BAFTFT 6: Trying to get an 'in'...

Written by Jessica George

Last month’s column had me marching in a dismal parade and questioning whether or not I should be living in North Carolina. This month, because this is real life and not some fast paced, well written (or even poorly written) sitcom, things are sort of the same but slightly better. I can’t ask for much more (but probably will anyway). The weather is cold and drizzly but I shan’t let my spirit imitate it. I’ve been pushing forward and a large part of my efforts have focussed on exploring the art and music community here in Carrboro. I keep hearing people talk of it, especially when I hang out at the hipster bar, Orange County Social Club, and lean close to others in an attempt to look like I am fitting in with townsfolk.

I’ve been searching for clubs and bars in the area that feature live music and it may be that I’m even trying to recreate some of my favorite places like Whammy Bar and The Wine Cellar in Auckland. It’s always a great feeling to walk into a bar and know you can hear some music, view some of the locals and grab a drink. A week ago I went to The Nightlight, a bar on the Carrboro-Chapel Hill border to see what I will describe as ambient noise music. We’re talking lengthy keyboard notes, wind chimes and bird sounds. It was an experience. I am sure there is some proper term coined by the die-hard record collectors and music buffs, but you’re okay with me calling it like I hear it, right?

In addition to the music, it was refreshing to be out amongst a group of people who at least had an interesting aesthetic and who because of their choice to be at this bar on a Friday night, might possibly share similar interests to me. I suppose I am saying that people like the hippie moms coming into the gallery where I work are a lot less likely to become friends of mine. It was the first time since I’ve been back in the USA that I didn’t have the bittersweet sting of nostalgia for a music scene. It was nice, to say the least. People were drinking, milling about and having a good time, me included. One Swedish band, Tape, I would even highly recommend checking out. Looking around, I could have been back in Auckland, seeing Artisan Guns in the underground lair that is Whammy. Music fans are music fans wherever you go. But how is it possible to go from the outskirts of a music and art community to the... inskirts?! Fellow Morph columnist, Louise Evans, delves into this topic in her article, “Music Communities,” discussing her need to be a part of a community of creatives. She talks about a community as a supportive structure, a place to be with others, whereas a scene is more superficial - a place to be seen. I’m hoping to break into the community here. First things first, I have to find that community and members happy to share whatever it is with me.

In Auckland, I was fortunate enough to become involved with the Makeshift Art Collective, which served as a gateway to the local art and music community. It also gave me the opportunity to create my niche there. While at Makeshift I prided myself on bringing new people into the community, connecting people and inviting them to join in the fun. I realise that I took a very proactive role in engrossing myself as much as I did, so how do I go about that here, sans art collective?

Step one: Walk up to random strangers at gigs and introduce myself as an art and music enthusiast.
Step two: Fail.

I can’t imagine that going well. It’s the ‘cold calling’ equivalent of meeting people. People throughout the decades have asked how to get an ‘in’ with the people they want to be with. My reasoning for getting in with the art and music community here would not only be for friendship but also as a means to explore the art and music here in Carrboro. I’m not so much interested in being perceived as a cool kid with my new friends, although that never hurts. Sometimes, you have to just be who you are and things will slowly fall into place, but in saying that, you also have to be proactive. At this show, I made sure to mingle, meet people in bands I’d never heard of, and probably talked the ear off a few people about New Zealand bands I am pining for.

I don’t have the answers but I can hypothesise and so far a lot of it seems to be trial and error. At the risk of looking strange, alone, eccentric... you have to take risks to make a mark. These risks often include putting yourself out there over and over, like a fisherman patiently waiting for a bite. So far, my bait has led me to the North Carolina Songwriters’ Co-op and to a few gigs where I really have enjoyed what I was hearing (check out Schooner and Organos). The more lines I throw the more bites I’ll hopefully get in return. Stay tuned because I sure as hell can’t predict what’s going to happen.

photo by Kate Fanfani