We're not your daddy's Beach music.

When most people think of Myrtle Beach music, indeliable images of shag dancinging the night away come to mind. 

And while I appreciate the area's rich heritage and am as willing to get down to "Carolina Girls" as the next guy, I'm also out to prove that there's more to the Grand Strand music scene than just Beach Music and corny cover bands. 

We've spent the past year combatting the misconception that our music scene is dead by doing my best to bring you the beach's best bands, latest music news and coverage from the area's best shows, concerts and events. 

Along the way we've hosted a successful string of local music showcases, organized Myrtle Beach Music Scene meet-up to discuss issues within our music scene and helped show thousands of readers just how diverse and interesting local music can be.

Have we made a difference? Perhaps ... but we're surely not satisfied and we intend to continue talking up the area's awesome talent to anyone who will listen until we're sure we've started a movement that will make both visitors and locals take notice. 

Who's behind all this?

That's me...you know, that strange guy who decided he wanted to try and run a music magazine in his spare time.

Once upon a time I was an award-winning journalist who spent the better part of a decade working at a string of small daily newspapers, eventually landing at the beach and serving nearly 5 years at The Sun News.

After experiencing the highs and lows of my gig there as a graphic artist and the editor of their Kicks! entertainment guide, I left last fall to start a publication of my own, venturing into the wild west of 21st journalism known as blogging.

In addition to serving as the primary graphic artist, web designer, reporter, photogrpaher, promoter and salesperson for ListenUp, I also work a day job with Waccamaw Publishers as the Director of Internet Development, managing the VISIT! vistor's guide and MBvisit.com as well as contributing the company's various weekly newspapers and other products.

I have two young children and a lovely wife at home that I miss like hell while I'm out working in smoky bars trying to chase this crazy dream of listening to loud music and writing about it for a living.

I strive to be a well-rounded music fan knowing at least a little bit about a large variety of artists and musical styles, but there's times when I'd rather just keep it real and listen to some old-school Tribe or just rock out with my favorite band of all-time, Incubus.

Chris Mowder, Editor/founder
listenupmb@gmail.com 
843-882-5334