Bands find great starts during college

  CASEY CROWE/Daily Bruin

By Michael Rosen-Molina
Daily Bruin Senior Staff

To many, the mention of an up-and-coming rock star typically
recalls images of teenage garage bands playing in dingy bars,
struggling to get by, surviving on hopes and dreams and cheez-whiz
out of the can.

In some ways, the image still rings true; the cheez-whiz may be
gone, but today’s ambitious young go-getting musicians still
face the same stiff odds and still yearn for the same glory.

But, with the challenges of the modern music industry, many find
the college experience just as vital as real world performing.
It’s a time to test the waters of the scene or explore
alternative options. More musicians look to non-music majors to get
a competitive edge. Balancing song and studies, student musicians
prepare to meet the challenges of the real world.

“I think every musician who comes to UCLA is excited to
think that they’re going to the same school as Jim
Morrison,” said Ian Brown, a third-year undeclared student,
bassist for blues rock style Wild Card. Brown described Wild
Card’s sound as being heavily influenced by classic rock,
comparable to Jimmy Hendrix or Cream.

Although the band has been active around the Westwood area,
playing such venues as Westwood Brewing Company, Wild Card is
currently busy putting together its first CD.

“We’re hoping to sell CDs at all our gigs or perhaps
hand out free samples,” said Brown.

Brown explained the genesis of Wild Card, pointing to a
classified ad he ran in “The Recycler” newspaper.
Coincidentally, Wild Card’s then-future drummer Mike Heaven
ran a similar ad, looking for bandmates. “He was almost
psychotic into it,” Brown said, joking about their first
meeting, “I literally couldn’t say no to
him.”

David Jonelis, also a third-year undeclared student, encountered
difficulty in organizing a band as well. He took time out from
preparing demos in the studio to discuss his music, which is
reminiscent of both Counting Crows and Pearl Jam.

Jonelis writes, sings, and plays both guitar and piano for his
own music. With such diverse talents, Jonelis had, until recently,
been performing alone.

“I made a vow that I would not work another gig until I
could form a band,” said Jonelis. “I’ve worked
with some bands, but since I came to UCLA I’ve been going
solo.” Jonelis recently achieved his goal, organizing an
as-yet unnamed band.

Jonelis did make an exception to his vow at last year’s
Spring Sing, where he performed his original composition,
“Walls.” He said about the experience: “It was
really fun. You reach more people than with any gig at a
club.”

Student musicians face a unique challenge, juggling scholarly
pursuits with aspiring musical careers. Although a dedicated
drummer, third-year student Scott Silverman chose to pursue a
degree in law instead of music. Last year, Silverman joined class
of 2000 alumnus Rick Watling in the band Sunseri.

“I had to make a decision back in high school about
whether I would go to college or to music school,” said
Silverman. “I decided to come to college, but to keep playing
music as much as possible. It’s hard to do both, but school
is my first priority right now.”

These musicians saw the UCLA environment as a good place for
young talents to grow and experiment. Both academic programs and
social events give musicians the opportunity to hone their
skills.

“My time at UCLA did influence my music,” Silverman
said. “On the plus side, I benefited from working with such
great teachers. Billy Higgins, for example, is one of the
world’s greatest drummers, and he leads student combos here
on campus. I became involved with legendary jazz musician Kenny
Burrell’s combo through the music department and the Jazz
Studies program.”

While Silverman praised the academic program, others find
satisfaction by moving directly to public performance. Wild Card
performed at several campus music festivals in Westwood Plaza.

“It was great, a really cool way to connect,” said
Brown. “Music isn’t like sports; it’s not a
constant competition. We get together with other bands and jam
together, or have guest artists.”

Perseverance and dedication more than anything else can
determine success. A music degree is not the only road to a
thriving career, and many student musicians opt to study other,
more practical subjects, practicing their music on the side.

“I plan to take the Bar exam, and practice law for a
period of time,” Silverman said of his studies.
“I’ve spent three years studying it, so I think I ought
to practice it a bit. Maybe then I’ll take a step back and
take another look at where I’m going. Perhaps I could use my
legal experience to launch a music career.”

Jonelis also considered the possibility of breaking into music
through law. “I’d like to work with music ““
either in the music business or as a music lawyer,” he said.
“If I could make money playing music, that would be my
dream.”

Jonelis has worked at a music law firm and currently runs his
own promotion company. “I mostly use word of mouth, but I
also go to parties and sororities. The Greek system is a great way
to get the word out about something.” Both experiences help
him to get an insider edge on the ways of the industry.

The stiff competition of the real music business might have
influenced their choices to follow more stable study courses. While
UCLA musicians find that school may be rich in opportunity, the
real world is another matter. The sheer number of talented
performers struggling to get that one big break discourages many
hopefuls on the Los Angeles music scene.

“L.A. is difficult above all other cities,” Brown
said. “There are so many bands out there that even getting
unpaid gigs at midnight is difficult.”

Even so, he remains optimistic.

“We’re different than a lot of bands out there right
now, though, since we’re more classic rock style while a lot
of bands take another direction — more rap.”

“The club scene is tough,” said Silverman, agreeing
with Brown. “There are a lot of good musicians in L.A., but
there aren’t a lot of gigs available.”

Jonelis expressed a more positive interpretation on the problem
of surviving the Los Angeles circuit, explaining the qualifications
needed to succeed in this fast-paced world.

“Connections and hard work are everything,” he said.
“I moved to L.A. because this is such a musician’s
town. It’s possible to book a gig anywhere in town if
you’re just willing to work hard.”