Local Music Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Local Band Returns To Music After Almost Two Decades

West Virginia has a rich musical history, and in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Morgantown-based band The Argument was a proud part of that tradition. Now, after close to 20 years of inactivity and most of the members moving away from the state, The Argument is releasing new music.

West Virginia has a rich musical history, and in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Morgantown-based band The Argument was a proud part of that tradition. But after almost a decade of touring and a few appearances on Mountain Stage, the band went their separate ways.

Now, after close to 20 years of inactivity and most of the members moving away from the state, The Argument is releasing new music.

Reporter Chris Schulz sat down with The Argument’s Chris Russell and Scott Simons to discuss collaborating online and Morgantown’s enduring impact on their music.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.

Schulz: So Chris, first off, can you tell me what is The Argument?

Russell: The Argument started playing 1997 in Morgantown. Had a really nice run of 10 years of touring the country back and forth and recording music. Scott, you want to take over from there?

Simons: We were like 19, 20, 21 and we just started playing. We didn’t have a plan, we had no idea what we were doing, and then I don’t know, it just ended up lasting 10 years. We really had no idea what we were doing. It just kind of kept, in a good way, snowballing and we just sort of followed it and tried to keep up.

Schulz: And how exactly would you categorize the band’s sound?

Simons: We’ve kind of fallen into power-pop, I guess, would be the genre, somewhere like in the pop-rock world. Then by the time we broke up we were kind of, admittedly maybe chasing trends of the mid-2000s. We had certain elements to our songwriting that we liked, but the sound changed a lot over time. I’d say now, we’ve kind of just gone back to what we liked doing the most, which was the power-pop stuff, the second record.

Schulz: Chris, do you have anything to add to that?

Russell: I really enjoy making music now. I kind of feel like with the first few releases and songs that we really got to put out and finish, I kind of felt like we pressed pause, and for a really long time, and then just unpaused it. These next couple are just sort of the fun of revisiting, the fun of those days of being together.

Schulz: Tell me a little bit more about how you all ended up coming back together, what the motivation was there.

Simons: Maybe we didn’t realize it at the time or fully realize that at the time, but we were so lucky that our 20s were spent in a van for five days a week with three of our best friends. I think we’ve also seen other bands that we’d love to hear again, and not have a chance, the bands that we came up with.

With the way technology is and the pandemic forced us into a way of using technology that maybe we didn’t know what we were capable of. It just felt like a perfect storm of, if we have the songs, why don’t we just do it? Let’s just figure it out.

Schulz: Chris, what’s in it for you? What made you want to start making music with the band again?

Russell: Scott has been the main songwriter for The Argument since the beginning, and has always been really good about bringing it in and putting our little spin on stuff. He brought in songs that just fit. It immediately got us talking again. The chat messages, four way messages going off 50 in a row because somebody’s excited about stuff. Getting back together was a no-brainer if we could make it work. It’s always been an issue, 17 years of moving sometimes further apart. But with technology, it’s been really great being able to demo some songs and things like that.

Schulz: Scott, what about you?

Simons: What Chris said. It really comes down to songs. And there was such a specific way of writing when we were together that I guess was hard to find again. You know it’s different when you’re writing stuff when you’re 26, now I’m 46. It was trying to figure out, “What did we used to do and how do we just do that and have fun?” I think the biggest difference between the two things is now we just want to be together. We want to write fun music. We want to tell good stories, and we love just seeing people online have that nostalgia for the sound.

Schulz: What role does Morgantown and West Virginia continue to play in your music, despite the fact that a few of you have moved on?

Russell: We left Morgantown two years ago for North Carolina, but Morgantown for us, for me, has been since the ’90s my home. It’s been, even though I’m from another place in West Virginia, I consider it home. And it’s so awesome to go back to a place where you had so many roots put down for so many years, and still see a lot of the same people and then their kids.

Simons: There was no other town that we could have done what we did. We got to be in this vibrant college town in the middle of nowhere in the middle of everything at the same time. We could get to New York City in one trip in six hours and we could get to Charlotte in six or seven hours. We could get to Chicago in eight to 10 hours and we could get to Nashville in 10 hours. We were in the middle of everything with low overhead, teaching lessons and being involved in the community. We got to educate kids there at the time through private lessons, some of us in schools. Now those kids are killing it, and so we get to see that happen, which is incredible.

