104 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM Through the expertise of the club’s sound engineers and musicians, founding member Andy Swanson recently achieved a lifelong goal of writing and recording an original song. “I started to think about my son going off to college and what I wanted to tell him,” explains Andy. “I had a riff and a chorus. I brought the idea to Sound Union and collaborated with vocals, eight guitar tracks, drums and a gold record-sound producer that helped for the love of making music.” Andy’s wife Aimee Swanson praises the creative, inclusive environment. She describes a recent night at Sound Union after an event ended and an impromptu session began organically. “All of a sudden there were seven musicians, including a Union’s first-class hospitality. “When bands come here, it’s not a dive bar. They see what is going on and get the vibe. It’s fun to see their reaction.” Sound Union musicians perform for the public as well. “The newly created musical alliances have taken on a life of their own,” says Tom. Members have created events to showcase the music they are working on, with more performances in the works. “We have started to create this community where our culture embraces all talent levels,” John explains. “We have people from 25 to 75. Everyone gets in a room and they jam together.” Both founders say they enjoy a broad range of musicians and genres but agree their favorite Spotify channel currently is “Sound Union Artists and Musical Performers.” ting the wings on the plane as it was taking off,” John laughs. “When we opened, we sold 10 lifetime memberships to people who believe in what we are doing and want to be a part of it.” Since opening its doors just six months ago, Sound Union’s growing group of members and guests have enjoyed a number of live performances from touring professionals. “We’ve hosted several Grammy winners,” says Tom. “Members get to interact with and meet the band. You can sit three feet away and talk with the band members.” Traveling musicians, some who have toured internationally, are responding enthusiastically to Sound
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