The Record Mill is Ames’ DIY Music Venue
Photo courtesy of Sky Bussanmas
Tyler Stodghill and Wyatt Timberlake of Stars Hollow play at The Record Mill, Ames’ alternative house show venue for alternative and punk music.
March 23, 2016
Home to alternative and punk music shows, The Record Mill hosts numerous live music events every month for local Ames and Iowa music lovers.
Located at 603 Luther Dr. in Ames, this hidden gem is home to the family of Underdog Story member Jonah Miller. Owner Donna Miller began opening up their home in the summer of 2015 after the scene’s original house venue, The Barn, was torn down.
“After our old spot was torn down, we were kind of in a standstill where we weren’t sure what to do,” said Tyler Stodghill, senior in child, adult and family services. “The guys in Underdog Story came through and gave us a place to have shows.”
The venue is a seemingly normal ranch-style house, but the basement has been transformed into a venue with an impressive sound system. The basement is where Iowan alternative music lovers congregate to watch bands from all over the Midwest perform.
Each show costs about $5 to hang out in a casual environment, meet new people and listen to new music. Similar shows are also booked in a couple Des Moines venues such as The Underground Rockshop, Lefty’s and The Vaudeville Mews.
The do-it-yourself punk music scene in Ames is thriving thanks to the commitment of a few local music lovers. Jesse Ledbetter, former ISU student, is a local musician and a primary contact for booking shows at The Record Mill. He has had a significant hand in the growth of local punk music in Ames.
“Jesse is doing so many great things for young kids who want to start bands and make music,” said Katymae Moore, friend of Ledbetter’s.
Originally from Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Ledbetter was only able to attend shows during high school in Iowa City. Once he started college at Iowa State, he looked for more opportunities to get involved with local music.
“I was in metal bands and playing heavier hardcore and punk shows, so I really wanted to find a community like that here when I was going to college,” he said.
Ledbetter is involved in multiple musical projects, including an emo band called Stars Hollow with Wyatt Timberlake and Stodghill.
The shows and music in Ames have created a community for anyone to feel welcome.
“Music is something that really connects people and it makes it easy to make friends when you both have a passion for something so important,” Stodghill said. “I honestly think some of the best friends I’ll ever have are the ones that I have made through the DIY community.”
Upcoming shows at The Record Mill include:
Better Friend, Archeress, Basin and Cold Winds
Earth Groans, Artorias, Avoid, White Kimono and Words Like Daggers
Stars Hollow, Arizona Landmine, Exit, Emergency, Catholic Werewolves, The Could’ve Beens and TJ Wilt And His Guitar
Township, Weathered, Stars Hollow and Basin
Naturalist, Shut Up Matt Jewett, Surrenderson and Underdog Story
For more information about upcoming events, visit The Record Mill’s Facebook.
