July 24, 2002 Music » Music Features

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Emo-tional Rescue 

The youngbloods of Charlotte music

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click to flip through (3) One Six Conspiracy
  • One Six Conspiracy
   
The term "emo" means many things to many people. Some see it as a style of music that serves to pump some blood back into the oft-times soulless genre of "alternative" music. Some see it as a warning sign that you're about to experience interminable woe-is-me bleating, a la Dashboard Confessional. Worse yet, to many (including programmers and record execs), it's something even worse: "the new grunge." Which, of course, means that, as a genre, it's as good as dead any day now.However, free from the constraints of radio programming -- and, with the exception of 106.5 The End's 90 Minutes local music show, the radio altogether -- a slew of local bands are drawing strong audiences to shows that exhibit a true indie spirit, even when playing art galleries and parking lots. Some of them identify themselves as emo, while others don't. What all do exhibit is boundless youthful energy and passion -- indeed, many of these bands aren't old enough to drink.

Following is a look at the new breed of up-and-coming Charlotte bands, many of which you'll be hearing from in the future. And if not, well, don't come crying to us.

One Six Conspiracy 1. When did you form? We've been together for a year and change.

2. How would you describe your music? Rock music.

3. The term emo -- hate it, or accept it? We accept the term emo, but it generally applies to older bands; nowadays, it's all really just rock.

4. How would you describe audiences at your shows? You'll normally see a lot of youth there, due to the fact that many local bands are aging... you're beginning to see college kids as well.

5. How would you describe the scene? The scene in Charlotte is actually not very good. You don't have a reliable or set amount of people. I guess the age bracket has a lot to do with that. The scene is definitely growing, though.

6. Favorite other local bands? Codeseven, Near the Never, Aria, The Paris Centerfold, Beloved.

7. Favorite places to play in the Charlotte area? Our favorite place is Tremont's big stage... there are tons of cool little places to play, but the locations are so far out of the way and largely inconvenient.

The Jukebox Hero

1. When did you form? Fall of 2000.

2. How would you describe your music? Melodic rock & roll (it's all rock & roll... all this genre division just gets to me).

3. The term emo -- hate it, or accept it? Accept it, but think it's a stupid buzz word. "Emo" people are stupid in the way that they use it... Music is an emotional thing, so of course it's "emo."

4. How would you describe audiences at your shows? Agewise, between 13 and 21 usually (we just got out of high school). People-wise, we usually all play these shows together, so it's kind of a mixed crowd. We usually bring out between 100 and 400 people, depending on the show and the night.

5. How would you describe the scene? I wouldn't call it a "scene" at all. Whenever we're playing, it seems to me that there are so many different types of people, most of whom just like to hear good music. But as far as the music scene as a whole goes in Charlotte, I think that it's getting better.

6. Favorite other local bands? One Six Conspiracy, Arlen, Near The Never, Young Tom Fury.

7. Favorite places to play in the Charlotte area? Tremont... Fat City and all the galleries in NoDa are fun as well -- a more personable atmosphere.

Near The Never1. When did you form? December 1999.

2. How would you describe your music? Very energetic post punk, spastic and noisy to slow and soft.

3. The term emo -- hate it, or accept it? HATE. This seems to be the "default term" when it comes to any band that is not "Nu-metal."

4. How would you describe audiences at your shows? High school to college age with a few older folks. Anywhere from 20 to 400 people can be at shows considering the amount of promotion, bands, time, etc.

5. How would you describe the scene? The scene is either highly liked or highly disliked. A lot is involved in this scene and not many people know about it. Many people never have experienced a show where there are no drunks, everyone is friendly, the band actually is happy to be there, and shirts don't cost $30.

6. Favorite other local bands? One Six Conspiracy, The Paris Centerfold, Walsham, Hopesfall, Young Tom Fury, Aria, My Dog Kootch.

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