chris from Extra Chill here.

When you look at the music industry, what do you see? Artists like Billy Strings carry the torch for real music. Phish is still going strong.

On the other hand, we also see countless canceled festivals, undersold tours, and quality bands choosing to throw in the towel.

It’s clear that something needs to change. But how?

You’re already on the right track by subscribing to Train Songz, a fully organic community. This is a gathering space for people who value authenticity.

To take things a step further, look local. Right now, in your local music scene, there is an untapped well of talent just waiting to be discovered. They just need people at their shows.

As a music fan, you are the foundation of the entire music industry. It does not exist without you. Together, we have the power to alter the course and choose which artists we want to see in the spotlight in five years.

It doesn’t happen overnight, but just like Billy Strings’ massive rise in popularity, it starts with the fans who show up and bring their friends.

You vote for the future with your dollars & presence. Many artists nowadays believe that the only way to be successful is to create silly TikTok videos, but often forget about the power of local communities.

You can have your mind blown by an unknown artist in a 200-cap dive bar. An artist who nobody has ever heard of because they spend time practicing and writing songs instead of making viral videos.

These local artists could be the stars of our future. If you’re tired of seeing the same formulaic music that the industry promotes, you can be a stepping stone for change.

There is something special about being part of a grassroots music community. When an artist in a local scene starts to gain recognition, it creates an undercurrent of inspiration that ignites the whole scene.

Nothing compares to seeing an artist you once watched play for 20 people sell out much bigger venues.

Some readers probably saw Billy Strings on smaller stages, and can relate with that. Every artist starts in those small rooms before they become a household name.

Social media has allowed some to skip the line, but the local music scene is far from dead. It just needs some extra love right now.

So, my fellow Train Songz subscribers, I leave you with a challenge: Within the next month, go check out a local band in your city that you’ve never heard of.

Who knows? You might just help discover the next Billy Strings.

— Chris from Extra Chill