Local Music Spotlight
Broadside Correspondent Patrick Wall

While generally not compared with music cities like New York and Los Angeles, D.C. and northern Virginia boast a thriving music culture. Many quality bands call this area home. Several bands are comprised of Mason students, while many have enjoyed success because of the university.

Sunset Shootout
Sunset Shootout is a band with strong ties to Mason. Three members attend the school, and they are billed to perform at Mason Madness on Oct. 12. The band is comprised of lead singer, Adam John, guitarists, Ian Perez and Sam Sumser and drummer, Nick Pollman. They pride themselves on being self-sufficient. "We do everything," said guitarist Sumser. "We book our own shows, make our own CDs and print our own shirts." This proactive approach has helped the band create a growing following, and possibly even promotional deals. "We're looking at leasing one of our songs to the Bed Head products for their next commercial," noted Sumser. The band pays special attention to its live show, dedicating whole practices to not only their set lists, but their stage presence as well. "We have practices where we focus on our live show," said Sumser.

As for their philosophy, Sunset Shootout is keeping it simple. "We try to write music that we like playing and that people like to hear," remarked Sumser.  Musically, the band is confident in its sound, as well as its future. "We really believe our music is different. I can't think of any band that sounds like us," said Sumser. "We're the next big thing," remarked Perez.

Information on the band can be found on their website. The page is frequently updated, and the band actively engages with its fans. In addition to the Mason Madness show, Sunset Shootout is also playing at Jaxx on Oct. 25. The band plans to have its first official EP released in December. Merchandise is available via the band's Myspace page and at shows.

Bob
Bob is a Reston-based band, who is very familiar with the local Fairfax music scene. "TT [Reynold]'s gave us our start," said guitarist, Adam Smith. "Jeremy [Gifford, owner of T.T.'s] gave us everything, and threw us on shows with all of the bigger bands around here." The band, which consists of singer, Matt Santoro, guitarist, Adam Smith, bassist, Carl Schmieg, and drummer, Drew Recny, brings together each member's musical tastes, whether it is hip-hop, rock or anything in between. As for Mason students, does the band notice the presence of students? "You see Mason people up here," said Santoro. "We try to target college students. College kids like going to shows, and it works for us."

Throughout their three year career in Bob together, the band members have seen themselves not only grow as musicians, but as people. "We've all kind of grown in to our roles," commented Santoro. "We've come a long way musically," Smith agreed "We've gotten really lucky. We've managed to do well for ourselves, and it continues to get better." The band formed from a longtime friendship between Smith and Santoro. After several years of musical experimentation, the current lineup emerged. "We went through about 20 drummers and a bunch of bassists," said Santoro with a smile.
The members of Bob pride themselves on creating a high quality live show. "We take after the bands 7, 8, 9 years ago when it was live show," said Smith. "That's what we've got, and we've got a heavier edge."  Smith urges everyone to come see the band in person. "To experience Bob, you have to come to a Bob show," said SmithSantoro sums it up, "If you love the CD, you'll love us live. If you hate the CD, you'll love us live."

Bob's five song demo, Raised on Main Street, is available at any Bob show. They will be playing at the State Theater on Friday, Oct. 10, and at a benefit for the endangered T.T. Reynold's on Saturday, Nov. 10 at the same venue.

Artists, especially local, unsigned ones,  rely on the support of fans. There are several local venues to see live music. TT Reynolds, State Theater and Jaxx are in close proximity and give local bands the opportunity to gain exposure.