We took pride at the time being from Morgantown and being from West Virginia and busting stereotypes. Now for us, all our memories and everything emotional about the band centers around our time being in Morgantown. You can’t, I mean, there’s no way to separate The Argument from Morgantown, even if the members move out. That’s part of who we are.

Schulz: Before you moved away Chris, you started a local music school here in Morgantown called Pop Shop. And between that and the band, I was curious to know what you think about your legacy locally.

Russell: In The Argument, we started Pop Shop. Can we teach the younger generation, high school students about vocal blending? Or can we talk about songwriting or the business of what we do and how we stay on the road? It’s amazing to see the bands that have come from that program, and how they’re sort of populating a lot of the bands around there. The word I hear over and over again is, “I wish this was around when I was young.”

Simons: I wish it was around when I was young.

Russell: Same. You know, I really do but you know, we found our own way somehow, and then we can help others to find a way. And the people that we employ in Pop Shop are musicians.

Simons: I’m really proud of the legacy we left with our music and our community involvement. And I’m really happy that we get to somehow still touch that nerve and exercise those muscles and do it again.

——

The Argument’s single “Drag” is out now with more music on the way.

W.Va. Musician Gets 'Mountain Stage' Break

John Inghram, along with The John Inghram Band, made his Mountain Stage debut on May 1st, fulfilling a year’s long dream for the bassist and song writer.

May of 2022 will likely be etched in John Inghram’s memory forever.

Inghram, along with The John Inghram Band, made his Mountain Stage debut on May 1st, fulfilling a year’s long dream for the bassist and song writer.

Inghram grew up in Putnam County and has become a familiar face on the Kanawha Valley and regional music scene over the last two decades. Certainly, no stranger to Mountain Stage, Inghram is currently an associate producer on the show. He has filled in on occasion with the show’s stage band, providing the back beat with his bass guitar.

But just a few days before Mountain Stages’ first show of May, one of the scheduled performers was forced to cancel his appearance and Inghram and his band mates, literally got the call.

Courtesy

West Virginia musician John Inghram.

“The last 20 years I’ve been a fan of this show and just always known what a big deal it is,” Inghram said. “Not only to the state, but nationally and globally, even. It’s such a calling card for our state because it reaches such a wide audience and it’s so well respected in the music business and among musicians and agents and managers, just across the board in the industry. It’s a very, very well respected, legendary program.

“So three and a half years ago, I started working for the show as assistant producer and was always hopeful that I might get a shot. Knowing that I’m capable, and that when the time is right, the time will be right, and I’ll jump on that opportunity. So, unfortunately, David Bromberg had to drop out due to a COVID case in his band, and the opportunity came up about 72 hours before the show and I said ‘Hey, let’s do this.’

“This is what we trained for our whole life for, those moments were when the rubber meets the road you gotta go, so I took I took the opportunity and May 1, 2022, that was my opportunity to get front and center on the Mountain Stage.”

Inghram’s interest in music started early on with a strong influence from his family, first it was in church when he got a real taste of southern gospel. It then progressed into bluegrass, country, rock and jazz.

“My mom’s side of the family’s is musical,” he said. “Church, Southern gospel, bluegrass, country, old time kind of stuff. My grandfather was constantly playing pedal steel in the back room, and flat top guitar. My uncle’s a great banjo player, my other uncle is a great guitar player. My Mamaw, my grandmother, was a really fantastic singer and was well known for her singing in her little community up in Campbells Creek, my other aunt is a singer and we’re all a very close family. Just a really musical family.

“So I was around it and exposed to it at an early age. I started picking around and plunking around on stuff, but didn’t really get serious until well, it wasn’t even serious yet, but in middle school, I joined the band, and I was playing a little trumpet and a little baritone,” Inghram said. “And then I finally realized, well, I might want to get a guitar and I liked electric guitars. So, I talked to my mom about it, and my dad, and said, ‘I think I’d like to have an electric guitar and start learning how to play some of this rock and roll that I’m getting into.’

