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Logan's music lovers say why
not, flock to Why Sound
By Ty Mortensen
May 5, 2009 | LOGAN -- After booking bands from Austria,
Japan and Canada during its first year, Why Sound is
feeling pretty good about how things have shaped out
for their unique business. It's the only music venue
in Cache Valley, and it all started on the East Coast.
Tim Moes grew up in New Jersey where he first picked
up a guitar. The pursuit of music led him to Boston
where he studied commercial engineering and music composition
at Berklee College of Music before moving to the Big
Apple in 1992. Moes arrived in New York and went on
to receive a master's degree in composition from the
Manhattan School of Music.
With a love for music, and an extensive education
in composition, Moes wanted to make a profession out
of music, but he had difficulty finding work.
"As a composer you basically have to starve or teach,
and I don't think I'm much of a teacher," said Moes.
Moes finally decided to start doing recording, after
jobs turned up fruitless in his field of expertise.
After 14 rigorous years in New York City, Moes had
become worn out. The now seasoned music recorder was
grateful for the things he learned, but the time had
come to move on. His adventurous spirit led him to the
Mountain West.
Moes said his adage has always been "Hey, let's try
it. We've done New York, let's go somewhere else. Let's
go try something different." Different is what he got.
When Moes first arrived to the sleepy college town
of Logan, he was a little disheartened. From what he
could see, the only music happening in the valley was
that being sung by church choirs, and the Utah Opera
Festival.
Moes attended a party one evening and met Robert Linton,
a Logan native. Linton had been asked to add some atmosphere
to the party by playing some songs on guitar, and Moes
couldn't help but be impressed. After Linton's set wound
down, Moes approached him about recording and told him
about the business he wanted to start up. Being an insider
to the local music scene, Linton said he was intrigued
and optimistic about the possibilities.
In April 2008, a space was found, building renovations
were undergone, and construction on a recording studio
began. It was the birth of Why Sound.
To celebrate the beginning of the new business, Linton
suggested they hold a small concert in the front room
featuring a few local groups. After the show, the bands
expressed interest in playing there again. Moes agreed
to set up another gig, and soon local musicians caught
wind. What started as a celebratory performance turned
into something much larger, and the accidental success
became exponential. More and more bands started coming
by, wanting to play at the new venue.
"I can tell you now that we're booked all the way
through August, and it's not even May yet," said Linton.
Neither Linton nor Moes anticipated the business to
see such success as a venue, and not solely a recording
studio.
"What really surprised me was the level of talent
around here. I thought it would just be a small hick
town, but it's really blown me away," said Moes, "I've
learned now that you don't see the music scene in Logan
until you jump into it."
The business would eventually add "music venue"
after its title, Why Sound Recording Studio. The mission
and service offered by Why Sound is now two-fold.
"This is a place where anyone can share their music,"
said Linton, "Whether they're recording their music
to be shared on CD, or they're putting on a live performance."
The opportunities Why Sound grants to local musicians
have already helped to develop a reputation for the
business within the community, and beyond. Moes said
that despite the its relatively small size, Why Sound
attracts musicians partly because it's run by musicians
who understand that side of the business. The business
has set a policy to never turn anyone down who wants
to play, and musicians feel welcome there.
"When bands have fun they play better, they do better,
and they can build their crowd because they're having
a good time," said Moes.
With the new found success, come certain challenges
as well. The company struggles to successfully manage
its recording capabilities without losing the momentum
it has gained through booking different bands.
Regardless, the two music lovers remain optimistic
about the challenges, and look forward to the coming
months. Musicians enabling music.
"That's what it's all about, just being passionate
about the music," said Linton.
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