While Central is recognized for its exceptional music program, which grants opportunities to many students interested in music, quite a few Central students have taken their musical talents beyond the classroom by forming independent bands. These bands frequently perform within the community, helping to showcase their artistic abilities and make a name for themselves within the Champaign-Urbana local music scene. Two notable groups that have emerged from this scene are Squirrel Movement and Spur.
Squirrel Movement
Squirrel Movement was officially formed three years ago and currently comprises guitarist/vocalist Isaak Phelps, bassist/vocalist Judah Phelps, and drummer Bre, who doesn’t go to Central. The Phelps twins were the founders of the band in their eighth-grade year, and agree that they’ve been surrounded by musical influences their whole lives through family and friends. They also consider Green Day and Weezer, amongst other 90s bands, to be their greatest musical influences. They released their self-titled alt-punk EP, featuring three tracks, on August 4th, 2023.
While the lineup has changed slightly over the years, the current members agree they feel a strong sense of community within their band and in the broader CU music scene. When asked whether being in a band gave them a greater sense of community, Judah Phelps said, “I feel like I belong more when I’m doing musical stuff than when I’m not”. He added that they plan to continue playing shows monthly.
(Sophie Nixon-Gasyna)
Spür
Spür was formed in 2024 and consists of vocalist/guitarist Mario Nieto, Bassist Jason Khuri-Reid, and drummer Miles Dixon, a Centennial student. They consider the genre of their music to be folk-inspired indie but cite numerous musical inspirations spanning genres. They released their first single “The Waiting Game” in 2025.
In addition to the band, Nieto runs a page for street performers in the Champaign Urbana area and often participates in it himself. The band has roots in street-performing and generally informal meetups to play, but over time, they transitioned to make it a more serious commitment. They noted a stronger connection within the local community, allowing them the opportunity to meet many new people. This has helped them meet other musicians and discover various venues and opportunities to perform live.
(Sophie Nixon-Gasyna)
On Saturday, March 22nd, these two bands and solo artist Tyler Jae Treacy performed at Exile on Main Street. This store is known for its involvement in the local community and carries vinyl records and merchandise for artists. Overall, it made for a memorable evening of live music showcasing community among local music fans and artists.