“I then went to my two best friends; one was a drummer and the other was a guitar player. I told them ‘Hey, my folks said I can get an electric guitar.’ And they said, ‘Well, why don’t you get a bass because then we can start a band. And I said, ‘well, that’s an idea.’ So the bass kind of chose me, that’s my primary instrument, which tends to happen. It’s not the sexiest instrument in the world to some, but anyway, it kind of found me and then I fell in love with it.

“I got really serious about it, stopped playing sports, and just really went headfirst into the music thing. And then at Winfield High School, I got with Scott Woodard, who’s the band director, and he was a phenomenal band director, musician and mentor. The fire was just fully lit at that point.”

When asked about what genre or category he falls in now, Inghram simply calls it his own “unique mantra.”

Courtesy

Cover art for The John Inghram Band’s debut album.

Now, almost three years after going into the studio, The John Inghram Band released its debut album, entitled John Inghram.

On Friday, the May 1st Mountain Stage show airs nationally across 283 radio stations. “A promotional coup,” Inghram says.

“You couldn’t have planned this any better,” Inghram said. “I mean, it’s kind of is one of those self-actualization things where all that work you put in for the 10,000 hours plus and these things kind of just click sometimes. It’s like we were in the right place at the right time. And you’re ready for the opportunity, right? That’s the whole thing, you never know when those opportunities are gonna come up. But when they do, you gotta be ready for them.”

9 Things You Need to Know about Wild, Wonderful #WVmusic

30 days, 30 brand new #WVmusic interviews. Without a doubt, June was a wild, wonderful month to remember.

From our June 1st kick-off interview with Rozwell Kid’s Adam Meisterhans to our season finale with Grammy winner Tim O’Brien, here’s what we learned about #WVmusic during our month-long series:

1. West Virginia music is more than banjos and Brad Paisley (no offense to either of them).

You can find just about any genre in each part of our state, whether it’s hip-hop in Wayne County or apocalyptic folk-rock in Bluefield. Just look at Matt Jackfert, a Charleston native who splits his time between hosting classical music on West Virginia Public Broadcasting, composing scores for videogames and touring with eclectic soul band The Company Stores. Matt was also the composer of the 30 Days of #WVmusic theme song in each of our podcast-y chats, so we chatted with him about his role in #WVmusic and what he hopes will happen in the coming months.

Matt Jackfert plays the ivory(ish) keys as part of The Company Stores.

2. It’s ok to leave…

Sometimes you need to gain a new perspective to fully appreciate past experiences. Just look at the successes of WVU alumni TeamMate (now residing in Los Angeles), Petersburg’s Kenny Tompkins (now in Maryland) or Mid-Ohio Valley’s Katelyn Read (now in North Carolina). But let it be known that if you were born, raised or loved the Mountain State, you will always be a part of our #WVmusic community.

3. …and it’s definitely ok to stay.

Take it from one of West Virginia music’s leading figures (aka Mr. Tim O’Brien): living and playing in West Virginia can be a beautiful thing. Costs are relatively low, travel is a-plenty (to major cities like D.C., Pittsburgh, Louisville, etc.) and the mountains have plenty of inspiration for you.

4. But either way, don’t let opportunities pass you by.

Seriously. If you do the work now, you’ll reap the rewards later. We chatted with Nathan Thomas (who helped transcribe and produce our 30 Days of #WVmusic series) about his work as a college radio DJ in Huntington and why local musicians need to be ready now given the highly-anticipated (and rapidly-approaching) release of Tyler Childers’ full-length debut.

Nathan Thomas poses in front of The V-Club in Huntington the night of WMUL’s College Radio Day celebration of local music.

nathan_thomas_wvpublic_edits.mp3

An interview with Nathan Thomas about #WVmusic.

5. The future is female (and it’s most certainly rock’n).

From charismatic crooners to behind-the-scenes strummers, West Virginia women are a force to be reckoned with. We look forward to following the careers of The Company Stores‘ Casey Litz, The Dividends‘ Hannah Spurlock and sister duo Whiskey Victor, just to name a few.

