First Impressions: The Vegas Local Music Scene

I recently went to my local artist show, here in Vegas, this past Friday. I had been to quite a few local shows when I lived in Florida, but they were always heavier bands. I never had been to one that consisted of rappers and DJ’s, so I was stoked to experience my first one here in Vegas.

My husband introduced me to a local rapper named Ekoh last year, and while rappers aren’t my first choice in music, I instantly fell in love with his work. He speaks about so many relatable topics, and pours his heart and soul into every song. Ekoh (his real name is Jeff Thompson) and Mike have become friends since Mike discovered his music. I think it’s amazing when an artist takes the time to make a personal connection with his fans.

We went to the show at a venue we have been to before, but for more well-known bands. I was a bit surprised by the lack of people at the show, but by the time Ekoh came on stage, you would never have known that there were only about 50 people there; we all huddled in close together to watch him perform.

Ekoh had originally set up this show just like anyone else would (charge for tickets, mark up merch, etc.), but after the mass shooting that happened here at the beginning of the month, he decided to make it a free show, and all the proceeds raised by merch, and the paintings that were auctioned off at the show would go to support the victims.

For Mike and I, it was really important that we contributed, and also that we support someone who wanted to help. I only knew about three songs of his, but I was still so excited to be there. I felt an intense sense of community from the moment we walked into the venue. Even Jeff’s mom was there! A little more than half way through his set, he stopped what he was doing, looked right at Mike and said, “I’m gonna need some buff people to get Mike up on stage.” I really wasn’t expecting a swarm of people to rush to the front and band together to lift him on stage, and Jeff had told Mike he knew it wasn’t going to be the kind of crowd surfing he was used to, but wanted him up there for a song no matter what. (Granted, it was a song that Mike didn’t know, but no one seemed to care, and the same people came right back together, to pull him off the stage as well.)

I know I have said it in my previous post about Warped Tour, but there is such an overwhelming sense of community within the music scene here in Vegas. It may seem like I talk a lot about Mike getting up on stage, but honestly, the fact that it happens so often, and I witness these people come together to make a difference in another’s night, is what truly makes me fall even more in love with the bands, performers, and audience of true supporters, here in Vegas.

If you want to check out Ekoh, I recommend checking out Just Go and Love Yourself.

Till Next Time,

Kyla.

Check out more by Ekoh following these links:

YouTube: youtube.com/user/ekohhiphop

Facebook: facebook.com/ekohmusic

Instagram Name: @ekohmusic

SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/ekohhiphop

#EWLMUSIC #music #sound