It’s been four years since we took a guided tour of the music scene in Dayton, Ohio in the company of local musician Paige Beller (read her guide here), so we thought it was about time we revisited the city that brought us Kim and Kelley Deal, Guided by Voices and Lou Barlow, amongst many more. Who better to show us around town than photojournalist Jake Schneider, whose ongoing project Doors at 8, Music at 9 seeks to document the community behind the music.
Please give us a little background about yourself and your involvement in the Dayton music scene.
My name is Jake Schneider; I’m a professional photographer from the Dayton area. I started with photography, specifically 35mm film, around 2015-2016, but more as a hobby. In 2020, I decided that I wanted to take it a bit further and get into the professional space, I spent a couple of years studying composition, with 2022 being the first year I really started to share my work. Since then, I’ve had quite a list of clients that I’ve worked with which has been an incredible experience! Towards the end of 2023, I started to lean into photojournalism, which really felt like a natural step for me.
I got involved in the Dayton music scene around 2017, going to houses up in New Bremen and watching Dayton bands play, then eventually making my way to more local house shows and some smaller venues. I initially started participating in the Dayton music scene with Minor ‘Love playing guitar with them, then eventually starting my own band Camarillo playing in and around Dayton.
Your new project looks at the community around the local music scene – why did you choose this focus?
I felt like there was a gap. Dayton’s music scene is so much more than just the performances. I wasn’t seeing anyone capture the green room moments, the friends who show up to every gig, or the post show hangs at Southern Belle or Blind Bob’s. That human side is so, so important to me I had to capture it. I really wanted to showcase that these folks live full lives and then go on stage and transform like they are playing to a stadium full of people. The contrast on that really stood out for me.
What have been some of your favorite moments so far while working on this project?
That’s a tricky question! I’ve had a ton of incredible moments so far since starting “doors” in November. A few of the ones I can think of off the top of my head would have to be getting an all-access pass to For Dayton, By Dayton, doing a promo shoot for You Vs. Yesterday was a fun experience, alongside taking the cover photo for their most recent single, and documenting the opening of Hugeface Productions new studio space, was huge to me, the guys that run it are some of the nicest folks I know!
What is the end goal of the project and what is still left to be done?
The goal is to showcase how diverse, personal, and community driven Dayton’s music scene is. I think there’s a lack of coverage on the people behind the music. I’m planning on releasing a photobook and gallery tour around Dayton.
There is still a ton of work ahead of me. I planned on having the project wrapped in July-August 2026. I still have a long list of groups and musicians that I want to cover.
What makes Dayton a special place for music?
I believe what makes Dayton such a special place is its community, no matter if you are a part of the rap scene or hardcore punk or even the visual art scene, people show up for one another. The support for the arts is truly an incredible thing in Dayton.
We last looked at the scene in Dayton back in 2021 when Paige Beller showed us around, what’s changed since then?
Since 2021, I’d say Dayton’s scene has been making shifts to bring more people into the community, there have been some incredible acts present, and I believe the scene is more alive now than it was in 2021.
There have been new music events that have popped up since 2021, such as Holidayton and Dayton Battle of the Bands that take place at the Brightside, For Dayton by Dayton one day music festival that was held at Levitt Pavilion this year, and more spaces are opening their doors to support local DIY shows
Is there a scene or a sound that you’d describe as being specific or special to Dayton?
It’s difficult to nail down Dayton to one specific sound. Dayton has a rich past especially with emo legends like Hawthorne Heights, Kim Deal from The Breeders, and even has history in the jazz space with Billy Strayhorn, who wrote standards with Duke Ellington. There is a little bit of everything for everyone.
Give us a quick history lesson – who are some of your favourite bands and artists from Dayton?
That’s a tough one. I really enjoy many of the bands I’ve had the chance to see and work with around here. But if I had to list a few I’d go with The Bruins, sheller, Ace Slite, Knavery, Seth Canan & The Carriers, Isicle, heavyhead, Leaving Off, You Vs Yesterday, and TINO. All of these groups bring their own special thing to Dayton’s scene. Beyond that, everyone’s been incredibly supportive, and I’ve had a blast collaborating with them. I’m genuinely grateful for that.
And who should we be looking out for right now & why?
There are a ton of acts, but to list a few I’d say sheller, crabswithoutlegs, The Bruins, Better Anyway, and You Vs Yesterday should be on everyone’s radar right now, these groups are really putting some work in and I’m excited to see where they’ll be in the future!
What impact do you think living in Dayton has had on you as a photojournalist?
Dayton has really pushed me out of my comfort zone for sure and it was the big reason I started leaning into photojournalism to begin with. Dayton really inspired me to not just capture the moment, but the context and emotion that surrounds it. Being based nearby has shown me the value of documenting what’s happening with intention and a journalistic mindset.
Where are your favorite local places to see live music and why?
Thankfully, we still have great venues like Yellow Cab Tavern, The Brightside, and The Levitt Pavilion, but there have been a few new spots such as Mendelson’s, Fairborn Phoenix Theater, Oregon Express with their new stage setup, and Blind Rage Records really trying to push the envelope in supporting touring and local act, and there are more venues and local DIY gigs going on.
Aside from the bands, who are some of the local heroes working to keep music thriving in Dayton?
There are so many, but a few that come to mind are Libby Ballengee at The Brightside, Lisa Wagner from Levitt Pavilion, Juliet Fromholt at WYSO, Brandon Hawk who promotes at Blind Bob’s, and they all play big roles but, once again, the community as a whole is so huge in keeping the music scene thriving!
Check out Jake’s Dayton playlist below:
One Sided – The Bruins: One of my personal favorite songs they’ve released!
Violet – Houseghost: My wife introduced me to this one while I was in the studio and fell in love with them instantly
Bully – Ace Slite: Their recent single release, one of my personal favorites, just pure rock!
Dancing’s for Dancers – You Vs Yesterday: I shot the cover for this one, so it’s close to my heart.
Da Bounce – TINO: I’ve been listening to this one a lot lately, really enjoying the energy on this one
Cut You Out – Leaving Off: A great example of Dayton’s emo sound.
937 – Knavery: Another group of talented musicians, really enjoy their sound and songwriting!
Not Meant To Be – Camarillo: I of course had to choose one from my own band! This has to be my favorite song we’ve ever created together, and it made me cry when we recorded the ending!
The Wind Broke My Windbreaker – Heavyhead: one of my favorites from Heavyhead catchy lyrics and solid jams!
The Lost Things – Seth Canan & The Carriers: Camarillo played their first set with Seth, and truly inspired the band, Seth and the Carriers have been great supporters and great friends!
Jake Schneider’s Doors at 8, Music at 9 continues – keep your eyes peeled for news of the photobook and gallery tour in 2026.
Jake Schneider: Portfolio / Instagram
Interview by Paul Maps
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