6. The future is also in the classroom.

Let’s pull a move from Sesame Street’s The Count and add up the ways music education is vital to We felt equal parts “awwww” and “rock on” in our interview with the young rockers from PopShop up in Morgantown. And Alasha Al-Qudwah‘s chat about nurturing lil’ seeds so they grow into strong, beautiful and musically-inclined trees was inspiring. And were it not for his jazz education at Marshall University, Rod Elkins might not be the same drummer we know and love today.

7. West Virginia folk history is full of punk rock.

Musicians like Mark Poole and J. Marinelli make West Virginia history fun. Wish you had them as part of your Golden Horseshoe exam, huh?

8. Don’t be afraid to do something brand new.

West Virginia was literally formed out of the need to do something different. One could argue we are the best example of a DIY state. So if you feel like there is something missing in the state, whether that’s a genre of music or a decent performance venue, get your friends together and make that dream come to life. Look to our friends at Jerry Run Summer Theater, Porch Unplugged and Hot Cup for inspo, or even the analog-in-a-digital-world folks at Sullivan’s, Cheap Thrills and Admiral Analog’s.

9. But whatever you do, support your scene.

Go see a show at a local venue. Purchase a digital download from a hometown act. Buy a CD from your favorite act and give it to someone you know will appreciate it. Tag your band on social media and let the world what they’re missing out on.

And support #WVmusic on public radio. 30 Days of #WVmusic is made possible with the help of our local underwriters (shout-outs to Kin Ship Goods, Made in WV and Todd Burge) and the support from listeners/readers like you.

If you discovered a new artist from this series or fell in love with a new song, help others do the same by pledging your support to West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s A Change of Tune. We’re proud to amplify local music to NPR Music and beyond, and we hope to do even more in the future with your help.

In the meantime, you can relive each of our 30 Days of #WVmusic chats right over here. Let us know which #WVmusic act we should listen to next on social media: like, follow and tag us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. And make sure to tune in to A Change of Tune Saturday nights at 10 and Friday nights at 11 for the rebroadcast.

Bringin' Blues to the Jewel City with The Shadowshaker Band

In April 2015, they released their first full-length Snowflake Mandala. Less than a year later, they earned an entry into the 2016 International Blues Challenge with their second release U Can’t Bother Me. And now, Huntington rockers The Shadowshaker Band are back with a bigger band and a bluer sound.

We sat down with The Shadowshaker Band’s Eve Marcum-Atkinson and Michael Lyzenga in the #wvpublic studios to talk about the band’s new record Heart on the Line and their blues-y beginnings.

The Shadowshaker Band‘s newest release is Heart on the Line, available now online and at The Red Caboose in Huntington. Follow the band on social media. To hear more from The Shadowshaker Band, tune in to A Change of Tune, airing Saturdays at 10pm EST on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. And if you like what you hear, support our #WVmusic chats with a pledge of support.

Interview Highlights

The Shadowshaker Band regularly performs at Ritter Park in Huntington, West Virginia.

On playing blues music:

Michael: People say it’s so easy, it’s just three chords and some attitude, but it’s so much more than that. It comes from the heart. Country music does in a way, if you write the right music. But the blues…

Eve: …will rip out your heart and make you happy you did.

On Eve’s musical beginnings:

Eve: I was all rock. Although I really liked one of the albums U2 did when they went more blues, and I liked that style. It wasn’t until the ‘90s that I really started appreciating that style with Nina Simone and Billie Holiday and those chanteuse-style singers. I was hiding under a rock for a very long time, and I did not sing in front of people… at all.

Michael: She’s got it good both ways though. She can not only sing The Shadowshaker Band music (the folk and blues and rock and Americana), but she’s also in a band called Under Surveillance where she can flat out rock. So she has the best of both worlds: she can come to my studio and record a little love ballad and go to their studio…

Eve: …and scream it out.

The Shadowshaker Band’s Eve Marcum-Atkinson designed the band’s cover art.

