We recently connected with Christopher Murray and have shared our conversation below.

Christopher, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?

I believe as of recently not enough of a chance is given to younger or newer bands or artists. I personally want to change that with Scary Neighbor, and at least for now, specifically in the Central Florida area. I grew up in the warped tour scene like most people my age, and one of the many things I think Kevin Lyman got right was the Kevin Says Stage, or Warped Tour BOTB. He gave anyone a chance that was willing to put in work. And I think the scene needs more of that again!

Christopher, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Scary Neighbor had its genesis in late 2022 before officially launching in January of 2023. It initially sprouted as an idea aimed at bolstering the underground music community in Tampa Bay. Having immersed myself in the local Florida music scene for most of my life, I noticed a decline in the documentation of its vibrancy over the years. This prompted me to consider contributing to its preservation and celebration.

The moniker “Scary Neighbor” was conceived from pondering how outsiders might perceive enthusiasts of the underground metal, hardcore, or punk scenes. Despite any intimidating appearances, we’re simply your neighbors in the community, embodying warmth, acceptance, and mutual support.

In a collaborative effort with Toddi Babu (from Coma Waves), we produced 200 copies of a compilation CD featuring 20 bands from across Florida, distributing them freely throughout the state. Toddi’s financial support doubled our initial print run from 100 to 200 copies.

I also created 2 Spotify playlists (one for metal/hardcore and another for pop punk/indie/rock) that have a combined audience of 300 people following that are all from the area. I would print out fliers with QR codes and put them up all over town, and leave them at our merch table at shows as well (for my band Illuminate Me).

My involvement extended to printing flyers, attending shows, and eventually crossing paths with Kimberly Mendoza. Impressed by Kimberly’s insightful take on the music scene and her undeniable drive, I approached her with the idea of conducting band interviews at each show. She enthusiastically accepted the role and has since excelled in it.

We have also created a Discord server with well over 130 members in the local scene. People get to know one another, support each other’s bands and can talk about a bunch of things outside of just music if they want to. I really feel like we’re fostering an actual community here that cares about individuals outside of what they contribute music-wise.

We’re currently working on a Scary Neighbor Fest which we’re about to announce the lineup for in the next week or so too!

How did you build your audience on social media?

For the most part when we first started out, I would post as many show fliers happening in the area as possible. I wanted the community to understand that even though I’m not someone that books shows, I still have everyone’s backs to make their dreams a reality. Because ultimately what makes this scene great is people supporting one another, without expecting anything in return. That’s true community.

When I met Kim and asked her to start doing interviews of bands in Florida, that’s when things really started to take off. Kim is incredible at what she does, and I saw her passion from a mile away. Everyone loves watching her interview bands and it’s been a great way to grow the community even more.

I also make it a point to try and attend as many shows as I possibly can, then record snippets of bands sets. I want people from outside of Tampa to see there is really a thriving scene here, and I didn’t really see much of this type of content floating around much at the time I started.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think just being a real individual in the scene with no ulterior motives. I’m not trying to glorify myself and what I do. I just love seeing others chase their dreams and succeed or be apart of a community that shows that appreciation back tenfold. I’m not entirely sure if I have a reputation or not, I don’t have a way to necessarily measure it, but I believe people believe in us when we say we care, and that’s what I think at the very least may make us stand out.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Scaryneighbor.collective

Image Credits

Damian Castillo
Death Panther Media
Kyle Kleemichen