Battle of the Bands 2022 Q&A: Meat and Cheese Collective

[Photo courtesy of Kyle Schwieger] By Roman Salomone, Contributor The 2022 Battle of the Bands took place at The Union on Thursday, Oct. 6. Among the five incredible acts that played, Meat and Cheese Collective put on an amazing and high energy show. Prior to their set, I sat down with the members to discuss…

The DIY Scene’s Impact on Artistry and Alternative Careers

By Kiah Easton, Columns Editor [Photo by Kiah Easton] The DIY music scene in Athens, Ohio, provides a crucial launching pad for various art forms and alternative lifestyles. Although the Athens scene is small, the movement reflects a broader trend toward artistic freedom, sustainability and independence, resulting in far-reaching impact. The local youth subculture is…

ACRN Alumnus Spotlight: Ocean Eiler / DJ The Librarian

By Micah Fluellen, Contributor [Photo via Ocean Eiler / Video by Micah Fluellen] Ocean Eiler, Ohio University and ACRN alumnus, recently visited his hometown of Athens, Ohio, to catch up with his family and present-day ACRN. Eiler attended Ohio University in the late ’90s as a double major in graphic design and interactive design. He…

Band Profile: glass beach

The four-piece released their debut, the first glass beach album, on their own budget. Fusing everything from ’80s synthpop to emo, glass beach’s mastery in a range of genres is apparent from the beginning of the album, which gives the listener a snapshot of glass beach’s musical capabilities.

Artist Profile: Austin Hitte

By Maddie Young, Contributor [Photo via Spotify] When hearing the phrase “SoundCloud Rapper,” a specific image comes to mind: a middle-school kid wearing Air Force Ones with rainbow hair rapping about a Louis Vuitton bag that they don’t even own. But a new generation of DIY rappers have taken over this new golden age of…

Q&A: Hope Davis

By Anna Birk, Contributor [Photo by Noel Davis] Q&A with Hope Davis following a performance at Donkey Coffee in Athens, Ohio.  You grew up in Athens, Ohio—what made you leave? Hope: Well, I was suffering from an eating disorder in high school, and I was extremely depressed. I also have rheumatoid arthritis, so during the…

Q&A: Bat House

By Liz Partsch, Contributor [Photo by Harley Wince, Visual Media Director] Q&A with Shane Blank and Emmet Hayes of Massachusetts-based “neo-punkadelica” outfit Bat House. How did the band form?  SHANE: We met in school. So the four of us are all from different places in the country. I’m from Florida, Emmet here is from California…

Q&A: Inoculous

By Jonah Krueger, Contributor [Photo by Harley Wince, Visual Media Director] Q&A with bassist Jake Evans, drummer Bryan Sheets, and guitarist and creative force Demetri Wolfe of Athens math-rock trio Inoculous. You guys played this same venue last weekend—does that contribute to a sense of comfort or familiarity? DEMETRI: It’s a good time, you know….

Q&A: Something Else

By Evan Gallagher, Contributor Photo by Harley Wince, Visual Media Director Q&A with frontman Aidan Hall of Columbus-based post-pop quartet Something Else. So, how’d you guys meet and form as a band? Aidan: I’ve known Colin [McMillen] (bass) since he was five—his mom used to babysit my sister. I met Landon [Gruszewski] (guitar) when we…

Q&A: Bewarewolves

By Jonah Krueger, Contributor Photo by Harley Wince, Visual Media Director Q&A with guitarist and vocalist Noah Gfell, drummer Ben Gfell and guitarist Aidan Matney of Bewarewolves. How was your trip down to Athens? Aidan: It’s not bad, I haven’t made it in a long time. Noah: I came down here a lot over the…

Q&A: Harlot

By Taylor Linzinmeir, Contributor [Photo by Harley Wince] Q&A with vocalist Bret Anderson, drummer Kenny Sevier and bassist TJ Tumblinson of Cincinnati alt-pop trio and Skyline Chili lovers, Harlot.  Tell me the brief history of the band. How did you guys get started? Bret: I went to Hocking College and met our drummer Kenny there, and…