Page 26 - the NOISE February 2013

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A MOODY BALCOnY SCEnE
For the past few years, musician Justin Moody, who performs under the name The Balcony Scene, has become a larger presence within Prescott’s music scene. After an event- ful 2012, which included the recording and re- lease of his debut EP, the creation of his own label, and ever-increasing shows both locally and elsewhere, his ascension seems poised to only continue.
Moody, who is only 20, writes songs and sings in a low voice well beyond his years. He plays a unique brand of world-weary folk in the same hushed vein as Ryan Adams or Elliot Smith, and it is to this melancholic balladry that his fans have been drawn to. A multi-instru- mentalist, he performs most often with his gui- tar, but banjo, mandolin, and harmonica often make an appearance in his recordings.
Like many musicians, Justin is of humble mu- sical beginnings; admitting that his first time playing music outside of high school concert band and messing around with some chords was as a drummer in a Nirvana cover-band, comprised of his best friends.
From there, other small bands followed — one of note being the Red Lollipop Orchestra with friend Alex Lucero. As they did, so too did the learning of other instruments; as he was playing drums for other bands, he began to write his own acoustic songs on the side, and there discovered his true passion and talent for songwriting.
As he composed new music, he continued to incorporate different instruments and ideas, in an attempt to emulate the sound and produc- tion in his head. As he got older, and his song- writing heightened, he began to feel the need to share his songs with those who’d hear him play sharing similar sentiments.
Justin is involved with Buffalo Under- ground, a loose group of young Prescott musi- cians that set-up and promote DIY concerts— usually held at a musician’s house—providing local and equally beneficial exposure for all involved. The movement has a devoted and growing following, and it is through playing these homegrown shows, as well as being a regular at open mic nights like local favorite, Method Coffee, that he began to make a name for himself.
However, though he still can be seen at those same places playing with his peers, the amount has greatly increased, performing at places like Sweet Anne’s Café in Prescott and The Fixx in Tempe, as well as other shows in the Phoenix area. Playing in a variety of places has not only given him increasing exposure, but has also al-
Justin Moody
lowed him to know and perform with varying musicians, having played shows with Flagstaff favorite Them Savages, as well was Dylan Pratt of River Jones Music, among numerous others.
“It’s definitely been by word of mouth,” Moody says, commenting on his increasing popularity. “Everyone has been so responsive, it’s pretty humbling. People have come up to me after shows, asking for interviews, for in- formation, even without any formal EP or any- thing like that.”
But that is about to change. Together with fellow Prescott musician Cortland Kay of The Sounder, Justin has started his own label, Man And His Dog Records. Cortland and Justin became acquainted a year ago while playing shows together, and once they got to talking, they realized they had a similar passion and shared vision of helping local musicians branch out of Prescott, and get more shows in the Phoenix or Flagstaff areas; and to offer them the chance to record for a very cheap price.
Both shared the feeling that they had some- thing to offer musicians in similar situations as themselves. The label has been around for six months. The duo began recording The Balcony Scene’s debut EP, and during the recording the label branched out, signing two other local art- ists — Self Portrait and Chris Miller — whose debut albums are currently being recorded.
“It’s pretty simple when you think about it,” Moody says about Man And His Dog Records.
“You help people, and they’ll in turn help you.” The Balcony Scene’s self-titled 5-track EP was released last month. The album, produced with partner Cortland Kay, features Moody playing just about every instrument present and singing all the harmonies. In that way, it is
a far different experience than seeing him live, and one that he is excited to share with people. He is particularly excited for people al-
ready familiar with his live solo sound to hear his songs performed with a different, though equally-intimate execution. He is confident that with the EP, his performances will only continue to increase, and that he’ll have the opportunity to perform for more and more people throughout all of Arizona. He is equally excited to see Man And His Dog Records grow, to see other Prescott musicians gain exposure and begin to break into different markets, just as he has.
Regarding the future, his approach remains simple: “Future plans? Just doing what I’ve been doing, playing shows as often as I can, for as many people as I can.”
To hear The Balcony Scene’s music, visit
ohthebalcony.bandcamp.com
— Mark Szopinski
26 • FEBRUARY 2013 • the NOISE arts & news • thenoise.us