A majority of the bands and musicians in the Sioux Falls area have one main thing in common; they’re all over 21. While the younger scene seems to have faded, there are still a few acts working to bring it back.
Vocalist Tung Nguyen, guitarists Grant Simanton and Michael Iverson, bassist Matthew Mika and drummer Michael Swain have been together as The Amber End for about a year. Talking with the members of the band, it’s obvious that they all have a strong obsession for music. While some have family roots in the trade, others simply imply an infatuation for it.
“I’ve always had a passion for music and just picked up drumming,” Swain said. “It’s just kind of one of my dreams to be in a band.”
While most of the members are still in their teens, they demonstrate the maturity of a band that has been around for years. In a scene that seems to be separated into two age groups, they put forth an effort to connect them. The members will also readily admit the competitiveness in such a small scene, especially for being a younger band.
“[The scene] seems to be divided into two sections,” Nguyen said. “There’s the older scene like Tennessee Murder Club and Fluxx and whoever, and then it’s us and the younger scene. For us younger bands, it’s basically who gets the most shows and who has the best equipment. It’s very competitive.”
While The Amber End certainly isn’t the only young band in town, they seem to be one of the longer lasting ones. A slew of bands have come and gone over the past several years but hopefully the band can help usher in a new crowd. While the band is doing well so far, it’s easy.
“It’s a lot more work than I think people know,” Simanton said. “Between work and school and practice, it’s a lot of work. [The scene] seemed stronger during the summer but it kind of dies out when school starts again.”
Listening to bands such as August Burns Red and For Today, the hardcore influences shine through in The Amber End’s music. A self-described ‘death metal’ band, the music is heavy and the vocals are rough. It’s a genre of music becoming more and more popular, and one many older generations are still trying to grasp.
The Sioux Falls residents have released a self-titled EP but hope to do more in the future. Along with recording and hopefully picking up a tour next summer, the band just wants to create a regional following. Although they may still be in the opening act stage, the band knows how to put on a good show.
“I think we bring energy,” Nguyen said. “We have a really good stage performance. We don’t really care about anything else when we’re on stage; we’re just there with our instruments. We really get in to it and get the crowd in to it.”
Although young, the members have a great start to their musical careers. With a long future ahead of them, it’s clear that their drive and enthusiasm will lead them in a great path. Whether it’s with The Amber End or a new venture, you’re bound to hear their names again.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to tour the world and what not,” Swain said. “Music is my big passion in life, so even if I’m not doing tours nine months out of the year or whatever, I’ll always do music. Even if I’m just in local bands.”
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The Amber End will be playing at Nutty’s North tonight with The Suit, Mersa, From The Pages and Take The Fall. Doors open at 5:30 for the all ages show, and costs $8. For more information, visit Pepper Entertainment.
