Fading Music Scene Troubles Local Musician

They call us the neo "silent generation," far removed from X, Y, and (a non-existent, perhaps inevitable) Z.

The venues are stark and stale. A once vibrant local music scene lies on the shoulders of an aged bull. Once flourishing with independence and originality, the kids are barely able to muster an echo.

Whether the music is outgrowing the scene or the other way around, local acoustic artist Jimi York understands this threat is very real.

"If one were to look at Manassas in 2007, they would find some of the biggest names in metal and hardcore, folk and indie, pop-punk and music of all kinds, plowing through the area every week and weekend," York recalled. "Now, it's hard to find a good show to go to on any given weekend."

His concerns are legitimate. Working at the local Potomac Mills Hot Topic, York monitors the front lines. With East Coast Billiards no longer hosting shows, it's becoming more apparent Woodbridge lacks an adequate music outlet.

First off, the trends can also be attributed to the lack of leadership.

"Unfortunately, in my eyes, the Woodbridge music scene has significantly decreased in the past two years," York observed. "This seemed, ultimately, to be because of intolerance in the music scene. When new kids started showing up to the more veteran venues, the kids who had kept the music and shows alive stopped coming. And without them, shows weren't selling as well and, in turn, these venues that were always open to kids of all ages were forced to shut down."

Mainstream influences are also to blame.

"Also, it seems like aspiring musicians are looking to all the wrong influences," York said. "A saturation of auto-tuned vocals and distasteful riffs are plaguing the minds of young musicians and making a mockery of music."

Citing his main influences as "City & Colour's" Dallas Green, "Circa Survive's" Anthony Green, and "Thrice's" Dustin Kensrue, York finds comfort in dustier, duskier territory. His husky timbre is sound-tracked with strums of simple cedar.

"I also enjoy more folk-driven acoustic, like Iron and Wine," York added.

Named after the king of psychedelic himself, York first dabbled in basic theory with an orchestral stand-up bass.

"Being the only bassist in my whole elementary school gave me a special confidence in my musical choices," York said. "From there, I received my first electric bass from my grandfather, who was avidly involved in music from an early age."

With a foot up from his kin, York pioneered, found his own at an early age. After learning a few tunes from his favorite bands, he found himself playing shows wherever he could – from friends' basements to in front of hundreds at Chinn Center.

"As the years progressed, I started molding into a talented musician, writing my own songs with my band, and playing at local venues like Jaxx, Sterling Community Center and any basement we could find," York recalled. "Then our first traveling show was in Arlington at the Murky Upstairs and our first out-of-state show in Maryland."

And no matter how far journeyed off, it seems simple men have a simple approach when it comes to writing. York's songs, more often than not, start with an easy going intro-line.

"From there, I usually write a fitting chorus and extend the verse," York said, describing the song-writing process. "Then lyrics, which are sometimes taken from previous poems I have written or old verses that are unused."

It's much like a scrapbook, taking little from here and there. It all sounds familiar, but the sources are infinite.

"My lyrics used to consist solely of songs about the girls in my life, but after maturing and losing those influences, I tend to write as much about nature and the unknown as possible," York described. "The world around us is one of the greatest mysteries we could ever encounter and it makes for a great canvas to write about, which also explains my interest in outer space and what's beyond this earth."

Though the ideas are limitless, it's a challenge sharing them with a dying crowd. However, like much of his songs' themes, Jimi exhibits some positivity.

"Luckily, this opens the opportunity for a new wave of musicians, in a new age group, to rekindle the flame that was once our flourishing music scene," York said. "It's all up to them to keep venues like Jaxx in Springfield alive and running."

You can't blame it all on the venues. Both ends need to take action.

"Keep playing," York said. "Host a show in your basement or at a local VFW hall! Anywhere that you can gather people together to listen to music is worth it. Continuously try to break your boundaries!"

Coming out of your shell isn't easy. But with a good pace, one's vision will find accompaniment.

"Collectively, as a musician, I am so happy to be able to look back on my roots and still see pieces that influence my writing today," York admits. "I feel very blessed to have been able to progress at such a creative hobby and I know I will always be playing music."