Jackson Free Press

Jackson musicians Taylor Hildebrand and Jamie Weems have big plans and ideas for Jackson's music scene. They want a bolder and vibrant place for musicians and fans.

"Growing up in Jackson," Hildebrand says, "I was heavily exposed to hip-hop. … It was a big influence. (Passenger Jones) always tried to get hip-hop guys to open for us and vice versa. We did that three or four times, and it was badass. We had a half-white, half-black crowd, and you don't always see that around here. I think that's a damn shame. … Just because you're a white person doesn't mean you always go to Hal & Mal's and see a bluegrass and or a rock ‘n' roll band play. And just because you're black doesn't mean you always have to go to Freelons to see an R&B or hip-hop act. … Music is a universal language, and it can create diversity in a town. I think it's slowly starting to happen."

Weems, Hildebrand's partner in music, says: "When you think of great music cities, there are venues that are made to be music venues. ... Most importantly, there are people who know about sound and care about running good quality sound systems. I feel like in Jackson, to an extent, music is an afterthought. I think that's why do-
it-yourself venues and house shows have been successful."

To read more from Taylor Hildebrand and Jamie Weems, see "Band of Brothers" in the Summer 2010 issue of BOOM Jackson. And to learn how to create your own music venue, please read Burnin' Down The House: DIY Concerts.