A family affair: Wilma showcase could help local art scene

by Justin Franz | March 12, 2010 | Montana Kaimin

Dylan, Chris and Nick Laslovich didn’t think they would be in a band just a few years ago.

But next Friday, the Laslovich brothers’ band, The Racquet, will be playing at the Wilma Theater as part of the first local bands showcase to be held at the historic venue.

Dylan, the middle of the three brothers, said that while their parents enjoyed music, neither of them played an instrument. In fact, the only musical experience any of them had was playing in the school band.

Dylan Laslovich said that what lead to the creation of the band itself was “an appreciation and love for music.”

But for a while, it was just the three brothers jamming before they actually realized they were, or wanted to be, a band, he said. That was two years ago.

It was a different story for the members of indie-rock band Victory Smokes, also based in Missoula, according to front man Michael Gill.

Gill started the band with his brother Patrick five years ago, and a couple of lineup changes and three EP’s later, the band is finding moderate success, even though it’s decided to stay in Missoula for now.

“We kind of think going to a larger market is a silly idea now that the Internet is so prominent,” Gill said, adding that the music scene in Missoula lends itself to starting a band.

“It’s one of those things in Missoula: If you want to be in a band you can be in a band,” he said.

With the help of a supportive music scene and the extra reach the Web gives the band, it’s gone on multiple tours through the Northwest and is now working on it’s first full-length record.

Like The Racquet, Victory Smokes’ core is made up of brothers. Gill said a connection like that can only help.

“It just adds an extra layer of comfort and familiarity,” he said.

While Gill and Victory Smokes have been around the Missoula music scene for some time, the same can’t be said for the Laslovich brothers. But that doesn’t mean The Racquet hasn’t found success; they’ve toured with the Dodos (a band based out of San Francisco) and have received radio play at various college radio stations across the Northwest.

“It’s cool, I mean hearing yourself on the radio is a weird thing. It’s wild,” Laslovich said. “You go from just playing some instruments to playing shows.”

And, like Gill said, Laslovich believes the reach of the Internet helped with the band’s early success, which includes being able to sell copies of its self-titled debut EP to listeners in France. Having fans overseas is quite humbling, Laslovich said, adding that he has no idea how someone in Europe heard of their band from Montana.

Laslovich disagrees with Gill that moving away from Missoula won’t help, but he said the three brothers, all still in their 20s, have plenty of time to make that choice.

“We’re all still young and I think that there’s plenty of time to expand,” he said.

One way they’ll expand their fan base, Laslovich said, will be this upcoming showcase at the Wilma.

“It’s kind of our chance to reach a wider and more diverse audience than we have in the past year and a half,” Laslovich said. “This is also a great chance for Missoulians to see what the local music scene has to offer.”

Gill agreed that the show is a great opportunity for local bands to show what Missoula is capable of musically.

“It’s a really important (moment) for Missoula and it’s really exciting for the Missoula music scene,” said Gill.

Gill, who was one of the main people behind setting up the event, hopes it could become a regular thing, depending on this first show’s success.

Marcus Duckwitz, manager of the Wilma Theater, said the venue has wanted to do a local show like this for the past few years, but equipment and staff were never available at the right time. Now that has changed, and Duckwitz hopes for a sold-out show.

“We have no idea what to expect, but I think it’ll do well,” he said.

And if it does well, the entire Missoula arts community could feel the effects. According to Duckwitz, the theater also hopes to make this a regular occurrence, possibly even every other month. If so, it could include fashion shows by local designers and movie nights featuring the work of local directors.

“We are looking to branch out as many ways as we can,” he said.

Tickets for the March 19 show — which will feature The Racquet, Victory Smokes, Wartime Blues and Vera — are on sale now at Rockin’ Rudy’s for $8.

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

This story has been viewed 332 times.