Music is powerful. As people listen to it, they can be affected. They respond.

The local and unsigned music scene has had a significant decrease over the years.  In 2008 I started going to local shows and seeing bands from Northern New York when I was in college. I became addicted. I followed bands I'd seen on campus all over the state. Little did I know I'd meet someone who would impact my life more than I think either of us realized.  

Mike Liorti (known as Rosedale at the time). Getting to know him, and the struggle he went through, going from multiple band members, to being a DIYer, to his last hometown show in Toronto, playing bass with Summer Years in San Diego, and NOW re-branding as Lioneer. Watching what he went through, and even having a heated discussion with some arrogant people who were being completely horrible to him and him trying to get a show put together after a misunderstanding. 

But watching him persevere, even with vans breaking, and breaking down, and gear being stolen multiple times, having an operation 500 miles from home, and getting back to it, made me realize I can do anything I put my mind to. And I'm using that drive to run this blog, find new bands, and share it with whoever I can. 

If we don't support local bands and musicians, we'll never have any new music on the radio, or streaming services. And we'll never have new live shows to enjoy! Music evolves and grows, just like we do. Support each other and we can do GREAT things!