#munciemusic

Welcome to Ball State University, a college where live-music shows are more appreciated than fraternity parties. Here in Muncie, the Ball State students embrace the local music scene by visiting house shows and maybe even starting their own band. The diverse music culture allows many students to find friends, bands, and places to be themselves. One of the bands, Honey, Be Well, has experienced success here in Muncie and across the state of Indiana.

The local music scene in Muncie has been growing steadily for the past two years. Honey, Be Well, originally 4-Piece Nugget, is one of the many local bands here in Muncie. The alternative rock/emo band released their first EP, These Emo kids and Their Damn Polaroids, in the spring of 2018 and are about to start recording their next album any day now. Honey, Be Well consists of four members, Noah McCormick, the lead singer and guitarist, Jay Olt, also on guitar, Justin Vanover on bass, and David Barthel on drums. Although the band originated in Muncie, none of the members are actually from there. Being Ball State students the band was able to network themselves allowing them to become one of the leading bands here in Muncie. The lead singer, Noah McCormick says the band loves playing with other local bands such as “Charmer, Tell the Wall, Bogues, Arcadia Grey, Dana Skully, and Perceptions”. Honey, Be Well loves to play in Muncie and Indianapolis because of their local feeling but their favorite out-of-state spot is in Grand Rapids, Michigan! With over 2,000 instagram followers, and two tours under their belt the band has many achievements, and more to come!

Noah McCormick (left) and Jay Olt (right) playing at a house show in downtown Indy

Muncie’s steadily growing student music scene doesn’t stop with local student bands. Many students, who aren’t in bands, provide locations for shows for the bands to play in. The Sauna, a venue run by Clay Easton, Max Denari, Michael Cottone as well as a few others is a fan favorite for the audience and the bands as well. The Sauna is a detached garage, aptly named for the heat that gets trapped in it during shows. The Sauna boys have done a fantastic job networking themselves in order to find more bands who would be interested in playing at their location. They have created social media accounts, as well as bought stickers to give out to people during the house shows! There are many other locations in Muncie including the Bat Cave which was another popular location before the resident graduated and moved away. The Bat Cave was especially popular because the basement provided a nice separation between the show and the party. There was also an adorable dog named Graham, and his nails were always painted, so that was a bonus.

David Barthel on drums

To add to the many bands and locations to play in, there is also a student run production company titled Lame Brain Production organized by Brandon Gick, Ethan Smith, Michael Hedrick, and Sam Kubiak. According to their website Lame Brain Productions “is a small team of like minded individuals looking to better the music community in Indiana by providing local, regional, and nationally touring acts with a place to play. Currently based in Muncie, IN, Lame Brian is looking to expand and grow becoming a more solidified business in the coming years”. Lame Brain helps local musicians by providing a pathway to find local venues to play shows in. Everyone involved is extremely passionate about local music and has already contributed more to the Muncie music scene than anticipated.

Honey, Be Well playing at The Sauna. Jay olt on guitar (left), Noah McCormick singing and guitar (middle), and Justin Vanover on bass (right).

Muncie’s local Music scene continues to grow and hopefully future students will take on the rolls current students have created. Everyone involved with developing Muncie’s music scene as contributed to expanding the community and broadening the horizons of many young college students.

Honey Be Well’s social media:

Instagram: @honeybewellband

twitter: @honeybewellband

The Sauna social media:

Instagram: thesaunavenue

twitter: @thesaunavenue

Lame Brain Productions: