By Jennifer Sadler

Columbus has a rich and diverse history of hometown music with deep roots. The genres of music represented are as varied as the cultures of people who live here. Columbus embraces diversity and it shows in our local music.  Columbus has fostered legendary talents the likes of ‘60s folk-activist singer/songwriter Phil Ochs and great jazz vocalist Nancy Wilson. Country singer Dwight Yoakam, hip-hop producer and performer RJD2, rapper Bow Wow and American Music Club’s Mark Eitzel—are among many internationally-acclaimed musicians who got their start in Columbus.

As with similar big college towns, Columbus also boasts a long history of great indie rock music. During the ‘80s and ‘90s, Columbus experienced an epic period of highly influential music and long-deserved national recognition with the likes of The Toll, Great Plains, Scrawl, RC Mob, Gaunt, The New Bomb Turks, Tim Easton, Todd Sines, Titonton Duvante and the list goes on.

So what makes Columbus such a great “incubator” of music?

Without the eclectic, artistically ambitious and talented musicianship, there wouldn’t be great music exploding beyond the city’s boundaries. The Columbus community’s eager audience with a passion and pride for local music has created an environment that nurtures great talent.

Columbus is dedicated to showcasing live music, creating a place that attracts and inspires musicians and fans alike. Rife with excellent venues all over the city, music lovers can enjoy performances anywhere from the small but legendary jazz club Dick’s Den and the Rumba Café to huge indoor-outdoor venues like the LC Pavillion that can entertain up to 4,500 fans. Any night of the week, great local music can be experienced. Venues like the Ohio and Palace Theatres and the Wexner Center host some of the finest music from around the globe. Thanks to the Wexner Center, Columbus has experienced countless world-debut concerts since it opened in the early ‘90s.

In addition to the array of venues and resources such as independent record labels, record stores and recording studios, there’s tremendous support and collaboration among the musicians. The tireless efforts of local radio stations that host events and present quality programming, the continued support of local businesses, non-profit organizations, festival organizers and more—all help raise the awareness of Columbus talent locally and nationwide.

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ColumbusArts.com Artist Profile

Capital University Students Bring New Sounds to Columbus

By Kelsey Thaxton

Last year, Capital University students Parker Muntz, Brandon Maclean, Patrick Hearn, and Zack Newkirk came together to begin their own independent record label, Boomhouse Records. According to the group, Boomhouse Records is a Columbus based independent record label devoted to bringing a new sound and a new way of thinking to the forefront.  They have coordinated many shows and events for the groups they represent in the Columbus area. GCAC recently interviewed one of the founders, Capital University senior Parker Muntz, to learn more about Boomhouse and their involvement in the music industry.

GCAC's Marketing, Communications & Events intern interviewed the guys at Boomhouse to learn more about the business.

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