Micah Zogaric of The Speeks Talks About The Lows and Highs of Being In A College Band

 

Micah Zogaric was thrown into the world of music at a young age where he now plays guitar in the local Boulder band, The Speeks. As he attends school, balancing class workloads and progressing the band to something big proves to be difficult but rewarding. Zogaric helps write lyrics and brings flavor to the sound of the band. 

 

The Boulder college band scene has been on the rise over the last few years. With bands such as the Dirty Turkeys, Huck n Pray and Squash, excitement for live music has skyrocketed. One band, known as The Speeks, look to make their mark in this new era. 

 

The Speeks are bringing something new to the Boulder band scene with different inspirations from each member that blend into a new style. “It’s a grind,” said Zogaric. They’re taking the opportunity of the bigger bands being out of town to grow their name, while still paying homage to them. These musical creatives are a part of a bigger scene of inclusivity and togetherness that look to expand this nature.

 

“The Boulder college band scene is at an all time saturation,” said Zogaric, “I don’t think there’s been this many bands at CU.” As the sense for the love of the game grows, new bands are coming about, such as Words of Mouth, Abernathy Shagmaster and Tough Knuckle Teddy. Nostalgia ridden students and the ease of social media marketing make things easier for these bands to connect. 

 

“There’s so many bands, and they’re always playing great music,” said community member Dara Leffman while attending a house show, “it's always a good community that shows up to their shows.”  These house shows are lively, rowdy events that draw many music lovers. 

 

While the shows are fun to play, it's hard work balancing the members’ needs and wants. “Its been twice as much work as school,” said Zogaric. Making practices happen has been a struggle as school work takes up much time for the bandmates. Much of the money they make goes towards the band, whether its gear or hiring professional producers for their album. 

 

“It’s hard to be a medium-sized college band,” show-goer Daniel Sher said, “I think a lot of them struggle with accessibility.” Sher, now out of college, has had his fair share of attending these shows. He recalls his time in college and reminisces about the band parties. They were Sher’s lifeblood. “I loved it, it was incredibly important,” Sher said.

 

The Speeks have played many shows throughout the year. Festivals, the Fox Theater, and other events are what grow the band. Finding their crowd has helped them feel closer with the community. “I think we found ourselves as one of the more ‘seasoned’ bands,” said singer of The Speeks Zach Vozoff. 

 

As time goes on, shows get bigger, bands get better and people have more fun. The pros outweigh the cons for Micah as he sees the band getting better. The Speeks are putting out a new album soon and will head on tour this summer. “Its gotten more fun, promising and fulfilling,” said Zogaric.