Student band puts on first Troy performance

A Troy University student, that’s been in a band for the past two years, was finally able to play a show in Troy last Saturday for Halloween night. 

The band, ViCTORiA, is comprised of vocalist Bryson Bishop, a Troy student and a senior communications minor from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, guitarist Chandler Brewer, drummer Cody Foster and bass/keyboard playerHenley Phillips. They’ve been a band for two years and in that time, they’ve played numerous shows around their hometown, Muscle Shoals, Alabama, but they were never able to make it down to Troy until last Saturday night. 

Caroline Marshall photo

ViCTORiA performs its songs at first Troy concert.

“I’ve always wanted to do a Halloween show, and I’ve wanted to do a show in Troy, and it turned out perfect,” Bishop said. “It was a special show for me because I’m graduating next month, so it was kind of like a final send off for me before I leave Troy.” 

The band is currently working on writing and recording its first EP and plans to continue to pursue careers as a performing, touring band after Bishop graduates in December. 

“It was also a great experience to feel what it’s like to actually be a travelling band before we go on out first tour,” Bishop said. “We’re super excited to be able to do that and start launching our career.” 

One of the audience members was impressed not only by the band’s performance but by their obvious chemistry as friends and performers as well. 

“Everyone had their own moments to be the star of the show,” said Kat Storey, an audience member taking pictures for the band who is also a Troy graduate from Pensacola, Florida. “They were all so supportive of each other and made sure you didn’t miss someone doing something amazing.  

“The camaraderie between everyone was so motivating. At one point I’m taking pictures of Henley playing the keyboard, and he starts shaking his head and pointing to Chandler. He’s telling me ‘Him, not me. You don’t want to miss what he’s about to do.’ 

“Sure enough, Chandler starts shredding on the guitar except he’s playing with his nose, not his hands. Then he’s playing the guitar behind his head. It was so cool to watch.” 

One of Bishop’s coworkers at the Idea Bank in Troy was at the concert as well, and she said she loved the connection between Bishop’s personal pursuit of music and the support of student pursuits that they work toward at their job. 

“Supporting local projects, businesses and service ventures is what makes the community drive,” said Reanna Thompson, an audience member and graduate student at Troy. “Especially concerts or events like this emphasize the importance of supporting local student ideas that pour back into the Troy community.” 

The night was special for Bishop's friends as well, as Storey said she had been waiting on the chance to see ViCTORiA perform for years, supporting her friend in his ambitions along the way. 

“Being friends with someone for so long you see them in their most confident moments, but you also experience the moments of doubt and insecurity,” Storey said. “I’ve had conversations with Bryson when he wasn’t sure if music would work out.  

“You audition for something, and it doesn’t work out, or you have difficulties at the first gig.

But I’ve told him in all of those moments of doubt that he would do amazing things, and music would work out if he kept at it.Seeing him on stage doing what he loves, with people that support him and have that same goal of making great music, it was so thrilling.”