Local band brings alternative rock to campus

Pornmanus Saetae

Wednesday’s Nooner on March 18 in the Redwood Room brought new visitors to Sacramento State: Surviving the Era, an alternative rock band native to Sacramento.

The band opened with the song “Callus Heart,” one of the singles on their upcoming EP scheduled for release on June 5.

Despite being a newcomer to the rock scene, the band formed six months ago, they have already received air play on local radio stations and praise for their style of rock.

“We met through the internet,” said Ryan Sollom, lead vocalist. “At our first practice we wrote two songs together.”

Their performance was different from other band performances seen at the Nooner. Sollom engaged with the audience by coming off stage and performing passionately.

The band members even cracked jokes during their song breaks, making $1 bets among themselves to get the audience to come on the floor and dance to their songs.

The songs performed told a different story in each one such as “Queen of the Sea” which talks about the evil people you meet in life.

“We all come from different musical backgrounds,” said Sollom, explaining how the members draw inspiration from one another. “When we collaborate it all comes together.”

Sollom said they hope to draw in their listeners by bringing something that everyone can relate to.

Surviving the Era’s performance was definitely a success as it drew in a considerable crowd in the Redwood Room.

“I’m taking a break and listening to free music,” said Karishma Prakash, student. “It’s kinda cool to see local performers, people you wouldn’t normally see.”

Students anticipating the end of the first half of spring semester enjoyed the musical performance.

“Its a good way to kill time and free popcorn is a plus,” said Kristina Prakash, student.

Regarding the future, Surviving the Era hopes their upcoming EP will draw in record deals and a bright future for themselves.

“Our first show at the boardwalk in Orangeville was my favorite,” said Seth Borges, bassist and vocalist. “The crowd responded really well.”

The band’s website, survivingtheera.com, has 2 sample songs, “As Lights Start to Fade” and “Give Me a Reason” that fans can download for free to support and help spread the word about them.

“Hopefully we get to record our album and show our music to the world,” said Sollum.