Destination Mile: Interview with Midwest-bound Musicians

In anticipation of the Mile of Music Festival in Wisconsin, where the Capital Region music scene is well represented by a talented contingent of bands, some of the players heading out to the Midwest chatted with Nippertown about what they’re most excited about, the importance of a top-down commitment to supporting original music, and the similarities between the culture of Mile of Music and the community that’s been cultivated in the Capital Region. 

As you’ve seen the local music scene develop over the past few years, how do you think it reflects the essence of Mile of Music?

Reese Fulmer/Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band (RF): As a relative newcomer to the music scene here, without much context elsewhere, I feel like it’s always been pretty clear to me that the musicians are really pulling for each other. It’s been a cool feeling to have people that have been established for years just paying attention to what you’re doing and being so genuinely thrilled when new artists start making progress. From what I’ve heard, that’s a huge part of Mile. 

Kenny Hohman/Super 400 (KH): I am always discovering new local original music and musicians in the 518. It is a deep talent pool that has been growing, changing, and getting stronger throughout our career. There is no one style to the 518. The music is all over the place. Super 400 is new to the Mile this year, but that’s kind of what I expect to find there as well. A big pile of great music!

J Lee White/Precious Metals (JLW): It all starts with community, you know? When a scene gets going, it’s always only a dozen or so people getting the ball rolling. It’s as exciting as it is terrifying for performers to put themselves out there for the first time, and even after you hone your craft a bit, it can be equally difficult doing it in brand-new places. Mile is not only a testament to what pouring yourself into your local scene and doing what you can to support those around you can do, but it serves as a place we can journey far and away from NY but still feel welcomed and encouraged. 

What do you see as an impact of Mile of Music restricting performances to only original music? 

Arielle Woodul/Girl Blue (GB): I love this restriction because it means festival goers are open and ready to hear originals from not only artists they know but tons that they’ve never heard of. There’s a really pure energy coming from a musician when they’re playing their own song — you’re getting the material straight from the source. I think that’s part of what makes Mile so special each year. 

Josh Marre/Blue Ranger (BR): I see Mile’s no-cover stance as something to help push artists toward defining their live sound. Much of the time, younger artists are put into a box, playing bar gigs and eventually appeasing the crowd with some familiar songs. From what I’ve heard, in Appleton, they’re already appeased and open to what you’ve got. Which in some ways means you’ve really got to bring it.

KH: I dig it! I like the creativity of limitation parameters. I have never heard of a no-cover policy anywhere else, so I think it’s something that probably helps Mile stand apart from other festivals. It also fosters a sense of pride in all the bands that their music is what is valued. I also like not feeling like we have to add covers to appease a certain audience demographic. One that only thinks you are good if you can pull off a tune they know!

How do you think the presence of a group of Capital Regions artists and bands will elevate the visibility of our local talent to a wider audience? 

GB: Power in numbers! It’s such a cool thing to have so many acts that are so gifted show up together and make waves at the festival — as we’ve done in the past and surely will again this year. Each of us bringing our A game, representing not only ourselves but our community, can have a real impact on the reputation of the Capital Region. 

RF: I saw this in November when we had a great group of Capital Region artists down at NERFA in Asbury Park. The combined presence made such a difference. I think people will really resonate with the fact that all this music is sourced from the same place. I hope that by the end of the weekend, it will mean a whole lot more out there to say you’re an Upstate NY artist.

JLW: It definitely supplies these bands with a network far beyond just this one weekend. The folks that see and love these bands support them in just about any way that they can throughout the year, whether it’s grabbing merch, staying connected on social media, or offering a place to crash when bands come back through town. 

J Lee and Arielle, as artists who have played Mile of Music before, what’s one thing you’d want to share with people in this area about the festival? 

GB: This really is such a special music festival. It’s a place where songwriters can go to feel heard, appreciated, and validated, and it’s always chock full of open, friendly, talented artists to relate with. It has the ability to revitalize the creative spirit! 

JLW: It’s just so incredible to see an ENTIRE city get behind a festival like this. It’s not just a park here or a bar there; it’s every park and every bar pulling out all the stops to make this thing happen and happen with pride and excellence. It’s certainly a unique festival put on by some truly amazing folks. Out in Appleton, people are just so unbelievably kind and excited that we’re even there that it’s impossible to walk around the city without a giant smile on. Not only are they generous with their compliments, but they’re excited to have a quick conversation with you, maybe buy you a beer, and they remember you year after year. I’ve made so many friends these past few years that I absolutely can’t wait to run and give ’em a hug! (I’m looking at you, Ian and Jess)