Neighbors You Know

Neighbors You Know, made of seniors Bianica Baker, Ian Wright, and Jack Marcus, was founded in December of 2012 when they decided to combine their talents and form a band. Lead singer, Bianica Baker explains, “We all knew of each other and how well we could play/sing and thought, ‘Why not?’ plus Ian and Jack are really cool and I was excited to start a band with them.”

The band started out small, practicing after school in Ms. Stutzman’s room, but soon began playing at venues such as Mudhouse where they received a lot of support from fellow students. Most recently the band played at a concert in Batesville with Resonation, a band made up of juniors. The concert which took place on January 23 drew in a large audience from the community, especially Western students. Caitlin Dutta, a senior at Western who is a huge fan of NYK said of the event, “Neighbors you know was amazing at the Batesville Market. Their rendition of ‘Uptown Funk’ was a total jam and Bianica Baker is the coolest girl I know.”

Baker describes, “My favorite part about being a musician is the connection I make with the people I play with. We know each other so well that we can communicate so much through just a nod. It’s just amazing.” Guitarist, Jack Marcus agrees that, “the best part about being a musician is collaborating and working with other musicians.” Bass guitarist, Ian Wright loves being a musician because it has transformed the way he listens to music. After learning to play bass, he “began to listen more for good bass parts and good guitar parts in songs and that has really changed what [he] listens to.” Baker, Wright, and Marcus all plan to pursue music in the future, either as a career or as a hobby.

Genevieve Russell and Mary Campbell Spencer

Sophomore Mary Campbell Spencer started posting music to Soundcloud approximately 2 years ago after learning how to play guitar. Similarly Genevieve Russell’s pursuit of music began after she taught herself the guitar with help from her sister. Fans of similar music, the two friends one day were “messing around” and ended up recording something together and posting it online. Their soundclouds feature individual covers as well as duets with each other and even a few original songs.

Both agree that they love music because it’s a fun and relaxing activity to do either alone or with friends. Spencer explains, “I love being a musician because it’s a creative, intellectual, and harmonious hobby…I love being able to put my own words to music and having something outside of school and sports to put my energy in. It’s something I will carry with me my whole life.” Russell loves creating music for similar reasons, especially the ability to share what makes her happy with others. Both Spencer and Russell will continue with music into college and after, but mostly as a hobby/activity on the side and not their full-time career.