A Love Letter to the Reno Music Scene
A Rhapsody by Emma Speicher
Photo By Trevor Castillo
“When I was just a baby, my mama told me, ‘Son
Always be a good boy, don’t ever play with guns’
But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die…”
When you think of Reno, Nevada, probably not much comes to mind, maybe Johnny Cash’s most iconic line from Folsom Prison Blues or maybe the cult classic Reno 911 show, but the music scene would probably not be the first thought to an outsider. I grew up in Reno - besides casinos, winter sports, and excessive microbreweries, there isn’t much to do. Nothing much to do – besides playing music. What is interesting about this scene is its genre bending and heterogeneity in sound that perfectly captures the dynamism and beauty of the Biggest Little City in the world.
Take a dive into a new scene with some of my favorites from the Reno scene…
Freaks - Surf Curse
Photo by Trevor Castillo
I selected a track from one of the bigger - if not the biggest - band to come out of Reno - Surf Curse. This song was originally written and performed in the DIY scene of Reno circa 2011-2013 and then later re-recorded for widespread release in 2021 after they relocated to LA. To the Reno scene, Surf Curse is a testament that even in our sleepy town, local bands can reach stardom and success and are often cited as inspiration to local Reno bands. The harshness of the Sierra Nevada desert glazed a distinct grit onto Surf Curse’s sound that differs from most traditional surf rock. Freaks is Surf Curse’s biggest hit, reaching massive international audiences, bowing an inquisitorial branch to Reno because of the band’s consistent recognition of the local scene and one of the most important venues in Reno, The Holland Project.
Pretty Little Place - Charity Kiss
Photo by Trevor Castillo
There’s something about the music scene, about a random person’s garage, a puke-soaked backyard, a sweaty living room lined with alcohol bottles and LED lights that is the definition of a good house show venue. Pretty Little Place holds a special place in my heart, it’s so iconic and inextricably inseparable from an unspeakable feeling of being totally immersed in music. I think I first heard this song either from the bathroom of The Holland Project or in a sweaty overcrowded living room in 90º heat, regardless, I loved it as soon as I heard it. It sounds like a tall order for a song, but it truly does capture the essence of a warm summer night in Reno living in the moment with a hundred new and old music lovers. This song is always a go-to when someone wants an orientation to the local music scenes because it’s special and symbolic to me.
Read more about Charity Kiss here, check out their live set here.
Obsessed - Bug Bath
Photo by Trevor Castillo
Bug Bath is one of those bands that everyone just loves. From the members all being the kindest people you’ve ever met, to their diverse bill of shows that they play. From hardcore, to punk, to indie, Bug Bath plays them all with a level of energy that is unmatched. Growing up in the scene, I’ve heard of Bug Bath and its members’ other projects for years and this song is one of my favorites. They are on the uptick with over 5k monthly listeners and their most popular song at almost a million streams on Spotify. Obsessed is so powerful in its production quality and thoughtful composition that creates something so audibly satisfying. Bug Bath is such a testimony to the talent and thoughtfulness that goes into making music, experimenting, and varying sounds to a beautiful and successful degree. To that, Bug Bath is more than deserving of recognition.
More on Bug Bath soon…
Mustache Man - Dog Dog
Photo by Trevor Castillo
This song has a crazy story. We posted a clip of their ATM live set to TikTok, and the clip went mega viral with over 1.2 million views (as of April 20), boosting Dog Dog to pretty much overnight success outside of their already popping Reno fan base. Dog Dog is a hard-hitter within the Reno scene and I chose this song for twofold: a) I like it because it’s mad catchy and b) it shows how powerful social media and algorithms are as tools to promoting the Reno scene and our community outside of the desert valley. From its punchy bass line, to its memorable guitar trills, to the lyrical storyline that echoes the style of old Western folk songs, this song is a certified banger. Dog Dog is just getting started, developing their sound and making the crowd go crazy at the drop of a bone.
Check out their live set here.
Transparent - Evening Spirits
Photo by Trevor Castillo
Evening Spirits have to be one of my favorite bands to come out of Reno, their sound is so unique and - simply put - fun. Their music reminds me of the charms of vintage rock that translates so beautifully into the alternative and indie rock hybrid. Whether it’s the talented vocals, the catchy and rhythmic guitars and bass or the perfectly timed drums, Evening Spirits have got a stellar sound that’s unique and nostalgic, it’s just a joy to experience. I particularly enjoy this song because of the compositional satisfaction and the vocal tone, it’s always a recommendation and a track on repeat in my playlists.
I had a hard time choosing between Transparent and their cover of Love Potion No. 9, check ‘em both out.
Hippie Cowboy - Pat Hansen
Photo by Trevor Castillo
Pat Hansen has talent, no question about it. Hansen is the embodiment of the Western spirit, and this song is proof. It’s an original cowboy-style ballad that you have to listen to know what it’s about. I chose this song because of the way I first heard it, in the most Reno way possible, riding a horse in a fringe jacket riding through the desert like an old rancher, nostalgic for a time that I can’t possibly remember. This song is not just a collection of ear waves but a feeling. Hansen is keeping outlaw and cowpoke rock alive with his solo project and his other project, Charity Kiss, dedicating years towards developing and promoting the Reno scene.
New Norm – Pissmixer
Photo by Trevor Castillo
The beautiful thing about the Reno scene is its dichotomy. Reno is not just a city of indie and country but has a rich and vibrant hardcore scene. Pissmixer was my introduction to hardcore and punk music, the culture, and the complexities within it. The hardcore and punk scene in Reno is extremely tight knit and is the definition of a community and deserves the upmost recognition and a spotlight on its history, Pissmixer is a continuation and a herald of that vision. New Norm is a personal favorite because I got my first mosh pit injury to this song (a good ol’ windmill kick to the noggin’) and every time I watch them, I live for the way the drums and strings fit so perfectly together, with the vocals masterfully tying everything together.
Spit In My Mouth – Plain Oatmeal
Photo by Trevor Castillo
The thing that I love about Plain Oatmeal is how knockingly unapologetic and clever they are with their samples and musical composition, it’s so perfect. It is like the definition of what unrepentant punk and hardcore is – unabashedly genuine expression. Plain Oatmeal is creative in the sounds they choose to sample that mesh unironically well with the grind tongue punch that is their sound - visceral and inexplicably human. This song I first heard (ironically) before a slowcore indie show in a basement, contrasting perfectly with Spit in My Mouth’s black and white tear rhythm.
Suicides – In the Works?
Photo by Trevor Castillo
In the Works? was one of the first bands that I discovered when I was first getting back into the scene. The audience participation during their sets in insane. From jumping up and down, to getting so low you forget how to stand, to fake canoeing, In the Works? knows how to work a crowd. At the time, the lead singer used to play a saxophone on stage which was so wild and really drew me into their shows. Suicides is a storyline and you have to listen to the song to understand what is about. It’s punchy and eclectic and a joy to experience in person. They’re go-getters and genre benders, I’m excited to see what they come out with next.
Dial – Evangeline
Photo by Trevor Castillo
Evangeline is the present and the future of the music scene. This song officially came out on streaming platforms the day before I started writing this and I absolutely had to add it to this article. Evangeline is beyond talented, from complex bass riffs to meaningful guitar and drum pieces, and the lyricism - each song is masterful. They’re apart of the newest wave of emerging talent in Reno, offering a unique gothy physcadellia to the scene that hasn’t been heard yet and are quickly becoming local favorites.
Special thanks to legendary Reno photographer, Trevor Castillo for capturing the heart of the scene, read all about what it’s like to be a scene photographer here.
