Perhaps there is no way to find justification for a record producer to move from Los Angeles to Provo, but jeez, at least give me a shot!
It's true, I grew up in LA, and had the makings of a pretty nice career going there before I ended up here. So what could possibly cause someone to move to Provo from LA in order to produce music? Well, two reasons really; one can be discovered in the following graph -
The better things went career-wise, the worse things got family-wise. This can be a pretty tough business when you have a family no matter where you live - but down there, it just called for more sacrifice of family time than I was willing to give.
The second reason? The music community here. You may be surprised to learn that Utah, and specifically Utah County, and more specifically, Provo, has an amazing community of musicians. Not only is there a thriving music scene, and not only is there a very tight-knit group of musicians, but the music itself is absolutely first rate.
What's that you say? Introduce you to some of these great musicians?
First up - Neon Trees (http://fameisdead.com/). Ill let you find out more about the background of the band for yourself, but the highlights include:
1-signed to Mercury Records
2-currently touring with 30 Seconds To Mars
3-recently performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live
4-the band was formed and 'grew up' right here in Provo
and what's more, Neon Trees always proclaim their love for Provo such as in this quote from lead singer Tyler Glenn - "It has been so good to us and the music scene is fantastic. We had opportunities to say we were a band from other places, but I think it meant more to us that we claim Provo and give some spotlight to other bands in the area."
cmon, you gotta just love that right?
Next - how about Joshua James (http://www.joshuajames.tv/)? You mean the Joshua James who's album Build Me This was one of iTunes top twenty albums of 2009? You mean the Joshua James who's toured with David Grey, Third Eye Blind, Ani DiFranco and John Mayer?
Yes, that's who I mean, and did you know he lives right over there in downtown Provo? No? well he does.
And finally, ever heard of Paul Jacobsen and The Madison Arm (www.pauljacobsen.com)? well you really should, because this guy Paul must be one of the best singer-songwriters I've ever met and surely he deserves your attention. I dont think you will find stronger lyrical craft anywhere.
Another great thing about Provo that you may not know is that we have some great spots to see live music. My favorite? Thanks for asking, it would have to be Velour Live Music Gallery (http://www.velourlive.com/) located right down on University Ave. Not only do many great local artists perform there, but it has really become a regular stop for some very successful touring acts.
You know, I wish that I could include so many more musicians in this, there is just so much great music being made locally. I hope that this will inspire you to get out and support local music as much as you can. Feel free to contact me through my site - http://www.junioraudio.com/ if you have any more questions about local music, or if you just want to send me some gummy cokes, because man, I love those nearly as much as the Provo music scene.
Scott Wiley likes bacon, sausages wrapped in bacon and chocolate dipped bacon. He has worked with Ryan Adams, Lisa Marie Presley and Mindy Gledhill and many other interesting artists. He is also one of the funniest human beings I know. Provo is lucky to have his whole clan.
GIVEAWAY!
Scott is giving away his Nearer album, a collection of hymns with a indie feel to the music. I blogged about it here. I love it so much that last weekend when I accidentally sprayed it with PAM while making a banana bread loaf I had to replace it instantly--thank heavens the Wileys respond to texts on the weekends.
(My banana bread loaf was a little dry, thanks for asking.)
Want to win this cd? Drop us a note in the comments--tell us your favorite musical artist. You have until Sunday, April 18th at mdt midnight!
I am c jane, I like Provo.
contact me:
[email protected]
70 comments:
Not really a Provo band -- I heart Bon Jovi! Can I still win a CD?
My favorite is Coldplay...I haven't heard of any of the artists featured in this post, but maybe I will check them out.
My favorite female artist is Mindy Gledhill of course!
i like me some jack's mannequin...but recently i feel like i'm growing up or something and motab is pretty sweet :)
Joshua Radin. . .I'm a music junkie. ..hope to add this to my Sunday playlist.
My favorite musiccal artist will most likely always be Bob Dylan.
