Scott Womer – Song City [Interview]

RRX: Tell me a little bit about Song City. The five ‘w’s, but more what makes it different than other music venues?

SW: In 1995, I moved from Albany to Nashville, in hopes of getting more music opportunities. The greatest thing I learned in Nashville was the power of songwriting. Beyond techniques, abilities, and trends, the song is what changes lives. Much of this lesson happened at a venue called The Bluebird Cafe. A staple in Nashville, the Bluebird featured weekly showcases, featuring 4 local songwriters, known for their writing of songs by all our favorite country stars. This is also the venue where artists such as Taylor Swift and Keith Urban were discovered. My disappointment with The Bluebird, at that point in their history, was that they were a single-genre showcase. Not only does that lack variety, more importantly, it limits the audience’s exposure to different genres of songwriting.

Years later, when I moved back to Troy NY, and was so energized by the talent and variety of the local music scene, I felt compelled to do whatever I could to help it grow. After writing and recording a project under the name Fenton Hardy during Covid, I realized how important it is to be part of an artistic city. Community is at the heart of every effective movement. So, I took what I had experienced at the Bluebird, and expanded it to include all genres. Some of our greatest writers are hip hop artists, jazz artists, alternative and avant-garde artists, and they deserve a place at the table. This not only creates respect for all styles of songwriting, but expands the audience’s experience and musical taste.

This showcase on Tuesday, May 13, is our Season 3 Finale. We have currently had over 90 local artists featured over the past 3 years! It’s held at an event space called The Waiting Room, off Franklin Alley, in Troy.

RRX: You mentioned to me that you’re putting together your season finale on May 13th. What can people expect when they show up? And how do you put together a finale that tops an ordinary song circle?

SW: This is our third Season Finale show, and it’s always an exciting time to bring back artists that were favorites from past shows, as well as newer artists that we find fresh and exciting! Both Reese and the Faeries have played Song City before, and we can’t wait experience them again, and hear new songs! Eric-Jon Tasker, and Delaney Hafener of The Belle Curves, are incredible artists, and we can’t wait to hear their songs and the stories behind them! We will also feature amazing food, baked goods, and drinks from Troy’s own O’Malley’s Oven!

RRX: Song City is in downtown Troy, a city which over the years has really become a music scene in and of itself. What do you think it is about Troy that draws so much talent?

SW: The beauty of Troy is in its diversity. On any given evening, you can find local concerts from every genre, in small coffee shops, midsize clubs, and beautiful concert halls. There is a place for everyone in Troy. And there is an openness, from both the performers and the audience, to be exposed to new and diverse art. Another strength of Troy’s music scene is the desire amongst artists to collaborate and support each other. It truly is a community.

RRX: You obviously can’t play favorites, but you must have moments that blew your mind. Can you describe one of those moments, especially one early on that told you Song City was going to make it?

SW: One of the most exciting and refreshing parts of a Song City showcase, is hearing the stories behind the songs , and performances broken down to their barest form, especially with genres that are normally built on huge production. This has especially happened in genres like hip-hop. It has been so refreshing to hear artists like Ohzhe, Aila Chiar, Shiloh The Messenger, JB!! aka Dirty Moses, and Amani O+, reimagine their music and performances to fit into this type of experience. It not only makes it more attainable to our varied audiences, but also challenges the artist to rethink how their songs can be arranged and performed.

RRX: What would you like people to know before coming to Song City? How is parking? Eats? Any rules aside from the general rules of a venue?

SW: Song City is held in an event space in Troy called The Waiting Room. The entrance is off Franklin Alley, between Broadway and River Street. Look for Song City signs and the beautiful white lights of Franklin Alley.  There are multiple parking lots within two blocks of the venue, as well as free street parking. We would strongly encourage people to come early and experience food and drink from the variety of restaurants and bars in this neighborhood. The doors will open at 7 o’clock with food and drink available on site, as well as merchandise from the performing artists. We expect the show to sell out, so we encourage people to go to our website at www.songcitytroy.com, and buy tickets in advance. They are on sale now. We will also have tickets available at the door, if we aren’t already sold out.