In an unassuming part of old-town Pomona sits the Glass House, a concert hall where smaller bands perform nearly every week. Though the building’s exterior is inconspicuous, inside is a whole different world. Bright, fluorescent lights bounce off the walls of the hall as people crowd together. Various bands come up onto the stage to perform, all of them having one thing in common: the bands are often less recognizable, striving to be discovered. Though some do have steady fan bases, others are still developing their own. Scenes like the one at the Glass House are often what bring more attention to such groups in the first place. More people should realize that, and frequent such small venues as a result. In doing so, they can help upcoming groups gain traction and popularity as newer bands often go unrecognized.
The same goes for bands emerging in this very school. Every once in a while, students come together to create their own music, and oftentimes, more local recognition can help them along. Flower Pot, consisting of members John Ferry, Joe Dale, Omar Chavez, and Trey Wood, is just such a band. While the group has not performed at the Glass House, they are still in the same scene as those who have. As the friends had already been listening to and discussing various artists long before the formation of their band, it seemed only natural for their transition into the creation of their own music.
They work hard on their art, finding that the band takes up much of their free time. However, Flower Pot’s members seem to agree that the hard work is worth it as music gives them the means to send their own message to listeners.
“The bands are all trying to find an expression of their viewpoint of reality,” Ferry said. “It’s different, as every band has their own style of expression or artwork. Even if they don’t get big, there are some really quality bands.”
And Ferry’s words ring true. Though many talented bands are ready to send their unique message to the public, they might be under-recognized. More attention needs to be given to such artists so that their words and music do not go unheard. A hard-working local band deserves the attention of the local community to help it succeed.
“It’s definitely easier now, with all the technology and music sharing that’s out there,” Wood said. “But still, I feel like there are a lot of really good, undiscovered local bands that people just need to dig a little deeper to find.”
So much talent is out there, and technology makes it easier than ever before to appreciate that. Now that discovering new music is easily accessible, just ‘dig a little deeper.’ In the end, it will pay off on two fronts, allowing listeners to discover new sounds and allowing local bands to have their message be heard.