Underground
bands face myriad
challenges of youth
EXIT 24, Rockstars,
Star-Bulletin
Lose Money and Richie Rich
highlight young lineup"I could see Honolulu being a total hotspot of music, reminiscent of the scene in Seattle," says Jason Miller, manager of underground groups EXIT 24 and Go Jimmy Go.
The only problem that keeps Hawaii's underground scene underground? Geography.
"The bands essentially play to the same audience," said Miller, who attended the University of Hawaii, getting involved with KTUH, before moving to Seattle and back.
"It's difficult for the groups to travel to other cities or have other bands come through town, see you, then spread the word like on the mainland."
Miller is trying to give local musicians a hand by staging at least two showcase concerts a month, featuring several young bands. "There are still so many more people who could learn about the underground scene and have yet to discover it," Miller said.
However, Miller is having a hard time finding venues for the bands. Many bands' members are younger than the legal drinking age, and even though audience members range in ages from early teens to late 20s, many of the concert-goers are "real young" and are not allowed into 18-and-older establishments, or due to lack of transportation, can only attend shows in their neighborhoods.
"We (underground bands) support each other, though," Miller said. "We look at it as a family and totally treat each other like a family member."
Miller said band members often show up at other groups' gigs. Many individuals are also encouraged to start bands after being a fan of someone else's band.
The competition makes the bands better, thus saturating Hawaii with really good bands. "We should cherish it," he said.
EXIT 24, Rockstars, Lose Money and Richie Rich will be performing at 9 p.m. tomorrow at Thai Nightclub and Karaoke, formerly the Ninja House, on Kapiolani Boulevard. The club is across from the Hawai'i Convention Center, on the second floor near 7-Eleven.
Miller's next Hawaiian Express concert is scheduled for 6 to 11 p.m. Feb. 26 in Kalaheo High School's cafeteria. Performers include Mister Meaner, National Product, 36 Chambers, The Sticklers, Undecided, Keyser Soze, UNIT 101, EXIT 24, Grapefruit and Potluck. Admission is $5 and proceeds benefit the Hawaii Foodbank. Call Miller at 255-7040.
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