Traditionally, local bands start out in a garage or a spare bedroom of one of the band members. With some quality rehearsal time, a few good tunes, and a band name, they’re ready to explore the live music scene.
When the Radio Room first opened on Pleasantburg Drive, the intimate, 65 cap cinderblock building was perfect for bands beginning their journey on the scene. You could bring out 20-30 friends, do your promotion around town, and have a solid show at the local venue. In April, the former dive spot will move to its newest digs — a 500+ capacity, 8,400-square-foot space on Liberty Lane off Laurens Road. This will be its third location, growing with each move.
What it means
It’s easy to see what the difference will be. Some of the first shows at the space will be The Verve Pipe, Shovels and Rope, and Hawthorne Heights (elder emos turnout), three acts that fit the new space well, but would probably have been too big for the current room on Poinsett Highway.
What it also means
It also means local bands who are still building their audience will need to graduate to this space. We caught up with co-owner Wes Gilliam and he mentioned that sometimes this means working with acts to find the best spot for their show. He mentioned that so far, they’re planning to book “Radio Room Presents” shows at Greenville venues like Swanson’s Warehouse and Velo Fellow.
As the Radio Room continues to grow, their commitment to local music holds steadfast. Now we just need local acts to consistently fill up the mid-size venues across the state. I think the venues rather have a local band fill up the room on a Saturday night vs. a Shrek Rave, but that’s just a hunch.
Upstate
- Wednesday, Feb 21 | Bon Secours Wellness Arena | Steve Nicks
- Saturday, February 24 | Pickens Performing Art Center | A night with Aaron Tippin
Midlands
- Saturday, February 24 | New Brookland Tavern | Galán, Annie Leeth, KTG, Jody Jackson
- Saturday, February 24 | The Venue | The Runout (duo)
Lowcountry
- Friday, February 23 | Charleston Pourhouse | Lilly Hiatt
- Friday, February 23 | Charleston Music Hall | Cat Power
Enter to Win ticket giveaway
Enter here to win 2 tickets to see Stoplight Observations at New Brookland Tavern on Friday, Feb. 23.
Historical Nugget
The year was 1972 and the following acts performed at the Carolina Coliseum
- Leon Russell
- Neil Diamond
- The Byrds
- The Doors
- The New York Rock & Roll Ensemble
- Ten Years After
- Wild Turkey
- The Edgar Winter Group
- The Beach Boys
- Gentle Giant
- Jethro Tull
- Eagles
- Yes
- The Jacksons
In the news
- Clemson University announced it will host its inaugural music festivalheadlined by T-Pain, Mt. Joy, and Two Friends. It’s booked by the same company that’s bringing Kid Rock back to Greenville for the Rock the Country Music Festival.
Encore
The ‘ole Release Radar has been a bit thin on SC music lately. That should be picking up soon, but in the meantime, stay caught up with our New SC Musicplaylist. Here’s a few at Extra Chill.