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Welcome to the Velveteria
B-side culture
Royal generosity
Big horn, big plans
Political punk
multimedia
Hear the music
MySpace fan base
story Nick Cummings & Zach Klassen
They’re not quite the starving artists of yesteryear. University of Oregon student musicians are taking the digital DIY approach to self-promotion, relying on social networking sites such as MySpace to propel themselves to Internet stardom. By keeping track of fans, announcing concerts, and distributing songs for free, local bands have delivered their signature sounds straight to their listeners across cyberspace — and generated swarms of followers as well.
Water Tower String Band
Genre Old-time/bluegrass/folk
Since 2005
Where Lake Oswego, Oregon
Known throughout Eugene for rowdy, vivacious square dances, the band has fostered a new generation of old-time enthusiasts among its fans. “The fun in playing is the sense of community it brings,” says Cory Goldman, the band’s banjo player. “That’s really the heart of it.”
myspace.com/watertowerstringband
The Skyline
Genre Rock
Since 2006
Where Eugene, Oregon
“We go for the straight rock sound because it doesn’t seem to be too prevalent in today’s music,” says Skyline singer and guitarist Daniel Jacobs. The sound, which combines British invasion and early nineties alternative rock, is fueling the group’s forty-six-show tour beginning July 2008.
myspace.com/theskylinemusic
The Arithmetic Danger Club
Genre Electronica/rock/indie
Since 2007
Where Eugene, Oregon
“It’s basically rock with a ton of electric stuff over it,” says The Arithmetic Danger Club drummer Damion Winship. And he’s right. Bright MIDI and Korg synths pierce the ADC’s fast-paced rock aesthetic with influences from Modest Mouse, the Flaming Lips, and Arcade Fire.
myspace.com/thearithmeticdangerclub