Watching the Growth of Louden Swain: A Fan Perspective by Melissa Rothman

There are some choices that a person makes that lead to moments that change the course of your life. Moments so minor from the outside but so very significant. When I first saw Louden Swain in 2014 at the convention in Toronto, I had no idea this was that moment for me.

Louden Swain. Photo courtesy of Old Pal Photo[/caption]

I had heard chatter of the convention house band for a while before I attended that con, which was my first. But I was more focused on the stars of the show and preparing to meet them than learning about some band.

But then throughout my very first convention day, I saw this band come out in the guise of “Elastic Waste Band.” Later they came out again as themselves and the next day performed their Saturday night concert. It was incredible. By the end of that night, I had been hooked. Their importance to conventions and to this fandom was quickly realized and their talent was readily apparent, I was grateful to them for working so hard for us. To top it all off all four guys ended up being some of the most genuinely kind people I have had the chance to meet. To this day I enjoy being around them and their warm, welcoming natures.

From that first weekend on I spent time learning everything I could about this band called Louden Swain. Then, I spent time going to conventions just to see them. And then they started to have shows outside of conventions and I went to those too.

It has been four years now and I can say that they are a much stronger band than I had first seen them. Louden Swain has always been a tight-knit group who can put on one heck of a show who have also been able to create amazing music together. But at this very moment, I can honestly say that they are stronger and better than they were in 2014.

I think they have found their voice as a band and found their sound. They have defined who Louden Swain is. Their past music has been reminiscent of other artists sounds and influenced by the bands they were listening to. Now? Now you can hear that they have found themselves and identified themselves as a unit and as a unique sound.

Music has some limitations, but it also has freedom. Through the process of a 20-year journey, Louden Swain has earned their right to their identity.

Rob Benedict (lead vocals, guitar), Billy Moran (lead guitar, back up vocals), Stephen Norton (drummer, back up vocals) and Michael Borja (bass, back up vocals) are all individually talented and combined make magic.

Seeing their growth and strengthening over four years has been a privilege. Thank you, guys, for all the memories and for sharing your talent and taking us along for your journey. I can’t wait to see what you do next.

Written by Melissa Rothman

[ She’s a daughter, sister, aunt, and graphic designer. She loves being creative and being around other creators. She is always open to learning and expanding her knowledge and gaining new perspectives.[/caption]