In a world where mainstream music is often the safe play, outlaw music is the rebellious outlier that refuses to follow the rules. Its sound is confronting, raw and the closest thing to artistic freedom that there is. Since its creation, outlaw music has challenged norms and inspired others to push their own boundaries.
Music has always had the ability to be an inspiration to listeners, whether it inspires them to stand against something or encourages them on tough days. Music's impact goes far beyond entertainment; it is an escape from the real world for many. Music gives listeners an opportunity to relax and let go of their struggles for a short amount of time.
Many artists over the years have used their voice and melody as a way to express themselves, whether this means speaking out against inequalities or using their platform to inspire others to keep going. Kid Cudi, a popular hip-hop/alternative rock artist from Cleveland, Ohio did this by using his platform to reach his audience on mental health issues and societal inequalities.
Tupac is another prominent example of this. He used his songs to express his experiences from the streets and to speak out against oppression or inequalities that he and the Black community were faced with. Tupac revolutionized this type of political hip-hop and many genres have followed suit in expressing their emotions and thoughts through their lyrics to reach their audience on a deeper level. In this feature, we will explore how music continues to inspire and shape lives daily.
Denim Cobra
Late at night, an intriguing sound begins to seep up from somewhere underground. It wasn’t like anything heard on the streets; it was a deep, throbbing rhythm that seemed to pull at the air. Following the sound, footsteps emerged leading to a hidden basement. A place known to the few who sought it out as the Cat Dungeon, Denim Cobra's rehearsal space.
Inside, the music gripped the listener’s attention. The instruments blended together effortlessly; sharp guitar riffs, a bass that resonated through the bones, and drums that beat like the heart of the room itself.
What had started as a random walk had now become something far more. In this dimly lit space, amidst the haze of smoke and the buzzing energy of the band, it became clear that this was no ordinary place. It was the sanctuary of one of Columbus’ best-kept musical secrets, a band that had yet to be discovered by the public scene, but was already carving out its own legend in the underground.
Denim Cobra is a local band from Columbus that has a unique sound. They mix heavy metal and greasy rock ‘n’ roll (very similar to blues and country music). Denim Cobra was founded by Grant Gilliland and Austin Bain, who both perform guitar/vocals. Other members of the group include Bill (bass) and Micheal Rosen (drums).
Denim Cobra was formed in 2023 and released their first album “Leather Diamond” on August 24, 2024. However, Grant and Austin, the original two members of the band, were friends well before they started their band. Grant further elaborated on how Denim Cobra came to be. “We knew we both played guitar, and liked some of the same bands. We found common ground on bands like Judas Priest, AC/DC, Motörhead and Thin Lizzy. And that was what kinda prompted us to jam together, and see what happens.” Since then, they have performed a number of local shows and have gained a rather large local following.
Denim Cobra credits their different style of rock to the different interests and viewpoints that each member of the band holds. “We like to pull from our influences, and Austin and I have a very complementary writing style. We all merge really well with each other, and our sound wouldn’t be what it is today without each member's creativity.”
Nine Inch Nails:
Another popular Ohioan band known for their unique sound and empowering lyrics is
Nine Inch Nails (NIN), a band which is the definition of challenging societal norms through music. Their sound is raw and powerful with no boundaries. Led by Trent Reznor, the band’s lineup also includes Atticus Ross (keyboardist), Robin Finck (guitarist), Alessandro Cortini (bassist/keyboardist) and Ilan Rubin (drummer).
NIN was established by Trent Reznor in 1988. At the beginning of his career, alternative music had started to rise in popularity. Around this time, Reznor released “Pretty Hate Machine,” a project he did by himself. Their sound was different from many at this time, as they aimed to confront the hard emotions that people face daily. Their loud and powerful sound instantly became a hit in the alternative rock scene. Many of their songs are more than just songs; they have deep emotional feelings within them that resonate with the audience, creating a listening experience unlike others. The band understands that being vulnerable and honest in music creates many more opportunities for the audience to connect with the artist in an emotional way.
Aside from their unique music, one thing that sets NIN apart are their live performances. Their music brings out all different types of emotions and ultimately creates an ideal experience for their audience. Concert attendees not only get to witness a phenomenal band in person, they also get a chance to forget their struggles and be immersed in a one of a kind experience. "These experiences and emotional feelings that NIN offers is what makes them so special as a band.
