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This week guest contributer joins us from iMesh.com. Head over for legal access to millions of songs and videos.

No one would ever confuse the music scene in San Antonio with that of major music communities like Los Angeles and New York. But really, San Antonio is better for that fact. The music environment in those major cities is often cutthroat, to the benefit of no one but the most popular bands. Thanks in large part to up and coming indie rock groups like Pop Pistol, the San Antonio music community has taken an entirely different approach.

The City

Even visitors to San Antonio quickly notice the city’s strong sense of community. Pop Pistol has introduced this same attitude into San Antonio’s music environment. In 2008, Pop Pistol was just another local band trying to find its identity. They understood the importance of cooperation and organization in the entire music scene, including the bands, promoters, venues and fans. With the backing of the Media Justice League, Pop Pistol gave birth to Local 782. The goal for Local 782 was, and is, to bring awareness and support to San Antonio’s music community. It has developed into an organization dedicated to creating more opportunities for all musicians to get their music heard.

The Organization

Pop Pistol’s approach was very simple. They wanted to take the harsh lessons they were learning in the business world of music and turn those issues into information they could share with other up and coming bands. Local 782 has become a beacon for the San Antonio’s music community. The organization sponsors many workshops and events to promote a fast growing music scene. It guides bands though such issues as how to properly market themselves, how to develop an identity and fan base and how to give back to the community.

In the last two years, Local 782 has sponsored Local Music Week (LMW). Through the cooperation of donators, promoters, venues, the media and the bands, LMW concerts are organized and held throughout the city. These concerts give local bands the chance of a lifetime to get exposure on the big stage. This form of unity is proving to be invaluable.

The Band

For Pop Pistol, Local 782 has produced a great sense of pride and accomplishment. In addition, it gave them the confidence to kickstart their own success. No longer are they merely a group of young guys jamming together in a garage; they are quickly becoming one of the most popular bands to come out of San Antonio. The band includes George Garza (guitar and vocals), Alex Scheel (guitar and vocals) and Jorge Gonzalez (drums). Believe it or not, this trio makes its music and performs while still holding down day jobs.

Of course, it does not hurt that the group is immensely talented. In 2011, they released an acclaimed EP “Disappearing Edges,” their third album and one of 2011′s best in the rock genre. On the heels of the success of “Disappearing Edges”, they have re-released “Angelus,” which was originally released in 2008. Because of their musical efforts, they were recently voted the most popular local indie rock band in San Antonio.

When they are not plying their own trade, you will see the group members out supporting the efforts of other bands. This group is all about the community. When out on the road, Pop pistol chooses to forego the usual “road life” and prefers to visit other communities to promote their advocacy ideas in other parts of the country. Pop Pistol would seem to have all the ingredients necessary for virtually unlimited success. They produce great music and exude a likeability that is hard to find in modern rock.