I've got a soft spot for country/bluegrass/folksy kind of music. Right now I am really into Lady Antebellum, and the private project by the two sisters from the Dixie Chicks. Of course local Ryan Shupe and the Rubber band is right up there too
Joshua Radin is definitely the favorite. Followed by Matt Nathanson and Ingrid Michaelson. I'm pretty excited about the Provo music scene now. I really need to better explore the greatness that is Provo.
I'm loving Ingrid Michaelson right now!
My friends just had their wedding reception at Valour. It is such a cool place. My favorite musician right now is Michael Buble.
I'm a tried and true, hippie-bred, die heard Beatles fan. And always will be. :)
I don't really have a favorite, but I do love a good church cd with a different vibe.
Some of my favorites right now- Katie Melua, Melanie Horsnell, and Jamie Cullum.
I am absolutely in love with Landon Pigg's music. If you haven't checked him out yet, do so immediately.
I have so many favorites! Ingrid Michaelson, Jason Mraz, and Michael Buble. Jon Schmidt is amazing too.
I'd love to win this CD. I love the Primary Song for Bedtime that Scott Wiley did. I always love a great Sunday CD. regulem
I love neon trees-i got so excited the first time I heard them on 101.9The End.
Kalai.
It is really hard to pick my favorite musician because my tastes move in waves. But if I am going to be completely honest, I will never ever ever tire of George Michael in any form. I know, right? Shoot me.
a favorite musician?! cannot possibly choose one - so for now will say there is a lot of jack johnson, brett dennen, and inside out happening around here.... always love love love new sounds.....!!
I have many favorites as I am a huge music fan! Yellowcard, Michael Buble, Jason Mraz - just to name a few. I'll definitely be checking out the musicians he suggested though!
I heart Sam Payne. I did not know who he was til I moved into his ward. Now, I pick out his voice every hymn we sing at church.
michael buble of course:)
Oh dear, how can I choose one? I love Death Cab for Cutie, U2, Jack Johnson, Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Barellies...the list goes on and on!
Norah Jones... amazing!
red pen 2010@ hotmail.com
I think about buying this album every Sunday when I'm looking for something fresh and uplifting to listen to. I would love to win a copy! And my current favorite is The Killers - not as local as Provo, but still close.
favorite artist is She & Him. mellow and happy which creates peaceful moments.
My taste is so eclectic, it's hard to nail down an all-time favorite for me. Music is part of my soul! It's like choosing a favorite child. :) For now, I will say my favorite is Sarah Maclachlan - I can always go to her stuff, turn down the lights, lay on the couch, and her ethereal voice makes all my troubles go away.
I, no joke, looked at this CD online yesterday and was reminded at how much I want a copy! Thanks for the chance to enter.
My favorite is Chris Isaak, but I can go with the Moody Blues just as easily.
Churchy-wise, Hilary Weeks is awesome!
So many! Norah Jones is always a favorite...
Wow, so many. I would have to say Sam Beam of Iron and Wine in any form.
Sigur Ros. Hands down. Great post!
hmm... how can I pick just one favorite?
Lately I've been listening a lot of
Neon Trees
Ingrid Michaelson
She & Him
Vampire Weekend
Rufus Wainwright
Iron&Wine
Beatles & Frank Sinatra (They're always on the list)
This would be a great place to plug Provo's own Occidental Saloon. http://theoccidentalsaloon.com/ Talk about burgeoning local talent. They feature music videos with Joshua James, Neon Trees, and many other fabulous local talent. Just saying.
I have to say that Mindy Gledhill is right up there at the top of the list!
By the way, the Provo music scene is seriously first rate, but I don't think Scott is giving himself enough credit for being the one that has masterfully record most of these local musicians, including Neon Trees. The local music scene wouldn't be the same without him. Seriously. He is one of the area's gems!
I love so much different music, but no matter what mood I'm in, The Doors are always good to listen to!
Loving Pinback. Really good, chill vibe. I too am a transplant from good ol' CA (Ventura County). But I fell in love with a man, and now I live in Davis County.
My favorite Provo band is Shady Chapel. Love them!! especially Jonathan B! (I take credit for all his musical talent and good taste...) Love you little brother!
