Are you looking for a sweet place to go and hear local musicians play? The Exchange is a perfect place to see shows. The Exchange, found at 107 Exchange St, is an experimental or underground rock venue where local and touring bands play shows. Many teens go to the venue and get a better experience on music. They also see bands that are very different in many ways.
I recently spoke with Bobby Missile, who owns Ballistic Missile Booking. Missile has been living and booking shows at The Exchange for 5 years. He also books shows for Low Key Arts down town, and about 30 other bands and venues all over the world. The Exchange, “Exposes people to things that are different than people going to shows in large cities. It exposes them to things they wouldn’t usually see or the norm,” said Missile. During shows at The Exchange the atmosphere is “Definitely exciting and happy, where people get to see a great band.” I have been to The Exchange for shows many times. The venue always has an energetic group of people, and everyone is very friendly. Each time the shows have been a big deal and everyone, especially the bands, are pumped. “A lot of people don’t appreciate a large show as much, and it’s more intimate because it’s such a small room at The Exchange where a full house is 30 people.” Missile says. Large shows with many people aren’t taken as seriously, or aren’t as big of a deal as the shows at small venues. The crowd is closer to the bands and can actually speak with the members at smaller shows, like at The Exchange.
When asked what he likes seeing the most at the shows, Missile said “You know, good bands, people performing well, people meeting new people.” I asked Missile if he encourages kids to be in the music scene or play music he said, “Oh yeah, definitely. It’s much better than just sitting at home or watching TV. It’s an artistic culture that needs to be recognized, a culture where people don’t really have enemies, and get along. It is just a friendly lifestyle.” Missile is also helping that artistic culture be known in other ways. He is currently in the bands Attractive and Popular, Church of The Snake, Cold Mold, The Holy Shakes, Mother Hug, Prison School, and Mental Mission. If you or any of your friends are interested in seeing local musicians play, or in expanding your music compilation, The Exchange is a great place to go.
Some of the upcoming bands at The Exchange are Future Islands (Baltimore), Cold Mold (Hot Springs), Lonnie Walker (North Carolina) on November 14th, 9:00pm-11:30 pm. Come down to The Exchange for an awesome all ages venue!
By Ashley Hill
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