On writing The Shadowshaker Band’s music:

Michael: You can ask me where the lyrics come from, but I have no idea. I could not tell you how I can wake up in the morning, pick up my guitar, strum a chord, and write and record the song by the end of the day. I don’t know how it works, and I don’t know where they come from.

Music featured in this #WVmusic chat:

The Shadowshaker Band- “Heart on the Line”

The Shadowshaker Band- “Collide”

The Shadowshaker Band- “Shadows”

The Shadowshaker Band- “Mr. Weather Man” (Live in the #WVPublic Studios)

Farnsworth: 'Don't Ever Let Anyone Get In Your Way to Making Music'

Since the show began almost two years ago, A Change of Tune has highlighted some of the best up-and-coming artists out of these West Virginia hills with podcast-y chats ranging from Sean Richardson to Kyle Meadows, The Sea The Sea to Qiet and beyond.

But those interviews have been a bit infrequent, and since West Virginia Day was this month (and with A Change of Tune’s second birthday on the horizon), we thought we’d do something special: 30 days, 30 brand new #WVmusic interviews that range from Morgantown alt-rockers and Parkersburg singer-songwriters to West Virginia music venues and regional artist management and beyond, all of which contribute to this state’s wild and wonderful music scene.

And today, we are chatting with Farnsworth, a home-grown rock trio out of Charleston, West Virginia whose sound is “equal parts The Black Keys and The Black Crowes.” This alternative band is sure to leave you rock’n and roll’n all night, but how did these West Virginians start making music in the first place? Let’s find out…

Farnsworth’s members include C.W. Vance, Jason Reese and Tim Dorsey.

How did the band start playing music (when, where, why, etc.)?

The band started in early 2011 when C.W. Vance and Jason Reese met up at Budget Tapes and Records in Charleston to start discussing putting a band together. We both knew each other and we loved a lot of the same music, so we thought we could really do something awesome. We got Justin James to join us on bass and started practicing in Justin’s living room.

What previous bands have Farnsworth’s members been in?

C.W. came from the band Eva Elution. Jason came from the band Universes. Tim has been a longtime member of the area scene.

Where does Farnsworth’s name come from?

We named ourselves after Farnsworth Drive, a road which goes straight up to Spring Hill Cemetery in Charleston.

How has Farnsworth’s sound changed over time (if at all)?

We first started out playing a load of blues and rock covers with very little originals. We always loved riff rock, so our early sound as a band resembled a lot of Grand Funk, Free, etc. As we progressed, we started focusing more on songs as a whole. We began writing more melodically-driven songs and focused less on the riffs. With the addition of Tim Dorsey on bass a few months ago, our sound has become fuller.

Farnsworth have played around West Virginia, including The Empty Glass, The Clay Center’s Soundcheck Sessions and Live on the Levee.

Where does Farnsworth play in and around West Virginia (venues, festivals, etc.)?

We play a lot at The Empty Glass and Blue Parrot. We just had the honor of playing The Clay Center’s Sound Check Sessions. A few years ago, we played the Brew Skies Festival. We’ve played Live on the Levee several times. The V Club is another favorite of ours.

What’s been the highlight of the band’s musical journey?

In the early years of Farnsworth, we did a week tour ending up at The Trash Bar (now defunct) in Brooklyn, New York, then driving the 8 hours back to open for the Huntington Music & Arts Festival. We’ve also enjoyed being able to play at so many great venues (including The Clay Center and The Levee) and being able to tour through Ohio this past March. We’ve also been able to release our first full-length on vinyl, which has always been a dream of ours.

Meet Charleston’s alt-rock sons… Farnsworth!

What’s it like making music in West Virginia?

It’s very unique. We have such a wide variety of musical genres and a wealth of talent that rivals anywhere in the country. You can walk into any bar or venue any given night and see amazing local musicians.

Do you feel held back by being in West Virginia or does it feel like a musically-supportive place?

Not at all. It’s a very supportive scene. Being in West Virginia really allows musicians to find and hone their own voices. Everyone has their own identity here.

What, in your opinion, needs to happen in the West Virginia music scene for it to move forward?

