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Local musician Troy Underwood’s passion for art and music led him to create a new maker-space in Andrews, Town.Ninja.
Andrews – Local singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Troy Underwood has a serious passion about music and its ability to connect us all.
His vision for a creative community is taking shape at his new maker-space. Through Town.Ninja, Underwood looks to gather artists from the region and immediate area to nurture creative pursuits from a variety of backgrounds.
A creative force and multi-instrumentalist in his own right, Underwood is excited to give artists, creators and beginners a place to hone their craft and skills while providing new learners with opportunities to stretch their imaginations.
Of his new maker-space in Andrews, Underwood said the choice of the name Town.Ninja was easy for him because, “Town says community. Ninja says skills.”
A longtime area solo musical act, Underwood has those skills, and now a venue to offer opportunities to others seeking outlets for their artistic pursuits.
“My vision is to get people of all ages in here to make music as a community that includes drum circles, jam sessions, songwriting workshops, making short films,” he said of the future of the maker-space.
Maker-spaces have a long history of being public places either in libraries or schools where people could manufacture their goods or wares and then market them for sale.
The digital age has changed those spaces to include audio-visual, computer and other e-commerce services. Known in some circles as “hack-spaces,” as in making creating easier, these areas are generally used for well-intended purposes and have gained in popularity in the last decade.
Underwood undertook a similar project in Murphy calling it a kind of “School of Rock” thing and a “whole band curriculum.” Many of his students from that project are still involved in the local music scene and he’s very proud of fostering their talents by “planting a seed and helping them to formulate that so it inspires others.”
Making the move to Andrews has allowed Underwood to be in the midst of two of his favorite parts of the area: the majesty of the mountains and the friendliness and openness of the people here.
“Being from Georgia, then living in larger cities, I was drawn to the beauty of this area and the welcoming acceptance of the people I've met here,” he said. “I am truly blessed by and to live in this place.”
Town.Ninja is housed in a former salon, which is just what Underwood was looking for. The separate rooms have allowed differing set-ups for various instrument stations including keyboards, drums and a media-digitizing station.
Soundproof walls allow privacy for each artist as their appointments may overlap. Underwood has space for photographers with different backdrops, podcasting space, audiobook recording and he can also guide people through the processes of creating in various media.
“I’m here to assist in any way I can,” he says of his willingness to instruct and instill confidence in anyone wanting to pursue their artistic passions.
During our interview a young mother of six children swung in to get a quick tour of the facility and was pleased with what she found. Tours are offered by appointment as well as Underwood wants to generate interest in every aspect of what Town.Ninja offers.
Underwood envisions offering lessons in drums, guitar and keyboards. He is also actively seeking others who may be interested in teaching as well.
With a grand opening planned for later this month, the studio is already open and taking clients. Underwood said he is thrilled to make Andrews his base for building a solid arts community.