Welcome to Local Music 'Mericans, where we get to know the people behind the scenes in Dallas/Fort Worth music.
Annie Karundethu runs a small but passionate organization called Local Euphoria, comprised of a couple folks who want to expose local talent and contribute to charity at the same time. She's hands-down one of the sweetest and kindest human beings this side of the clouds, bringing support and structure to the scene. She's a force of positivity, and a little of that could really go a long way in a town like ours.
What sparked your interest in all this local arts stuff? I have always enjoyed the live music scene in Dallas. I love jazz, in addition to all the rock and alternative stuff we promote. I was always involved in music in my earlier days. At first, it was the church choir and singing competitions for classical Indian music, and I played the flute in junior high band. I did not actually pursue the flute beyond school, but I sing on occasion here and there, when I can find the time.
Who or what was your first local experience? The first DFW act I saw was Flickerstick at the Curtain Club. Go figure. I loved it. That's why I chose that venue first to work with. It was a very pleasant experience for me and the staff there is very accommodating and professional.
Obviously, your interest was so deep you decided to form a supportive organization of your own. Local Euphoria came about during a conversation with my dear friend and business partner, Jes Spires. Jes fronts a band called Quiver and he's a promoter for the local music scene. We talked about hosting events that promote local artists and help the community at the same time. I thought about the information and then the ideas began to take off. The name Local Euphoria had a ring to it. I wanted everyone that attended our events to feel welcome and come together to make a difference because I've always felt music brings people together. We've had four shows so far and each show had one local charity we chose to raise funds for. All the logos and flyers were designed by Andrew Pettke with ANP Design Studio. They do such a great job. Each venue was very accommodating, and that made the process easy.
I love the idea because it exposes great local talent and helps a local charity all at the same time. To me, it's the trendiest way to help your community and have fun while doing it. It's a win-win situation. Each band that we have worked with has been exceptional and handpicked by us because of how great they are and also because of their dedication and work ethic. I hope I can sit back one day and be proud to know that I helped expose them locally and watch them grow. I'm like a proud momma when I read the band's success stories.
Do you think the distances between Dallas, Ft Worth and Denton put an unfair fragmentation on our local scene? Honestly, yes. I feel that the demographic we reach out to is 18-32. Driving far for a show can be difficult for them due to gas costs. We've been looking into Ft.Worth and Denton-based bands and would gladly have them perform for any Local Euphoria show in the future. Eventually, I would like to host shows in all 3 cities to make traveling easier for our audience. One day, if all goes well, I'd like to expand Local Euphoria to Austin and Houston. All of those cities have a huge local music following and Local Euphoria wants to be part of it.
What local talent would you most like to wax ecstatic about? I've been following a few that have performed for us in the past and a few bands that we would like to add into our shows. I fell in love with three particular ones: Jagged Edge, also known as Jaci Butler and Those Guys. This group can be compared to Paramore, but I feel because they are young, they may not be taken seriously in the over-21 crowd. After working with them, they're a really professional group of kids who are managed by their parents and are doing very well promoting and making appearances at big local events. Another group is The Holding. Their ambition is high and I appreciate that. I'm extremely proud to mention a band called Opium Symphony. This group's work ethic is as powerful as their music, and it shows. Each of those artists have been part of Local Euphoria and we're blessed that they gave us the opportunity to share them with the community.
