When thinking of Provo’s music scene, classical artists and show choirs may come to mind before rock bands and indie singers. Yet in backyards, basements, cafes, venues and even recording studios, another side to Provo music is thriving.
The recently-launched “100 Block Podcast,” hosted by UVU students Branden Rosenlof and Tom Larsen,* aims to bring this other side to light.
Rosenlof, an English major and fan of Provo’s music scene, said he had been dreaming of creating the podcast for years.
“I almost just woke up one day and said, ‘I should finally do that podcast I’ve been thinking of’,” Rosenlof said, speaking of finally bringing the podcast to life this past December.
So far, the podcast has generated four episodes and has a lineup of plans for future podcasts. Their next episode, which Rosenlof revealed as a sneak preview, will be with local hip-hop artist Apt.
Rosenlof said that the podcast owes a lot to Apt, including inspiration for the podcast’s name. The term “100 block,” coined by Apt, refers to the area on Provo’s University Avenue, the 100 north block, where two prominent music venues sit side-by-side: Muse Music Café and Velour.
In spite of the podcast’s name, which he describes as “iconic” in the local music scene, Rosenlof wants locals to know that the podcast is not confined to highlighting the venues of the 100 block. Their goal at the podcast is to highlight the music of all of Utah Valley.
Several musicians have already approached the podcast crew about being featured in an episode. Rosenlof reports that local musicians are “absolutely thrilled” to share their music.
Listeners appear to be thrilled to hear the music, too, as the podcast already has gained over one hundred hits per episode.
The power of the podcast, according to Rosenlof, is that listeners get to hear the musicians talking and get to connect with them on a new level. Of course, listeners get to hear music on the shows, but they also get the chance to meet the minds behind the microphones.
So far, the podcast has highlighted Velour’s owner, Corey Fox; rapper/songwriter Chance Lewis; dark rock/country band John-Ross Boyce* and His Troubles; and street folk band Ferocious Oaks.
Several indie and alternative country bands inhabit the Provo music scene, according to Rosenlof, but most music genres seem to be represented at least somewhat.
When speaking of his goals for the podcast, Rosenlof said he wants to “spread the music of Provo to a wider audience” and “bring a stronger awareness of how awesome the Provo music scene is.”
Podcasting is a cheap and accessible means of spreading music to listeners. The podcast crew is lucky in that their audio engineer, Al Deans, has professional studio equipment that they put to use. Still, the podcast remains free for listeners.
To check it out and explore new angles on Provo music, visit www.100blockpodcast.com. And, as Rosenlof says: “The Provo music scene has a lot to offer, so give us a listen.”
*Both Tom Larsen and John-Ross Boyce work with the UVU Review and have ties to the V magazine.
By Sierra Wilson
Although my name is spelled wrong.. this is a cool article.. Thank you!! haha!
I have listened to and enjoyed several Block 100 podcasts. I hope you will keep this going!
Thank you Al, and Branden Rosenlof and Tom Larsen, for this awesome contribution to the music scene.