Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Harlan County and the surrounding region has long been known for bluegrass music, with the area having produced many of the finest musicians in that genre. However, there are many working musicians performing all sorts of styles of music throughout the area.

Three Harlan County musicians who have been working stages in and around Harlan County and beyond for quite a while took some time to talk about how the music scene in Harlan has changed over the years and where it may be going. Mike Collins, Adam Brock, and Brandon Collins have each performed in and around Harlan County for years, playing music ranging from bluegrass to heavy rock.

Mike Collins has spent decades playing rock music in Harlan County as well as throughout the country with multiple bands, including portraying Gene Simmons in premier KISS tribute acts.

“I’ve played bass and sung in numerous bands since the late ‘80’s including a couple of original bands, Force 10 & OTO, several cover bands, and most notably a couple (KISS) tribute bands Dressed To Kill & Mr Speed,” Collins said.

Guitarist, harp player and vocalist Adam Brock’s interest in music began with a family connection which led directly to the formation of The Kudzu Killers, the band Brock has performed with for years using Harlan as a home base.

“I started off listening to my dad play around campfires with his friends,” Brock said. “When I got to middle school, I started showing some interest in learning how to play the guitar. Dad went and bought me my first acoustic guitar – a Harmony if I remember correctly – I banged around on it enough to work out about 3-4 chords…and that was enough to play a million different songs.”

Guitarist/vocalist Brandon Collins has been involved in the local music scene for about 16 years.

“I’ve played in a number of bands and projects, ranging from original metal bands, pop-punk, top 40’s cover bands, tons of bluesy bands, southern rock, and country,” Brandon Collins says. “I’ve even dived into the tribute world with the likes of a Guns N’ Roses tribute act Bad Obsession (A short lived project that I was very proud of) and without a doubt my biggest accomplishment, playing lead guitar for the KISS tribute band Dressed To Kill.”

Every music scene has unique aspects, and the Harlan County scene is no different.

“One unique thing that stands out to me is the fact that there are so many different musical flavors in this area,” Mike Collins stated. “One would think that a place like this would be primarily country or Bluegrass but there has always been a strong rock movement here as well. You literally can find any type of music here.”

Brock noted there are many music genres flourishing locally.

“Hearing the different genres come out of seemingly nowhere,” Brock stated. “Harlan isn’t just bluegrass. We have MANY different styles of music here. Bluegrass, punk, rap, rock, metal, gospel, it’s all here.”

Brandon Collins mentioned the diverse music offerings available in Harlan span multiple genres and age groups.

“For me, the most unique part of playing in Harlan has always been the diversity,” Brandon said. “When I was in high school, we were all very influenced by heavier bands that were popular at the time like Avenged Sevenfold, Stone Sour, Seether, Papa Roach, Escape The Fate, etc. We obviously got some funny looks at the Poke Sallet Festival, but we fit right in 25 miles down the road at the Captain Crawdad Social Experiment 119.”

The music scene in Harlan County just keeps on growing.

 “Who would think Bloody Harlan would welcome four dudes in spandex and make up playing KISS, but they did!” Brandon Collins said. “Who would have thought Adam Brock and the rest of the Kudzu Killers could stray about as far from their tried and true bluegrass roots as they could get and turn into probably the most successful original act running in Harlan… Brad Harris – a guy I’ve watched grow up – has been the driving force and heart beat behind a punk scene and the band L.I.P.S that’s shared the stage with bands like GWAR and Suicidal Tendencies…if you don’t know, that’s a pretty cool achievement…The Turner Brothers are doing some of the finest outlaw country you’ll find outside of Waylon and Jones. I’m not trying to leave anyone out but the point I’m trying to make is that as surprising as it may be in little ole fickle Harlan, there’s something for everyone and generally it’s all welcomed with open arms.”

Considering the vast amount of music coming out of Harlan County, the music scene is likely to change in unknown directions at any time. In short, who knows what the future may bring for the working musicians of Harlan County?

“I feel a lot of it will depend on the community, not just the musical community,” Brock said. “Supporting local bands/musicians/acts makes ALL the difference. Showing interest and support for a band/artist goes a long way. I think the Harlan community has done a good job creating opportunities for shows. The Portal, Harlan County Beer Company, Moonbow, tourism, and the churches have all been nurturing to the musical community. Ultimately, I think as long as Harlan keeps showing up for acts and events, we’ll continue a steady climb.”

Mike Collins sees the future of working musicians in Harlan County being up to hard work on the part of the musicians to get themselves out in front of the public.

“Surprisingly, Harlan has always had plenty of options for local musicians to showcase their talent,” Mike Collins said. “Luckily, we have been blessed with officials and key places that have always been strong supporters of what we do. From the local festivals, celebrations, mountain arts, showcases, local pubs, and numerous other events; Harlan always seems to have a means to show off its local talent. With the recent success of artists such as Chris Stapleton or Tyler Childers, and the rich history of legendary musicians that have come up through this area, I believe that southeast Kentucky in general is being eyed now more than ever by the music industry. Now with all that being said, if you plan on being a working musician, you have to be willing to travel to make it. You have to keep spreading out to other areas beyond the county that you live in.”

With the summer season rapidly approaching, keep an eye and ear out for chances to experience live music throughout Harlan County.