Chattanooga’s Teenage Rock Stars: Dock Party Takes the Stage!
Hey there, Chattanooga! Have you heard about the *up-and-coming* indie rock band making waves right here in our backyard? Yep, we’re talking about Dock Party, a talented group of teenagers who are seriously cranking up the volume in our Scenic City. This isn’t just any band; they’re a force to be reckoned with, blending creativity and energy to bring something fresh to the music scene.
Meet the Band
Let’s introduce the stars of the show! At just 17 years old, Henry Clark plays the drums, but he’s not just a drummer; he’s also living the ultimate teenage dream of recording and mixing songs for their new EP – but we hear he might have dropped the ball on his chemistry exam as a result! No regrets, says Clark, because it was “totally worth it.”
The band also features Stuart Brown (18) and Sid Cheemakoti (18) on guitar, both of whom add their voices to the mix, and rounding out the group is Colin Sanders (18) on bass. These four McCallie School students discovered their musical chemistry back in 2023 and it’s been a magical ride ever since!
How It All Began
So how did this dynamic group come together? It all started when Brown and Clark began jamming during their sophomore year. The next step was bringing Cheemakoti into the fold, and before long, they were gigging at Clark’s sister’s graduation party on a dock. Now that’s how they got their catchy name, Dock Party!
And who knew that Sanders, who’s known to the others from a guitar ensemble at school, would get swept up in this whirlwind? He spotted the trio on Instagram, hopped on board, and, under pressure, learned a dozen songs just in time for their next gig. Talk about dedication!
High-Energy Performances
One of Dock Party’s major strengths? Their high-energy performances! Over the past year, they have put on more than a dozen shows, hitting diverse venues like the downtown Chattanooga Public Library and local hotspots like Westbound Honky-Tonk and The Dragon’s Roast. They even rock out for a cause, playing benefit concerts such as the one at Songbirds for the Guitars for Kids program.
Cheemakoti explains that the band’s mission is to create a unique experience at each show. “We want to engage the audience and think outside the box,” he notes. With Sanders using his wireless amp to get up close and personal with fans, it’s all about drawing the crowd in and elevating that electric atmosphere!
The Music: A Journey to Find Their Sound
When it comes to their setlist, Dock Party doesn’t shy away from exploring a variety of styles. They mix covers from popular indie artists like Dayglow and Backseat Lovers with original tracks that showcase their creative talents. Their EP, titled Sailboats, released on Spotify, is a testament to their eclectic musical exploration.
According to Cheemakoti, “Our music is all over the place in a good way.” They love to experiment and embrace whatever ideas come to mind, not letting themselves get stuck in one genre. “We’re not afraid to go out there,” he adds, encapsulating the spirit of their artistry.
Looking to the Future
As graduation looms on the horizon for these four seniors, their goal is to keep recording and releasing new music. Clark reflects, “What happens after graduation? We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” But one thing is for sure – they’ve loving every moment of being in this band together.
Clark emphatically shares his love for Dock Party: “I honestly don’t know what I’d do without this band. Even if it all ends when we graduate, I’ve never felt more fulfilled or satisfied in my life.” This isn’t just a hobby; it’s a life-changing experience, he says, and it seems the other members feel the same way.
Join the Party!
Whether you catch them live at a local venue or listen to their tracks on Spotify, the members of Dock Party are all about having a good time and making sure their audience enjoys every minute! Want to keep up with these rising stars? Check them out on Instagram at @dockkpartyband. This band is definitely one to watch, and the best part? They’re just getting started!
