An Interview with a Fort Collins Musician
Saturday I had an e-mail conversation with sophomore student at Colorado State, Sam Zavislan, and we talked about some really cool things happening in the music scene in Fort Collins. He’s been playing guitar for over 7 years now, and has played in Old Town at locations such as the Tap and Handle, Hodi’s Half Note, and Avogadro’s Number (the last two locations being ones I mentioned in a previous article). Being an active musician in Fort Collins, Sam was the perfect guy for me to get insight on the latest news in town and what he thinks of the scene as a whole.
Me: So when did you first start playing music?
Sam: I started playing guitar about 7 years ago. I was in guitar center on my 12th birthday because I was interested in music at the time and I wanted to learn the guitar. Funny story is that a family friend was in the store too, and he had won thousands of dollars that day from a horse racing bet. He bought me a cheap acoustic guitar, and that got me started in playing music.
Me: I hope you pay him back if you ever make it big some day. What kind of stuff are you into?
Sam: I love improvisational styles of music - unrehearsed music. I appreciate many styles like jazz, funk, blues, hip-hop, world-beat, and everything in between but I primarily play blues and funk on the guitar. I can play drums and bass too, but I wouldn’t call myself a true drummer or bassist. More like secondary and tertiary instruments.
Me: I’ve always found that style of music more interesting (unrehearsed music) because you can tell it’s just pure talent — just a man and his instrument. Have you played any shows here in town?
Sam: Yeah I have played at the Tap and Handle, Hodi’s Half Note, and Avogadro’s number.
Me: It’s so cool that anyone can pick up an instrument and try their hand at performing live. Do you think open mic nights, like what Avo’s does every week, are a good way for local musicians to put their work out there and build a following?
Sam: Open mics are great! I love that there are open jams too, because they allow musicians to stay together. Open mic gigs are always a good way for signer/songwriter musicians to get their music out. That’s how a lot of people get gigs.
Me: Couldn’t agree more. What other places do you like to watch and/or perform live music?
Sam: The Aggie has some really good shows that I always miss somehow. Still my favorite venue. Bohemian nights was fun because there were a bunch of local musicians. Sometimes I wish there was a better music scene in Fort Collins because it definitely has the atmosphere for it. I see a lot more of an older crowd at some of these events which is weird because the college is in a close proximity to these events.
Me: That’s what I’ve noticed from the shows I’ve been to in Old Town. Surprisingly there are a lot of older individuals attending these shows, but I think that’s partially because Fort Collins is so big, not only college kids live around here. Still, like you said, you’d think in the middle of a college town there would be a younger crowd.
Sam: Actually on a side note, a new complex was built on College Ave. by Chipotle that is worth mentioning because their grand opening was this weekend.
Me: What’s it called?
Sam: It’s called the Music District, it was funded by the Bohemian Foundation based in Fort Collins. The Bohemian Foundation is responsible for a lot of the music and arts festivals in northern Colorado. Additionally, they are responsible for the painted pianos scattered across Old Town. It’s pretty much a community gathering place for local musicians who want to collaborate with other musicians in the Fort Collins area. I think it’s super cool because Northern Colorado needed something like this.
Me: That sounds like a pretty big step towards advancing the involvement in the music scene within the community, do you think you’ll go there often?
Sam: Yeah I definitely want to spend some time at the music district to rehearse, learn, and meet other musicians.
Me: So if you had to sum up the scene in Fort Collins in just one word, what would it be?
Sam: I think it would be “Diverse”. There is a lot of talent in Fort Collins, and Old Town does a good job at bringing many different types of music to town. We get the musicians who are dedicated to the love of music and not just the boring headliner acts. Unfortunately I don’t really see many college students supporting the local scene which is sad because Fort Collins does pull some really good bands through.
Me: Thanks for doing this, I think people are gonna be very interested in hearing from a guy who’s involved in the scene like yourself.
