Words and Photography by Joshua Scarselli.
As the summer comes to a close, we get to talk about a brand new addition to the 518 music scene this year. Our very own Christopher Ebbs has been super busy. When he isn’t covering music for RadioradioX, Chris has been doing a lot at Silver Factory Records in Ballston Spa. Chris has helped build and organize their Music on the Lawn summer concert series. This new series has given a place for bands, old and new, to play for their fans. In a couple of weeks, they will treat us to Lawnstock. This three-day event caps off a summer of awesome music with a variety of genres and bands. Chris took the time from his busy summer to tell us about what has been going on at Silver Factory Records and what we can expect from Lawnstock.
RRX: You have been doing some awesome stuff this summer at Silver Factory Records and Books. Can you summarize what has been going on there?
CE: Down at the Silver Factory, we’ve been having silent movie nights, live music, and are building a bigger opportunity within the community to get together! Along with these events going on, it’s been about unlocking talent, showcasing new bands, and sharing that with everyone. Providing safe space, fun times, great memories, and room to not feel crowded. But most of all to bring live shows to a new area that hasn’t had this featured prominently.
RRX: What motivated you to organize all of this?
CE: What truly motivated me to create the stage, find bands, and bring it all in was simple: the love for music media and giving everyone purpose.
Working full-time limited the music I was able to go out and see, along with the desire to photograph. Being able to have an opportunity where more people benefit from something you create has been a goal of mine for a while now.
RRX: What type of music can we find at the lawn shows?
CE: For the Music on the Lawn shows, it has a continuous variation; one week we could have a punk rock show, the next day we could host a rap battle. If a group of artists wants to show off what they got, anything can be expected!
RRX: Having the lawn shows has given a stage for bands to get recognized. I first saw VinTri Hill on the lawn, and now I am seeing them all over the place … RadioRadioX, Fuzee Box. How does it feel to know you are helping bands get recognized?
CE: Bands getting recognized, not just playing in their parents’ friends’ gazebo. Let’s play it to the town!
RRX: Besides the Lawn Concert series, what other projects have you been working on this summer?
CE: The summer lawn events are just a little portion of what we have going on! Since going to Camp Punksylvania to get the inspiration to build a scene and meet countless new artists, I have been making connections with bands, working with RadioRadioX.com doing photography at different venues, and meeting new clientele. Also building connections out of state with different venues, and forming a massive expansion in the 518 scene
RRX: What can we expect from Lawnstock in September?
CE: The expectations for Lawnstock are pretty high. HOWEVER. The lineup for three days is going to be filled to the brim with artists ranging from punk rock to soothing love songs to rap battles and projection artists. Three full days of nothing but coverage.
RRX: Lawnstock is going to be awesome. If someone has to choose one day and time to come, what day and time would you tell them?
CE: Friday is nothing but punk, and we got outta towners RBNX coming in along with Brother T and the Boys and others. Saturday, we got a variety of artists – over 12 performers. And Sunday is our mellow out vibe day with nine artists ending the event.
RRX: Where can people keep up with what’s happening with all of the bands we have come to know and love this summer, as well as what you are up to?
CE: The most advertised area has been my Instagram. My Facebook has the events created and highlighted throughout the area, as well as advertisements made on location. When not booking and hosting events, you can certainly find me possibly shooting other bands.