By BRITTANY KARFORD

There are several local bands in the Provo music scene that may or may not be familiar, including The Matt Lewis Band, Palomino and Auburn, to name a few. But if none of those ring a bell, how about Something Local Productions?

It’s the entrepreneur venture of one BYU student that is unifying the Provo music scene and looking to do the same at college campuses nationwide.

With two compilation cds, promotional dance parties that boast an attendance of 1,500 or more and developments in the making, Something Local Productions has established itself in Utah Valley – and the word is spreading.

“We get to know local bands on a face to face basis,” said Dennison Harris, co-creator of Something Local. “We want to be in their living rooms and know them individually.”

Created with the initiative to get the word out about bands his friends were in, Harris and partner Zack Neipp developed the idea for a company that would provide exposure, promotion and distribution to Provo’s up and coming musical talent.

“Originally we started it from our own imaginations,” said Harris, a French major from Thousand Oaks, Calif. “A lot of our friends are musicians and we want to see them make it.”

Something Local Productions has become Harris’s baby, and the expectations are exceeding anything he dreamed of as the company expands. With a growing number of bands, sponsors and fans, he said he believes Something Local is something he wants to take to a national level.

“We’re thinking of marketing even with McDonalds,” said Neipp, co-creator of Something Local, who also originated the Beat the Bookstore franchise. “Imagine getting free downloads off cups of local bands.”

That’s the future. As for now, Harris is compiling the company’s third compilation cd, which is expected to come out next fall.

The compilations include a mix of songs from artists in the area whom Harris has come in contact with, some of which he has been introduced to or even approached by.

“We’ve developed many friends this way,” Harris said. “We’ve included bands that were willing to take a chance with us before we were able to prove ourselves.”

Something Local has received additional help from others immersed in Provo’s music scene. Corey Fox, the previous manager of Muse Music, allowed Harris free entrance to shows and even made him a judge at Muse’s Battle of the Bands.

“Once we were “in” with a few great respected bands, we began to develop relationships with a whole network of bands that just keeps growing,” Harris said.

Many bands are more than willing to be apart of Something Local. Chad Bates, the bass guitarist for The Matthew Lewis Band, said it is a great opportunity for free publicity.

“It helps all the local bands in the area to share their fan base,” Bates said. “We have loyalties to Dennison, but honestly, he’s doing more for us than we do for him.”

Bands involved feature their best songs on the compilation cds and perform at Something Local Productions concerts and dance parties. Thousands of free cds are distributed at the events.

The ability to host the events and fund the CDs comes from local sponsors Something Local has been able to attract. Among the company’s sponsors are Fro-Yo, Board of Provo and Hollywood Juice café – all independent, owner-operated businesses – much like Something Local itself.

“They support local businesses, not corporate America,” said Shawn Seamons, manager of Board of Provo. “It’s one of the best things we’ve done as far as advertising.”

Sponsors pay $200 for a spot on the CD, and are not limited to businesses. David Bailey, a candidate running for Provo Mayor, graced the last album with a student-oriented platform to get students to vote.

“I would do it again,” Bailey said. “They run a clean operation and don’t charge too much. I think the world of Dennison Harris and his crew.”

Something Local is attracting sponsors outside of Utah County, as the Salt Lake-based alternative radio station, X96, is looking to incorporate the company in their Live and Local program that runs 8 to 10 a.m. on Sundays.

“They support local bands and that’s why we feel it’s a good partnership,” said Heather Johnson, a marketing consultant at X96.

Though the company is seeing greater success, Something Local still has yet to turn a profit. The first party in April of 2004 flopped after a dismal turnout, in which Harris lost a personal investment of $1,500. Something Local has since recovered the loss, and then some, and Harris continues to re-invest in his conception with zeal.

“We feel that we are genuinely partners with each one of the bands,” Harris said. “We all have the same goal and objectives as we look to expand the market for local music.”



Copyright Brigham Young University 28 Apr 2005