Clemson’s alternative radio station, WSBF-FM 88.1, hosted its fourth annual Pride Kickoff show on March 27. The event was organized in collaboration with Clemson’s Sexuality & Gender Alliance and the Clemson Sexuality & Gender Engagement Committee, and coincided with Clemson Undergraduate Student Government’s recognition of Pride Week.
Three screamo bands took over the Iron Oak Barn in Pendleton, South Carolina: hambear, Never Any Ordinary and Kittiwake. At least one member of each band is part of the queer community in some capacity, making the show a showcase of queer talent and a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity. These personal performances showcased local screamo talent and brought together attendees with shared stories and experiences.
“People are able to resonate with things that they might not have been able to put into words beforehand,” WSBF events coordinator Brian Turner said. “I think music is a means of fostering these spaces where people can hang out and chat and talk and learn things about each other and about themselves.”
Show attendees echoed similar statements about inclusive spaces and Pride Kickoff’s role in the community. Sophie St. James, a junior English major and local musician, pointed out that there are few safe spaces for those in the LGBTQ+ community in Clemson, and that “it’s so cool that WSBF has something to support that every year.”
Chase Clickner, a senior English major, said it’s rewarding to “be in a community of people, but also supporting something that they believe in.” When speaking on the value of the Pride Kickoff and similar events, Clickner added that it is a beautiful and necessary “occurrence to be able to have this event and show support for these groups.”
“It’s a smaller scene, but it makes it more kind of personal,” said Nick Miller, promotions director for WSBF, when asked about the best aspect of the event. Miller acknowledged the rarity of similar events throughout the year and highlighted the novelty of having one in a town like Clemson.
“I saw WSBF as an organization that had the resources to make music a more central part of Clemson life,” Turner explained. “I think events like Pride and these kinds of things that are celebrating identity are part of that. Music has always been somewhat integral in being able to express what words couldn’t.”
The general air at the Pride Kickoff was one of gratitude for an inclusive, open-minded space where stories could be shared with those of similar backgrounds, energized by music and a stellar venue.
For Turner, the annual event is all about “seeing the people enjoying themselves.” He particularly loves watching the especially engaged attendees at the front of the crowd.
“I always like seeing how they move, the reactions to big fills and stuff like that,” Turner said, adding that it’s a perfect expression of how freeing live music can be.
