Skip to main content
Metro

The Provo sound: a look inside Utah’s thriving music scene

From its tight-knit community of local performers to the potential to become big-name artists, Utah’s music scene offers opportunities for growth, creativity and connection.

Crowd
Loyal fans dancing at a Wild Flour concert in Provo. (James Burnette)

A unique music scene
Zach Collier, founder of Provo Music Magazine, noted that Provo musicians often start their musical careers with a solid foundation in music.

"Latter-day Saints are in a unique position because most of them grow up singing," Collier explained. This shared cultural background fosters an understanding of melody, harmony and rhythm and is a cornerstone of the area’s music scene.

The absence of a dominant bar or party culture in Provo also contributes to the liveliness of its music scene. Collier noted that in the absence of traditional nightlife, many young people in Utah form bands or attend concerts as their primary social activities. This led to the creation of a vibrant community focused on music and performance.

Opportunities for artists
Local events like the "Battle of the Bands" provide significant opportunities for artists to showcase their talent. Collier described the competition as both a platform for exposure and a networking hub.

"It’s framed as a competition," he said, "but really, ‘Battle of the Bands’ has become just this music industry networking event."

Trevor Myers, a former writer for The Daily Universe as well as an avid concert goer, pointed out that events like Salt Lake Twilight and Ogden Twilight often feature local bands as opening acts. This setup introduces audiences to new artists.

"Every show I’ve been to at those concert series has had a local band opening," he shared, emphasizing how these opportunities can help lesser-known musicians connect with broader audiences.

Local venues such as Velour Live Music Gallery, Kilby Court and The Boardwalk play a vital role in the music scene. The collaborative spirit is a hallmark of Provo’s music culture.

Community support and growth

What makes Provo’s music scene so remarkable is its deep sense of community. Sabrina Fair, a local artist and Velour Battle of the Bands finalist, shared how the collaborative atmosphere and frequent live shows helped her reach new audiences.

"Playing the Provo and Salt Lake scenes has helped grow my audience over the past several years," she said.

Even for emerging artists, the local culture is highly encouraging. This sense of camaraderie makes Provo an ideal environment for musicians to start their careers.

The role of local festivals and showcases can’t be overstated. Events like Block Party, which mix local and national acts, give local artists the chance to perform on the same stage as well-known names.

Myers highlighted how this kind of exposure benefits artists.

"It’s a great way to get introduced to new music," he said

Big names and national attention

Utah’s music scene isn’t just about local talent. Several successful artists have roots in the area. Post Malone recorded his album in Provo’s June Audio studio. Local artist Benson Boone, who gained fame through TikTok and American Idol, also recorded in Provo’s June Studios. Other notable acts like Imagine Dragons and Neon Trees emerged from the Provo music scene, showcasing its ability to produce nationally recognized talent.

Fair shared how Provo’s supportive environment helped her grow as a musician.

"There are so many artists who care about music here," she said. "Whether they’re listeners or work at venues, they really care about music and not just the big labels."

The influence of the Church

Many attribute Utah’s strong music culture to its religious and cultural influences. Myers noted that families in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often encourage musical talent.

"A lot of people sing, a lot of people play all kinds of instruments," he said, adding that the community’s support for music helps artists pursue their passions.

The collaborative nature of the scene is further enhanced by community leaders like Corey Fox, owner of Velour, and Kyle Henderson, a producer who has worked with local and national acts.

This cultural backdrop makes Provo unique in relation to major music hubs like Los Angeles or New York. Myers reflected on how the focus in Utah is less about industry pressure and more about community and creativity.

"It’s not complicated," he said. "It feels like a fun little friend group."

Challenges and future prospects

Despite its strengths, Utah’s music scene faces challenges. Collier mentioned the lack of an established music industry infrastructure, which often leads talented artists to pursue other careers.

"There’s no shortage of money, but there’s a high turnover," he said. However, resources like free studio time for competition winners aim to address these issues.

Provo’s music scene is ever-evolving. Events like "Battle of the Bands" and local festivals keep the community engaged and united. As more artists like Post Malone and Benson Boone bring attention to Utah, the state’s reputation as a hub for music will only continue to grow.