Rian Nickels
Sep 18, 2024
The Green Room brings together local musicians for a night of fun and music.
Come with me to revisit the night of July 5th, 2024, for Feel Alive Media’s first event under its new name. I, Rian Nickels, along with my partner Jay Hutchins (Which you might recognize as “JAYD3D!”), started this journey in 2017 under the name The Young Visionaries (Inspired by our late friend, Ally Budde). Over the years, we’ve hosted unforgettable annual music events like “Llamapalooza”, “Hellaweird”, and “Fuzziefadoodle Fest”; along with weekly flow events, memorials, fundraisers, birthday parties, and numerous punk and EDM events. In 2019, we took a five-year hiatus on hosting events to focus on our growing family. We’re thrilled to return with a refreshed vision, bringing you Feel Alive Media. This night at The Green Room in Covington, Louisiana, felt like a homecoming for the local punk and alternative scene, and the energy was familiarly electric. Everyone, from fans to friends, was excited about what JAYD3D!, Jean Claude Seagal, and The Gosh Darn Dangs had in store.
First to warm us up for a night of music (not that we needed warming up because it was scorching Louisiana summer) was Singer/Songwriter JAYD3D! accompanied by Tim Dugas, the drummer from The Gosh Darn Dangs. Despite not rehearsing together, the chemistry between them was undeniable. Tim’s precision on the drums complemented JAYD3D!’s vocal style, adding an extra layer of texture and rhythm to the performance. To help everyone feel at home JAYD3D! started with pop-punk-esque covers of 'If It Makes You Happy' by Sheryl Crowe and Oliver Tree’s 'Cigarettes.' JAYD3D!’s vocal delivery was gritty yet polished, capturing the emotional core of each song, while Tim’s drumming added subtle fills and dynamic shifts that energized the crowd.
Once they had everyone’s attention JAYD3D! moved on to playing originals like 'Funnyman,' 'Better Than,' and 'Dripped in Crimson.' Even with a room full of new and old faces JAYD3D! played their songs with the utmost confidence and flair. One standout moment was their cover of Colbie Caillat’s 'Bubbly.' It wasn’t just a cover—it was a communal experience. The crowd sang the chorus in unison, creating a rare intimacy between the performer and the audience. It’s these kinds of moments that JAYD3D! excels at—breaking down the barrier between stage and floor, making everyone feel like they’re part of something bigger. JAYD3D! typically ends with this cover, but just when we thought the set was over, they closed with a surprise performance of their new track 'No More Circles,' a song that blends introspective lyrics with a driving beat, leaving the audience craving more.
Taking the stage next was Jean Claude Seagal, a three-piece from Watson, Louisiana, with Robbie on the drums, Nick on the bass, and Justin on the guitar and vocals. To read more about Jean Claude Seagal’s background, you can check out Mixed Alternative Magazine’s Jean Claude Seagal Interview.
Their set was a nostalgic trip back to the grunge era, with influences that ranged from Nirvana’s brooding angst to Silverstein’s post-hardcore melodies, with a hint of Staind’s reflective alt-rock. Jean Claude Seagal brings an edgy 90’s grunge sound -that punk fans have been missing dearly- to 2024. They opened with 'If I’m Not Here,' immediately drawing the crowd in with thick, distorted guitars and a bass line that rumbled through the room. Robbie’s drumming added a steady backbone, while Justin’s gravelly vocals poured out raw emotion. You could feel the years of practice and passion in their performance; every chord, every drum, and every bass strum felt purposeful and deeply connected to their message.
A highlight of their set was when Mike Spoon from The Gosh Darn Dangs joined Justin for a collaborative performance of their track 'By the Way,' a Louisiana punk crossover of the century. Their vocals blended seamlessly, with Mike’s raspy tone providing a perfect counterpoint to Justin’s more melodic delivery. The energy was palpable, and the chemistry between the band members reflected the close-knit nature of the local punk scene. There’s something about Jean Claude Seagal that resonates deeply with fans of 90s grunge; they evoke that same sense of youthful rebellion and introspection but with a fresh, modern edge.
Finally closing out the night was The Gosh Darn Dangs, a four-piece alternative band from Hammond, Louisiana, known for their quirky, high-energy performances and folk-lore-type storytelling. I previously covered The Dangs for an acoustic busking performance in downtown Hammond in May with former members Kris and Jake, and I was excited to cover them again for a complete band set. Mike Spoon (vocals/guitar), Tim Dugas (drums), Lexy Bowers (vocals/keys/theremin), and brand-new bassist J Rees stormed the stage in true Gosh Darn Dangs fashion. Mike and Lexy’s entrance in matching cat maid outfits and Justin Tatman, the vocalist from Jean Claude Seagal, attempting to speed run Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers on the original Nintendo console set the tone for a playful and friendly set.
To warm up the crowd to their overall playful vibe, they launched into their song 'paradewindy320,' a humorous, fast-paced song about the frustrations of modern life – like needing the WIFI. Though they faced technical difficulties with Mike’s microphone, Lexy quickly stepped up to lead vocals, turning what could’ve been a setback into a unique, unforgettable moment. Her performance was captivating, especially on tracks like 'Defender of Mankind,' a poignant song that nods to her name, Alexandria, and delves into themes of protection and resilience. The band’s well-loved song, 'Going 100 MPH in a 30 MPH Zone While Wearing Sunglasses at Night,' brought the house down with its mix of reckless energy and nostalgia for youthful misadventures. Then they wrapped up the night of music with their song 'Not Gonna Die Today (A Song to Die To).' The Gosh Darn Dangs are more than just a band; they’re a spectacle, blending musicianship with performance art in a unique way. They offer a distinctive sound that isn’t found anywhere else, and if you haven’t yet experienced their music, you’re in luck—their upcoming split EP with Jean Claude Seagal, titled Defending The Daydream, is set for release in October. It promises to capture the essence of both bands and is sure to be a must-listen for anyone in the alternative scene.
As the night ended, it was clear this event was about far more than just the music. The energy in The Green Room wasn’t just from the amplifiers or the powerful performances—it was the bond between the bands and the audience that made the night truly special. The deep friendships between performers like JAYD3D!, Jean Claude Seagal, and The Gosh Darn Dangs mirrored the connection between them and their crowd. From Mike Spoon’s unexpected vocal duet with Justin Tatman to Lexy stepping in with her soulful voice when technical difficulties hit, these moments exemplify this community's collaborative and supportive spirit. This was more than a concert; it was a gathering of like-minded people who have weathered highs and lows together. The smiles exchanged between band members, the shared singalongs, and the laughter in the room told a story of friendship, resilience, and passion for punk and alternative music. Each performance felt like a love letter to the local scene.
Feel Alive Media's return felt like a revival for the musicians and all of us in the music community. It reminded us why we gather in the first place—not just for the music, but for the sense of belonging that comes with it. Whether you were an old friend or a new face, July 5th was proof that the music scene in Louisiana is alive, well, and more connected than ever. Here's to many more nights like this, where the lines between performer and audience blur, and we all feel like family.
*All photos courtesy of Rian Nickels - to see more, check out Rian's site below.
Got a show you'd like Rian to cover? Reach out to us at: mixedalternativemag@gmail.com.