INCOMING TRANSMISSION + INTERVIEW: Ryan Talty Starting New Performance Space In Greenville

Some of you may be familiar with Ryan Talty immediately, others not so much. But one thing is for sure: if you’ve been to an all-ages show in the Greenville area within the last few years, he was probably the person (or one of them) behind it. In addition to his band Rubrics, Ryan has also ran Suite 8 which closed last year and before that The Hangar. Both of these were all ages venues welcoming to the public and built strongly on the Punk DIY ethos. In addition to his position as a full-time elementary school teacher Ryan has made sure to educate others on the virtues of creating what you want through perseverance and hard work. When I heard rumor that he was planning on starting a new venue, I knew I immediately had to talk to him to get more insight into what exactly what was going on. You can read our interview below as well as get the details of where the meet-up is this Friday as well as details and what to expect if you plan on attending.

Wes Gilliam: Ok first off for those who may not know, you formally ran Suite 8 which was an independently ran, communal venue in Greenville and before that it was The Hangar off of Wade Hampton. With both of those closed you began doing more house shows, what makes you want to reach back out into this world?

Ryan Talty; I will continue running house shows, but we are beginning to out grow houses. Plus, when booking at a house I am the only one booking; I want people to begin taking charge of their community to take it into their own hands. I want to have a hand in creating a permanent/lasting space for all people in Greenville; no matter what hoops I have to jump through. This can be done with the right kind of planning. I want to make sure all of our bases are covered with this space. The others were rushed to an extent (plus we didn’t really realize the city would take us so seriously); I feel like we have all learned what to do and what not to do when running a space and this one can be “it”. A show space that’s open to everyone and a show space that people feel comfortable at. A show space that people take pride in. A show space that attempts at being completely inclusive and apparent in its intentions.

WG: What is your inspiration for wanting a more DIY space? I know you mentioned something about the next Gilman Street (famous punk venue known for giving Green Day their start as well as others like Rancid and Operation Ivy). It seems the area is getting more and more big business in it, is this you’re way of reacting against it or is it just more of doing what you do ?

RT:I’ve been playing in bands for about ten years now, I get very excited when I place a city that has a legitimate show space. In my opinion it’s pure, show goer to musician, show spaces are something that take effort to create and as a musician I respect that and want to emulate it in my own town. Also, I want too see a place open to any type of band/person. House shows are for some, venues for others; a DIY show space can be for any type of musician. Also, I want a space that won’t flake on a show; a space you can count on that has no other intention than providing a place for locals to play shows and for touring bands to have a good show where they will make a few bucks for gas. A spot not run for profit. A place that you can make memories at; as my good friend Noah Eagle puts it. There are other places in Greenville to do shows, but not many of them are all ages or book young bands and “show them the ropes”. I envision a place that promotes fun; have a great time, drop your inhibitions and dance like an idiot. I had spaces like that where I grew up; places for younger kids and older kids to play shows at and commingle. When I moved to South Carolina I could only go see shows in bars which was much less empowering and community integrative. I want a place that people can come to and take ownership of.

WG: What lessons/hardships have you learned from your past ventures with Suite 8 and The Hangar that you think you could apply to the new space ?

It takes planning, openness, communication, commitment and honesty to run a successful space. The biggest thing we will implement this time is planning. Thinking about location, permits, business law, how the shows will be run, how the calendar will work and so on. Still, I want to start a space with a fresh palate, where everyone is on a level playing field whether you remember the time Latterman, Banner Pilot, Off With Their Heads, and Lemuria played the same show at the Wreck Center in Greenwood or you have never been to a DIY show before.

WG: It seems these days that the DIY slogan has been usurped by anything and everything with a pulse, but how would you differentiate true DIY ethos from those who seem to be pointlessly sloganeering ?

RT: The people that pay rent or “membership” for the space (however we figure it out) will be able to do what they please with it. I want there to be unity from the beginning; we are working to bring shows and art to Greenville on a permanent level. Acceptable use is what you make it in the space; if you want to practice there, screen print, teach yoga… DO IT! The goal is to work together to help each other achieve their individual desires; while uniting under the fact that we will be having shows there primarily.

WG: Anything else you’d like to add to your previous statements on Facebook about the new venture?

RT: If this sounds like it is for you, come to 8 Waco Street on Friday, June 1st. Park at the intersection of Ledbetter and Waco (there is a white church). Bring ideas and a positive attitude.

WG: And while I have you here (and since we’re both fans), who do you think is most under-appreciated Lookout! Records band/artist and why?

RT: Fifteen is my favorite band of all time. They have challenged my conventions/outlook so many times over and continue to do so. Seriously, I listen to them every day. But there are soooo many tied for second (Filth, Monsula, Spitboy, Cringer, Avail, Crimpshrine, Pinhead Gunpowder)