If you’ve been to an all-ages indie show featuring new bands and experimental sounds in Guelph over the past few years, there’s a good chance The Satellite Collective had something to do with it. Born out of a need for more all-ages, accessible music spaces, the project started when Sarah Hank Copoc and Gavin Frazer Bell took matters into their own hands—turning a downtown coffee shop into a venue and building a community around live, local music.
In this interview, Sarah and Gavin talk about how Satellite Collective came together, the ongoing challenges of supporting underground music, and what keeps them excited about putting on shows. It’s a reminder that all it really takes to build something special is a little space, a bit of gear, and people who care.
What is Satellite Collective and how did it come to be?
Sarah: Satellite Collective started when Gavin & I felt lack all ages spaces for live music in Guelph. At the time I managed the downtown location of Planet Bean and so we had a ready-made venue. Gavin had band connections. We had all we needed.
Gavin: the idea was there, the real push was when I needed a venue for a show swap with some friends bands and I wasn’t hearing back from other venues, so we decided to green light the Sat-Co mission.
How has the local music scene changed since you started hosted shows?
Sarah: I haven’t really noticed a big change. University towns always have an ebb and flow in the arts community, and this pattern has held steady.
Gavin: we’ve seen some venues and bands and come and go, The hope is always that there’s bands starting up in basements, and that even if we don’t know about them, things are happening below the radar.
Best part of live music?
Sarah: The best part of live music for me, is that it is central to who I have become. All the live music I consumed when I was, 12, 13, 14 and up, were mostly smaller touring bands, and this really showed me that art and music can be made on a smaller, more personal scale, and there were really no rules for expressing yourself Gavin: The energy! The excitement of seeing/hearing a group of people presenting their sounds to friends and strangers. Live guitars and drums, often at volumes that are higher than you’d listen to at home pushing air into you physically is some sort of magic! also a great opportunity to rub shoulders with and hopefully connect with other music fans/players, make connections over a mutual appreciation/curiosity.
What could the community in Guelph to do better support the live music scene?
Sarah: While we do have many incredible live music venues, we could always use more. Something that really hinders the creation and performance of live music is Guelph’s strict noise bylaws. How can bands feel supported by their city if they risk bylaw fining them if they practice their instrument. I know that there are spaces that bands can rent, but that prices a fair number of people out of musical expression. Also, house venues are a marker of a thriving music scene, but again, Bylaw will fine you.
Gavin: Historically, Guelph’s underground scene has thrived in house shows, basements, attics etc. it’s vital that bands to be able to make a racket and have a scene, bylaw takes down show posters too! We need the city to actually support music and art.
Any upcoming shows that you’re excited about?
We have a few shows coming up, we’re venturing into some dark roots/folk-punk type stuff with Stagger Lee in June. Also working on a few bigger shows for some great touring rock bands coming through town. Stay tuned!
Where can folks find out more about Satellite Collective?
instagram is where we post things: @the_satellite_collective there’s also a mailing list: thesatellitecol@gmail.com we would love to hear suggestions about ideas for shows, ways to improve or bands you’d like to see play. Thanks!