By Mark Montie
Finding an audience is tricky for local musicians. Venues are around, but getting people out to the shows is challenging. Some are seeing a renaissance in local music interest.
'They are few and hard to find, who can make a living at (music) here in Utah,' said Loki Mulholland, 30, from Orem, a financial officer at Powerquest Corp. and amateur musician.
People just aren''t coming to the concerts, Mulholland said.
'It''s not like we suck,' Mulholland said. 'Once (people) go they love it.'
Being a good musician and being able to attract an audience are two different things.
'Everyone has a hard time getting their name out,' said Weston Cann, 30, a computer programmer from Orem, and amateur musician.
Cann helped found the Timpanogos Singer/Songwriter Alliance. This organization helps its members find performance venues, and works with them to improve their skills.
There isn''t a shortage of venues in the area, Cann said.
'Anyone can have a gig in their own house,' said Ronda Knudsen, a member of the Timpanogos Singer/Songwriter Alliance board of directors. 'If its more than $5 people don''t want to come.'
It isn''t easy for venues to make money in this area, said Corey Fox, 34, manager of Muse Music, a venue for local artists.
'It''s paying for itself, but it''s always a struggle with a place like this,' Fox said.
In other areas venues can make money by serving alcohol to their patrons. That doesn''t work here, and no one wants to pay $10 just to come and listen to music, Fox said.
In the early to mid-90s there was a lot more support for local bands, Fox said, who has been involved in the music business in Provo for 12 years.
'Back in the day there were local bands that could bring 1,000 people out,' said Fox.
Fox managed the band 'Clover' that sold out Kingsbury Hall.
Fox said he doesn''t know why interest has waned so much since then.
One theory, he said, is that at that time Seattle had just become the center of the music world.
'Everyone wanted to be the next Seattle,' Fox said.
Mulholland wonders if the lack of interest is because people in this area are more used to music. Everyone in Utah can sing or play an instrument, Mulholland said.
'If you''re no good you''re going to find out real quick,' Mulholland said.
Back East, it''s easier for local artists to attract audiences, Mulholland said, who is originally from Arlington, Va.
The Provo Arts Council has permormances at its location on Center Street every Monday night.
These performances have attracted anywhere from 20 to 450 people, said Kathryn Allen, executive director of the council.
'Everyone has their own taste,' Allen said.
'I think there''s plenty of advertising,' Mulholland said.
The Arts Council buys spots in newspapers, and distributes fliers and posters to advertise for its shows.
Fox said lately he has seen a resurgence in Provo''s night life.
Knudsen agrees that interest in local talent is improving.
'I think it''s evolving for the better,' Knudsen said.
Monday Night Live at the Provo Arts Center and Muse Music''s nightly concerts have come onto the scene in the last year.
Other venues, like the Read Leaf and Borders Books hold weekly live concerts free of charge.
Mulholland said he sees local music as a choice alternative to mainstream culture.
'If guys were smart they would be taking the girls to these shows,' Mulholland said. 'It''s music you don''t have to talk to your bishop about after you listen to it.'