The music scene is rising due to genre bands around the Nicholls State University community.

Nicholls students from different areas of southern Louisiana use their musical abilities to express themselves creatively. Some students are in bands, while others take on a more personal approach to music.

Jordan Stadler, social studies education sophomore from Hamburg, is the lead guitarist of an effect drien post-hardcore band called The Mothercell. Post-hardcore music is defined as a style of underground music that combines elements of punk and hardcore metal.

“We wanted to start out doing something that most people around here don’t do,” Stadler said. “It is really experimental with a lot of difference to other bands.”

The Mothercell has played in a number of areas such as Patterson, Baton Rouge, Houma, Metairie, downtown New Orleans and Lafayette. They are planning to do a mini-tour in Texas.

“We always hear the comment that ‘you won’t forget a Mothercell show or soon forget it,'” Stadler said. “We really put an imprint on people.”

Stadler explains that he has always been around guitars because his dad was a guitarist.

“Music means everything,” Stadler said. “It effects everything that anyone does everywhere because it is always there.”

The Mothercell will be releasing its first CD release on Oct. 22 at The Mainstream Venue in Houma.

Ellis Marshall, culinary junior from Charleston, S.C., started writing lyrics and creating beats in his Millet dorm closet when he first came to Nicholls.

“My mom used to listen to music while she cleaned up all the time, so I was always listening to music and beats,” Marshall said. “I was always into like old school jazz and stuff.”

Marshall gives recognition to his friend, Brandan Bodden, art junior from Thibodaux, who encouraged him to start writing.

“I have been rapping for a year and a half, so I am learning as I go,” Marshall said. ” I am trying to avoid mainstream music and do what I can. “

Marshall started creating his own music because he thought mainstream music was repetitive. He considers his music more urban than general rap.

“It has given me more respect for underground artists, but people don’t hear about them because they don’t have the money to advertise their music,” Marshall said. “I write about things that people can relate to.”

Marshall explains that rapping is a hobby, and school comes first for him.

“Whether food is my medium or music is my medium, it doesn’t matter because it is all art,” Marshall said. “If you are a creative person, just try to be creative in what ever way you can.”

Marshall has upgraded his recording area in his apartment closet to create music for him and others.

Slade Leblanc, freshman from Pierre Part, was invited to play in his group of friends’ band called Awaken the City in 2007.

The band plays hard rock music that is a style of rock and roll characterized by a harsh, amplified sound with loud, distorted electric guitars as well as many different keyboard synthesizer effects.

Awaken the City has played at a number of different places in southern Louisiana and has traveled as far as Houston, Texas to play at the Vans Warped Tour in June.

“A while back, all we use to do was skateboard every single day,” Leblanc said. “My band mate, Donny Blanchard, was like ‘let’s start a band.’ When we were bored, we would start messing with instruments, and it grew on us. Skating wasn’t our primary goal like it use to be—practicing was.”

Leblanc states that the band did not have a set goal when starting out.

“Now, it is our plan to get out there and share our music with anyone and everyone that listens,” Leblanc said.

Leblanc is new to playing in a band, so he encourages more musicians to practice and continue playing.

“Don’t worry what other people critique you about concerning the style that you play,” Leblanc said. “Have fun. Don’t worry about being perfect when playing shows. If you really want this, go for it.”

Awaken the City reaches out to any audience that is willing to listen.

“An older teacher from Patterson high school complimented us when we performed for their talent show,” Leblanc said. “I was like ‘wait, old people actually like this kind of music instead of saying ‘Oh my god what is this?””

Awaken the City continues to play in southern Louisiana and hopes to play at Nicholls soon.

The band has two releases available on iTunes. One is a six-song album called “Hooray! For Trial & Error!” and the other is a single called “Srsbsns” (pronounced “serious business”). They will also play on Oct. 22 with The Mothercell at The Mainstream Venue in Houma.