I am loving Joshua Radin these days.
Alison Krauss.
Local? I like Jessie Clark Funk. Is she still local?
I love Regina Spektor, and A Fine Frenzy.. Always open to hearing new stuff!
My favorite Provo band?..The Richard Pike Band! Hey, Scott embrace your love for bacon and chocolate with one of these... http://twitpic.com/1fmrs9
All time favorite is the Cardigans. All of their albums have a little bit of greatness.
I really like U2. Always have.
And thanks for the post, always on the prowl for good new tunes.
Do I have to have one? I feel like it's ever evolving. I live in rural western P.A. right alongside the Amish and we're not exactly the hotbed of excitement here! So I love it when I hear about new artists. I'll be checking out your recommendations. Thanks!
Muse, Muse, Muse, Muse, Muse! Oh, and Muse!
My former Provo rocker hubby just reminded me that Scott was in Sunfall Festival way back when. Loved them! I'd love a copy of that album. My favorite (formerly) Provo band is TaughtMe, once known as Quant. That Blake can SING!
Right now we are mix of songs...but always with dancing, lots of dancing by our kids!
But a new CD...WONDERFUL!
i can't pick a favorite, but i want this cd.
I really want to win this. I love the Hymns while I clean the kitchen. Oh, and Rob Thomas. Mmmm...And Pearl Jam. I'm a product of the 90's. What can I say? It was and is good music to me!
I love so many artists, I can't pick just one. I love anything that moves me.
Ooo that would have to be Death Cab for Cutie. Loved 'em for years and never get sick of 'em.
i'm a country/pop music girl and right now like Miley Cyrus...I know Miley? but The Last Song is a great movie and book. I own Nearer after your post awhile back I picked it up on my last trip to AZ to visit my sister in Nov. I'd love Nearer to give to a friend who always comments she loves the arrangements.
regina spektor
I've always loved U2, but Coldplay is up there, too.
Oh, tough one, Arcade is a favorite - one among many.
Being one from the town up north - I really enjoy learning about the music and all things Provo here on this blog!
This sounds like kissing up, but a friend pointed me in the direction of Neon Trees, and I've been playing their album non-stop ever since.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir...
I'd have to go with Joss Stone. That girl has pipes!
No matter how i've tried to fight it, I realize I am a terribly indecisive person, so these kind of questions are not for me. But I do love the Killers, Coldplay, and Ray Lamontagne
I have been pining after this CD!!!
I have too many loves to pick a favorite...right now I'm loving Michael Buble, A Fine Frenzy, and Owl City.
Holy cow! Neon Trees is not only still around, but has been signed? I used to watch them when they played gigs at the Y with my friend Jared's band, Forgotten Charity. I liked Forgotten Charity more, but then I had a crush on 3 out of the 3 guys at the time. ;)
The Handsome was a pretty good Provo band. I don't know what happened to them though. I first saw Stephanie Smith (now Stephanie Mabey) at the Read Leaf in PG, I think she was living in Orem at the time. She was just getting started back then and was ah-may-zing. I just about wore out her first CD. She's in Colorado now, but she will alway's be one of the first singers I think of when I think of Provo. She is still fantastic!
You mean the Joshua James, who's Mom was my "Merrie Miss" leader, that I babysat? Yeah, that one. He rocks. (and I'm old.)
I like the Perishers, if i have to name just one!
I don't have a favorite--I'm constantly changing, and looking for new and exciting. This looks good!
I love Paul Cardall; great music, inspiring story. . . . good stuff.
Did I really just get mentioned in the same sentence as Ryan Adams and Lisa Marie Presley?
Scott, I loved the post. You rock.
Favorite sounds so exclusive, but I always have a place for James Taylor in my music line up.
My fav musical artist at the moment would have to me Michael Buble or Jack Johnson. And... I would LOVE to win this CD!! I've had my eye on it for weeks now. :)
ashleyfsaunders at gmail dot com
I am a singer and therefore that somehow means I CANNOT pick a favorite but I am sort of in love with All American Rejects right now.
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