Locals, WKU students in band featured at free fesitval

Rachael Walters

When Danville junior Aaron Waters isn’t busy studying public relations on the Hill, he’s often practicing with his band, Salvage Town.

This weekend, the Kentucky-born band made up of Waters, Martin Ballou, of Burkesville, WKU graduate, Kyle Beard, of Liberty, and Easton Bryant, of Colombia, Ky., will perform at the 2011 U.S. Bank Balloons, Tunes and BBQ festival.

The band, which formed in 2009, derives its name from Kentucky singer, Chris Knight’s song, “My Old Cars.” Knight, who is not mainstream country, has been a huge influence on the band and important to their sound.

“We wanted to use something close to home,” Waters said.

“We are a mixture of what we grew up listening to,” Beard added. “Bluegrass, country, southern rock, Americana, etc. I think you can hear those influences in our music.”

These varied genres come together in Salvage Town’s album, “So Glad You Came.” The album consists of 10 songs inspired by their own experiences from life and the people around them.

Each band member took their time choosing what song they like best. Waters picked “Lovebomb,” because he enjoys playing it most, while Ballou was left deciding between “Rapid City” and “So Glad You Came” for their lyrics and well-executed musical tone.

Bryant didn’t choose a favorite song, but instead selected his favorite subject lyrically. The title track, “So Glad You Came,” written by Bryant and Waters, contains personal reflections about past relationships.

Inspired as Bryant drove home from work in the rain on Interstate 65, the track explores faded relationships from different life phases.

“We spend hours or even years with different people,” Bryant said, “But then something happens and they are gone.”

It is not necessarily anyone’s fault, people drift apart, Bryant said.

“So Glad You Came” says, ‘Hey, I’m glad we had the time we had together, and if I could do it all again I would.’”

Salvage Town hopes to make Bowling Green and WKU proud Saturday when it plays at Balloons, Tunes and BBQ as the only local band featured.

“I’m fired up to play for people who don’t usually get to see us, and hopefully they’ll enjoy what they hear,” Ballou said.

As far as future ambitions go, Salvage Town is happy to continue playing its music.

“I want to stay true to who we are, and stay original,” Bryant said. That includes not only staying away from mainstream music, but also maintaining its original membership.

“It’s us four, or it’s nothing.”

Anyone interested in seeing Salvage Town play can attend the free concert Saturday at Balloons, Tunes and BBQ starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Bowling Green/Warren County Regional Airport.