Locals Only Music Issue, Version 2.0

A little over a year ago, we here at The Indy put a call out to any and all music-makers living within Santa Barbara County. The reason was to create an issue that offered thanks-and a much-needed vote of support-to the hundreds of diligent and talented musicians living among us. Some of those who responded were students slumming it in I.V. and penning thrash-core metal, others were waiters dabbling in acoustic guitar, and some were up-and-comers who have since gone on to record top-selling albums (Rebelution and Black Judah), tour the globe (oso and Silent Meow), and grace the illustrious MTV airwaves (Them Terribles). The issue was such a success that it seemed clear that The Independent‘s Locals Only Music Guide, as it was dubbed, was going to be around for a while.

For this year’s go around, we beefed up things a notch, extending our reach to both San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties and tricking out our online S.B. bands database. We also hosted a Web-based band-versus-band battle at independent.com/bands and a series of live showcases that would ultimately determine (by fan vote, of course) who would win top prize-a performance slot at the West Beach Music Festival. After a strong showing by a diverse collection of stellar talents, Carpinteria’s Dominic Balli came out on top and found himself sharing a stage with the likes of Jason Mraz, Ziggy Marley, and George Clinton at last weekend’s beachside fest.

Face-offs and band battles aside, the following pages are meant to unite and pay tribute to the folks who make S.B. sing. Without them, your nights on the town, concerts in the park, and strolls down State St. would be without a soundtrack. So for those who swear that Santa Barbara’s music scene is dead, feel free to read on and stand by your claims. Go ahead, we dare you.