The following is an article I wrote in September about an indie artist. It was published in The Nevada Sagebrush.

Most students like music. Some love it. A few even go as far as to join a band at some time in their college careers.

But Joel Greer, a 22-year-old music major, tells a different story.

He is in the band 'curse words are verbs.' The band has live drums, guitar, bass, violin, keys, percussion and vocals. This probably sounds like a normal band, so here's the catch: Greer is the only member.

'Curse words are verbs' first commercial release has been for sale online and in-person since Friday.

"Every single song (on the record) is a product of what I created," Greer said. "It's what I did all summer."

Greer recorded, mixed and produced the 10 tracks on the new album. Beside a voicemail recording his sister and mother left him that he used on the album and a car driving by in the background, Greer created every sound on the album.

He chose to go under a band name instead of his own name because he prefers the focus to be on the music instead of him, Greer said. But he is still proud of everything he has accomplished.

"I love the album," Greer said. "I love that I did it myself."

But Greer realizes that his music is not perfect and would be willing to work with other musicians if the setting was right.

"When I'm recording, I'm so grateful that I do it," Greer said. "But it's a lot of pressure (alone)."

Greer recorded 35 songs, but only used 10 of them on the album.

"They're not (professional) quality, but they're not that bad," Greer said.

Like many music lovers, Greer uses music as an antidote to the stresses of life. He works as a waiter, pays rent, and has to worry about school on top of all that.

"My guitar is my therapist," he said.

The music department has been supportive of his music, Greer said. He hopes students will be supportive of the new album as well.

"I want everyone in my music class to get it and to like it," he said.

Even though Greer plans to send his record to about 500 different labels and producers, he is more concerned with people enjoying it than making money.

"If I make enough to pay rent one month out of the year, that's awesome," he said.

Learn more about this author, Dan Riggs.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Indie music artist?
We want to hear your view. Write now!