Nick Cline
Jun 14, 2025
Change operates as a cyclical force of nature, and it’s time for another cycle.
Change—what is it, really? Change embodies a balance between beauty and disaster; it's an essential part of every journey in life. Music, along with the passion that fuels it, has been a cornerstone of the human experience since time immemorial. It's an incredibly intricate concept that we have barely begun to explore.
Lafayette's music scene, and perhaps even the entire state, represents a piece of a puzzle that is rapidly shifting in search of its perfect fit. The irony is that it may never fit perfectly. Nothing is meant to fit 100%. This imperfection is part of the beautiful dynamic that drives passion, art, and the courage to find one's place in life, society, and the universe.
Change operates as a cyclical force of nature, and it’s time for another cycle to traverse through the walls and concert halls of our community.
Lafayette is the epicenter of Louisiana music. Regardless of the state's history, Lafayette has conspired to create a landscape rich with honed talent, new passions, and everything in between.
The local scene is becoming a catalyst for change, as alternative mindsets and sounds are asserting their place. I should note that I'm relatively new to this scene—I've only been involved for about two years. I'm not originally from Louisiana, so my perspective is, at worst, a leap of faith. Ultimately, I am just an artist trying to carve out my niche in a world that has presented me with numerous challenges since childhood.
From my observations, balance is critical for the survival of this scene. A balance of ego, work ethic, passion, and various other factors will be essential for its future. It can begin to thrive, but it should aim for more than mere survival. With proper care and the right mindset, this scene can become a powerful force of personality and passion.
Currently, there is a power struggle among bands, venues, promoters, and us. People are forgetting that music is a collaborative effort. Music cannot exist without a solid foundation of support to fill in the gaps of the scene.
The alternative scene is a collective of individuals who are contributing new pieces to the legacy of Louisiana music. This community is growing every day, driven by a mission of goodwill, inclusion, and the cultivation of music, along with many other positive ideals.
What’s remarkable about this collective is that it is not genre exclusive. It serves as a meeting ground for the unconventional and the overlooked. It’s a space where one can discover oneself both musically and personally—a rare moment that continues to evolve.
This community fosters ongoing support for one another, built on passion and inclusivity, regardless of genre or background. Most importantly, it stands on the belief that art is a powerful concept that will endure even in troubled times. Art is one of the many building blocks of change in societal understanding.
Only time will tell what lies ahead for Louisiana and its music scene. For now, it is in its infancy, a growing force poised to unleash a cyclone of creativity. Its spark has recently ignited, and it’s just a matter of time before it fully manifests.
That said, the community must strive for hard work, genuine artistry, and the willingness to explore new sonic landscapes without clinging to an image or preconceived notions. An image means nothing without the quality to back it up. Having a platform is irrelevant if there is nothing truly unique and powerful to express.
Many can speak, but very few can truly inspire.
The scene is navigating a direction that we all need to embrace, or risk being left behind. A powerful new era is upon us, and the music scene will enter this age armed with passion, creativity, influence, inclusivity, cultivation, job opportunities, and so much more. The burgeoning job market will align with the community's strength, allowing artists to become multifaceted creators. Photographers and commission artists will stand at the forefront of this economic shift, progressing in tandem with the music industry.
These various artistic pursuits need to work in tandem to survive and transform into a storm of possibility.
In conclusion, let me emphasize my final thoughts.
Hope, creativity, inclusion, and cultivation represent the new wave of Louisiana music. We are mere specks in the vast landscape of possibilities within the universe. We must make the most of our time, for no one else will live our lives for us. It is our duty to ensure that we live meaningfully, serving both ourselves and the cultivation of a brighter future for the arts, culture, and society as a whole.
We are the change we’ve always wanted to see. It’s time to prove it, to show it, and to live it. We are the change that the community has been waiting for.
Thank you for reading.
Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com.