Fiona Kelley’s Journey into SLO’s Thriving Music Scene

 

Fiona Kelley’s Journey into SLO’s Thriving Music Scene

Around two years ago, when student Fiona Kelley visited her brother at Cal Poly, she was influenced to see some live music in the local area. A mix of metal, rock, and shoegaze (slo-gaze for the locals) surrounded the room of the venue she went to, and with her admiration for music, she found immense joy in this new experience.

As she entered the college lifestyle, she was continuously intrigued by the music scene and vibrance these shows offered her. Not only have these shows given her an escape from school, but an opportunity to feel a part of a community where she feels authentic and seen.  

 

Fiona Kelley has not only developed a great passion for the music scene here at SLO, but her story allows others to see how a certain hobby can encourage self-confidence and embracement in a new stage of life. 

Since around the first day I met you, I would hear you talking about these “shows”, and you kept saying The Aviary. I was intrigued by this. How did this passion of going to these shows even begin? 

Well, first time I went to a show in SLO, it was actually two years ago. I came to visit my brother, who also goes to Cal Poly. He took me to a show at the Grange Hall, which is also another great music venue. We saw Repeater and Couch Dog. My brother would always talk about seeing live music. When I came to SLO, there was a poster to see a show at Slodoco, and I was like, “I should probably go to this.” I had so much fun at that one.

 

You said that you saw Couch Dog, and I know that you have continued to see them at shows, do you enjoy listening to their music a lot? 

Yeah, I actually didn’t realize I saw Couch Dog until recently. In October I went to a Couch Dog show, and then I was just going through my camera roll, and I saw a video of Couch Dog. I was like “Wow this sounds very familiar.”

 

What’s your favorite part about going to these shows, and what have you noticed is similar about all of them? 

I love the camaraderie, and it’s also a great place to meet people. The scene has just grown in SLO and it’s nice to feel a part of something.

 

Do you think this has been a way to relieve the stress from college reality? 

Yes, definitely. There is a lot of moshing. It’s very aggressive, but I like to go mosh, it’s very cathartic.

 

What kind of music would you say is at these shows?

There is a lot of metal, rock, shoegaze, a lot of indie, and even some surf rock too.

 

Do you believe that music has been an essential part of your life, especially college life? 

Oh yeah, I definitely feel like it has been a part of my life, ever since I have become conscious. I’ve always had a great appreciation for music, especially alternative and rock. It’s kinda cool to see it all come to fruition here. I didn’t really go to live shows in Fresno, where I am from. I started going when I came here, and it has been great.”

 

What would you say has been your favorite band to listen to? 

I love seeing Let Downs, and I really like Krooks.

 

Would you ever consider being a part of a band or something like that?

I mean, like yeah in my fantasy. Where I wouldn’t play any instruments. I would love to work with them in some way whether that be taking photos or making cover art. I just like being there and feeling like I am a part of something. This may sound corny but I feel like this is what it feels like to be in New York in the 2000s when the Strokes were popping.