Competition for local music scene causes tension between the IMC and Why Sound

Utah State University’s Independent Music Club faces increasing conflict with the owners of Why Sound music venue.    

Over the years the IMC, whose main goal is to promote bands through independent and university held shows, has become popular among college students who pay little to nothing for a concert.

The IMC’s popularity has become a threat to local venues in Logan that generate profit through tickets sales. Particularly Why Sound.

“We don’t want to compete with them because we feel like venues are great for the local music scene,” said Riley Holgate, a member of the IMC.

However, the IMC’s support for local venues conflicts with the club’s objective.

“We can’t help but want to run our club the way it have been done historically, which is low prices so as many people as possible will show,” Holgate said.

In addition to the IMC’s low-ticket prices, Why Sound is also threatened by constant scheduling conflicts. Both consistently hold concerts the same night.

“Neither one of us want to move our shows to a different night,” said Nate Sorenson the IMC club president. “Because obviously you get the best turn out on weekends.”

Last month, the IMC allegedly accused Why Sound owners of calling the fire marshals to shut down the group’s house party.

“There were 150 people at the party, it was a clear violation” Sorenson said. “This was a perfect opportunity for Why Sound to shut us down.”

The venue denied calling the police.

“It sucks mostly for the bands because a lot of them will travel a long way to get here in big tour vans and when they get shut down they don’t get the opportunity to play,” said Britton Noel, the IMC vice president. “If they don’t have an opportunity to play, they don’t have an opportunity to sell merchandise to make a living.”

“Although members of the IMC remain annoyed by the continuing conflicts, many of them acknowledge Why Sound’s best intentions.

“We know Why Sound wants to help the bands too and we understand they need to make money because they are a business,” Holgate said.  “We have freedom that a traditional venue doesn’t and this can cause problems. Nothing happens to us if we don’t make money.”

According to the IMC, the club hosts anywhere from 50 to 300 people at their shows, which Holgate admits is a significant amount of loss in business to Why Sound.

“We really want to work out an agreement,” Holgate said. “The hard part is finding a solution that will make both sides happy.”

While no set agreement has been finalized, the owners at Why Sound have considered allowing the club to play shows at their venue.

“They could still have low ticket prices,” said venue owner Tim Moes. “It would promote our venue and allow the club to have shows that don’t conflict with ours.”

Holgate says the club’s intentions are not to compete with Why Sound, but to be a part of something that both groups love.

“We are just carrying the torch to help new bands make connections,” Holgate said. “And we do it because I we love being a part of the music scene.”