Nick Cline
May 31, 2025
Creation, Passion, and Collaboration are forming a New Era in Louisiana Music
Let’s face it, the music scene in general has been very strange and bizarre for quite a while, and although I wasn’t even born yet, the '90s truly are the period of music I most identify with. Alternative music in the ‘90s was so raw, artistic, and full of creativity. You had average-looking folks up there performing, and it wasn’t polished at all. It was authentic and real. The alternative music scene in Louisiana these days exemplifies perseverance in the face of judgment, it truly does. When I first started Phantum Sun, I found there was no true alternative music scene for the type of music I wanted to play, so I set out on a quest of sorts to try and build the scene I wanted. Think like a Monty Python quest, but no one has lost a leg or arm yet. Building a genre and its accompanying community is never an easy task, but despite the hardships and challenges, Louisiana is experiencing a surge of artistic creation currently, and I am happy to be a part of it. It’s starting to feel like a family.
Recently, the alternative scene here in Louisiana reached a pivotal moment. The artists have all collectively decided they are ready to make a significant impact both in Louisiana and nationwide. Bands are forming a community that pours every ounce of passion and creativity into their work, and the community is evident both on social media and at local shows.
The rules set by traditional norms no longer confine this emerging community. Instead, they are forging their own path—one that is filled with possibilities, inclusivity, and opportunities for progress, and it’s awesome.
The recognition of this new community I’m referencing began with the ideas established at Eclipse Fest 2025. Eclipse Fest is a festival I started last year, and this year, the camaraderie and community came together in an even bigger way. The line-up was killer with bands that included Phantum Sun, HolleeStar, Pink Tooth/JAYD3D!, Jean Claude Seagal, Grey Areas, Kris Russ, Double Knockout, Goodbye Academy, She Might Be a Beast, WE ARE THE VIRUS, and Voice of the Enemy.
Many of the bands mentioned above are dedicated to creating a new era of Louisiana music, just as I am. Every day, they lay the groundwork for events and collaborations, encouraging more bands to join this mission. I see them all working together, and this collective is expanding with each passing moment. As announcements are made, the collaborations between these groups grow stronger, with each band carving out its own identity while embracing a wide range of genres. This stands in stark contrast to the existing scene I walked into, which was characterized by gatekeeping and ego clashes, which are now behind us, because we stand for unity through music and only want to uplift others.
We are on the verge of a new era defined by inclusion, passion, and artistic expression with music, I believe. Things have been stale for far too long. The alternative scene here, which has never been a staple of the state, has recently ignited into a wildfire that is slowly spreading across Louisiana, and we need to embrace that and build it. The state of mind in alternative music has always been unpredictable yet beautiful, welcoming anyone willing to collaborate and accept good people, regardless of their genre. This community we are building truly makes me proud.
The electric energy, work ethic, and creativity of this burgeoning scene are genuinely remarkable. Louisiana—and indeed the entire country—may not be prepared for this powerful wave of artistic expression, but I know that we are all ready to take it to the next level by bridging the gap through various other successful scenes, such as the one in Asbury Park, New Jersey, which is where I plan to move soon. As the days continue to go by, let’s return to our roots of just good music, no matter the genre. Life is too short. Listen to good music.
Thank you for reading my thoughts.
-Nick-
*cover photo by Elise Hanks
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