Having more artists gain regional or national exposure would be great. We certainly do have artists that are doing very well within our community.

What’s the band’s advice to anyone starting to make music?

Just be yourself and do what’s true to you. Don’t ever let anyone get in your way to making music.

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Farnsworth’s latest release is the Farnsworth EP. Keep an eye on their social media for summer tour dates, not to mention an upcoming full-length (which will be recorded this summer at Musicol Recording Studios in Columbus, Ohio). To hear more #WVmusic, tune in to A Change of Tune, airing Saturday nights at 10 on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. And for more #WVmusic chats, make sure to go to wvpublic.org/wvmusic.

You're a Good DJ, Charlie Brown Superstar

Since the show began almost two years ago, A Change of Tune has highlighted some of the best up-and-coming artists out of these West Virginia hills with podcast-y chats ranging from Rozwell Kid to The World is a Beautiful Place…, Beach House drummer Graham Hill to Qiet and beyond.

And today, we are chatting with a musician out of Romney/Huntington, West Virginia. By day, you might know him as Brett Fuller. But by night, you might just hear his indie dance beats as DJ Charlie Brown Superstar. So how did a West Virginian turn a beloved cartoon character into a disco-spinning DJ? Let’s find out…

Charlie Brown Superstar is in his element.

How did you start playing and producing music?

I got my start at the legendary Huntington club Gumby’s in the winter of 1994. Over the years, I gradually and naturally transitioned into producing. You tend to get to the point in DJing where you tire of playing other people’s music and want to spin your own.

Where does the name Charlie Brown Superstar come from?

I was playing at The Drop Shop in Huntington, where we were running a theme night called “Dueling DJ’s”. The premise of the event was that a DJ from another club would come to our club and would “compete” with me for the crowd’s favor. It was all friendly and in good fun, but while we were preparing for the first show, the club called me and asked for a name (as I didn’t have one at the time). I had been toying with the name Charlie Brown Superstar and went with it. It’s just a play on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar.

How has Charlie Brown Superstar’s sound changed over time (if at all)?

My sound changes all the time. It’s different whenever I sit down to work on something. It all depends on my mood and the vibe I’m feeling at the moment.

Where do you play in and around West Virginia (venues, festivals, etc.)?

I’ve played all over Huntington, but I have been the resident DJ at The V Club for the last decade. I’ve also played The Empty Glass, Boulevard Tavern, and Sam’s Uptown Cafe in Charleston, as well as 123 Pleasant Street in Morgantown. I will be playing The Brew Skies Festival in August.

What’s been the highlight of your musical journey?

There’s too many to single one out. I’ve had great experiences ranging from playing house parties to DJing in front of packed clubs (especially my 8-year run on Mondays at The V Club) to playing with local and national acts on bills throughout my career.

What’s it like making music in West Virginia?

I don’t know if making music in West Virginia is any different than making music wherever you are. I mostly work by myself, so I can be anywhere. I’ve worked on my stuff on a boat in Mexico, riding in cars to gigs, and in other cities and states. I think it’s different now that the internet is making the world a smaller place. It’s as easy to be influenced by someone in a small town in Australia as it is by a local musician.

Do you feel held back by being in West Virginia? Or does it feel like a musically-supportive place?

At times, both. I’ve had amazingly supportive crowds throughout my career, but I’ve also had crowds who’ve turned on me as soon as I started playing. It just depends on the atmosphere of where you are.

What, in your opinion, needs to happen in the West Virginia music scene for it to move forward?

I think it has moved forward. I’ve been involved with this scene for over twenty years, and I’ve never witnessed a time where there has been so many talented bands and musicians going at once. In the past, it always seemed like there was “one great hope” that could “make it.” Now, I feel like there are a bunch of acts that could or are already on their way.

Any words of wisdom for folks wanting to get into music?

Follow your own direction and just do what you do.

Charlie Brown Superstar’s latest release is the Good Grief EP. Keep an eye on his social media for summer tour dates and releases. To hear more #WVmusic, tune in to A Change of Tune, airing Saturday nights at 10 on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. And for more #WVmusic chats, make sure to go to wvpublic.org/wvmusic.