New compilation album highlights Buckhannon’s growing music scene

A new compilation album from a Buckhannon-based netlabel is showcasing original music with deep roots in the city’s arts programming, according to a press release from The Church of Sound Netlabel.

The label released its fourth compilation, Quantum Hollers, on Feb. 11, featuring 17 tracks from artists around the world — but mostly from North Central West Virginia. Of the 17 artists on the album, 10 are connected to the project through programs at the Colonial Arts Center.

Track listing:

1. Tangerine by Comma, Splice
2. Maybe I’m Lyin by Christopher Seymer
3. Puddle by billy_is_so_serious
4. Mr. Music Man by BJ Hoffman
5. Homecoming by Pierson Keating
6. Gone by Phil Sparks
7. Brand New by Cliff Thompson
8. MK Ultra by Acid Mind Drainage
9. Mommy, I’m Cold by Belleflower
10. Groove #1 by MFGroove
11. Who Cried Out by Mike Warner
12. Float On by Beyond the Barrier
13. Time by Dave Burr
14. In Case Nobody Told You by Matt Hatfield
15. Wholesome Prison Blues by Reverend Rattlesnake
16. Sudden Stop by Rome Must Fall
17. Quantum Hollers by somnbody

As a not-for-profit digital record label, The Church of Sound is dedicated to providing free distribution for original artists regardless of the production quality of their recordings. Every song submitted to Quantum Hollers was included on the album. The result is an authentic, genre-spanning display of creativity, including both seasoned performers and emerging voices.

A key driver behind the album is the support of creative music programming at the Colonial Arts Center (CAC) in Buckhannon. Artists on the compilation are connected to the project through CAC programs — either by performing at Local Music Night or by being members of Buckhannon Songwriters.

Local Music Night is a CAC-sponsored concert series that provides a free, all-ages concert experience for the community and fair pay for original local acts. The series creates professional performance opportunities for area musicians and ensures that live, original music remains accessible to audiences of all ages.

Buckhannon Songwriters, another CAC initiative, is a free monthly songwriting workshop open to people of all ages and experience levels. The program offers a supportive space for developing original material, sharing works in progress and helping newcomers get started.

Studio 4, the newest CAC program, also contributed to the compilation. Though established near the end of the album’s production cycle, Studio 4 was used for portions of recording on Quantum Hollers and provided training for one artist who mixed their own track. Studio 4’s purpose is to provide free music recording and production skills training to Buckhannon musicians, removing barriers for artists who may not otherwise have access to professional tools and instruction.

“It’s been a long year of networking, recording, mixing and mastering to create this album,” says Bryce O’Loughlin, netlabel founder and creator of CAC’s music programs. “The release of Quantum Hollers shows how music programming that is specifically geared toward creativity will produce results.”

Local Music Night’s first show of the 2026 season is March 14 at the Colonial Arts Center. The event is free and open to all ages. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with music from 7 to 9 p.m. The lineup includes Acid Mind Drainage, Waking Under Water and Wish Awake.

The March 14 show is sponsored by The GreenEggs Foundation, whose mission is “to inspire creativity and ignite a lifelong love for the arts in school-age children. We aim to nurture imagination, self-expression and confidence — empowering the next generation of artists, thinkers and dreamers.”

Local Music Night is only possible through community sponsorships. CAC is currently seeking additional local business partners to support the 2026 season, with the goal of adding one or two shows to this year’s lineup. Sponsorship directly funds artist pay, production costs and free community access.

Businesses interested in supporting Local Music Night and persons interested in any of the programs mentioned are encouraged to visit the linked pages or email Bryce O’Loughlin directly at [email protected].