Grant Fithen started Loud and Heavy Booking based in the Texas panhandle, after finishing an internship at Seventh Planet Entertainment. As a guitarist himself, he wants to help artists get booked for shows. Fithen goes one step further and ensures to promote each event he books.
A recent graduate from West Texas A&M with a bachelors in music, Fithen is also a member of Ghosts of Gray County and also plays in the jazz trio, Brass Wire Trio. With his vast network, just by being a musician, he is able to help his fellow musicians achieve their dreams. Loud and Heavy Booking has only been in business for 6 months, and is already making waves in the local music scene.
Loud and Heavy Booking
“My heart is on the music scene and growing that.”
Grant Fithen
Fithen loves the local music scene and wants to continue to promote it. “Black Tie Revolt are amazing musicians with great talent.” Fithen has booked Black Tie Revolt for three shows and relishes the level of success they have achieved in such a brief time. “People need to see these guys play.” Fithen also books musicians out to venues he calls, “Jukeboxes.” who are musicians that can play anything the venue needs.
‘Songwriter in the round’ is a Texas panhandle Song Swap, like the ones I wrote about in Darren Stormont’s article. Song Swaps is another term for events like this although, Fithen says cover songs are allowed at those, unlike the Stillwater’s original music only rule.
Loud and Heavy Booking Challenges
Photo by Hannah Shyann
If an artist has a show booked on Friday during a tour and wants to book something on a Saturday nearby, Loud and Heavy Booking is there to help. “We always offer the venues to feel free to contact us in case of a last minute cancellation.” Fithen says it’s not always easy to book a last minute event.
“You can’t book just anyone at the last minute.” Fithen tries to match the artists with the venues. For example, if the venue is country only, a rock band would not go over so well in that venue. Loud and Heavy Booking has groups on social media they will make posts in. Before posting they are sure to add details and specifics. “It’s never fun as a musician to play for a crowd that doesn’t fit.”
“My college professor would tell us that things always change rapidly and the laws need to catch up.”
Grant Fithen
Another challenge Loud and Heavy Booking faces is keeping up with trends. “Don’t just invest everything into trends. Keep an eye on it and play a little conservative.” Fithen watches the laws surrounding music like a hawk. When they pass certain laws, it can make certain trends disappear, such as TikTok’s battle with Universal.
“I never went to shows growing up, so when I went to my first show I was blown away.”
Grant Fithen
Grant Fithen’s passion for music and dedication to supporting fellow artists shine through Loud and Heavy Booking. With a keen understanding of both musicians’ needs and venue preferences, Fithen ensures each event he books is a perfect match. From facilitating last-minute bookings to promoting diverse talents, Fithen’s commitment to fostering the local music scene is unwavering. Loud and Heavy Booking is not just orchestrating shows, but they are also nurturing dreams and amplifying voices.
Learn more about Texas panhandle music businesses via Respect My Region.
