LOCAL music scenes have always thrived in Utah. However, not many know that one of these local bands is right here at Granger, eating in the lunchroom, attending classes, and walking down these very hallways — the band called Blowfish. Recently showcasing at the homecoming carnival, Blowfish had the crowd stunned, hyped, and aching for more.

Aaron Crane (11) is the bassist for Blowfish. Crane started playing bass in 8th grade and met Simon through a mutual friend last year in chemistry class, “When the teacher did new seat placements, we sat together and became best friends,” Crane said. They would play their instruments after school, practicing and creating demos together.

Crane said one of his favorite memories of playing with the band was their very first show in Orem, where they got to play with another Utah local band, Spilled Wax. “The show was just the best. So many people were there. It was just cool being able to play for that many people at one of our first gigs,” Crane said.

For Crane, prepping for a show means trying to keep a zero-anxiety mindset. “I really don’t do much, but I do tell myself that, you know, this is all just fun and it doesn’t matter if I mess up,” he said. He also wants Lancers to help support the band. “Come support the local music scene in SLC and Orem. Go to shows, buy CDs, and shirts,” he said.

Simon Pace (10) is the guitarist and lead vocalist for Blowfish. Pace started playing guitar in July of 2022. The mutual friend who introduced the two told them his older brother was willing to give them a set at a venue if they could get a drummer. Simon contacted an old friend, Marty Franco, and from there, Blowfish was born and now continues to thrive.

Blowfish doesn’t just create music that challenges social norms; they are also active advocates for their political positions. “Blowfish is Anti-Establishment, and I mean I hope we never become sell-outs because we would never want to change our music drastically just to conform to what society wants or to make more money,” Pace said. He has strong opinions about the band’s political music and its stance on societal norms. There’s no doubt that, as a punk rock band, Blowfish makes a statement. “Punk rock is freedom. Faith is ignorance, and ignorance is blind. Our government sucks!” says Pace, as he lists Blowfish’s ideologies.

Simon has bigger and better dreams for the band’s future. “Hopefully, in ten years, we’re not just in some trashy one-bedroom apartment with all three of us sharing one bed, you know that would totally suck,” Pace said. He said one of the band’s aspirations is to play at Kilby Court, a small local music venue in downtown Salt Lake. This venue is where many SLC bands get their start, so this would be a significant opportunity for the band and its progression into the music world.

Where Blowfish will go will only be seen over time, but for now, Lancers can support and know that they once walked the same halls as these instruments of expression and advocacy.

Fans can follow Blowfish on their official page @blowfish.band on Instagram.