Walking into the Union, Texas Supports Live Music members hear the deep rumble of a bass and the snare of drums. Hosted by TSLM, jam sessions highlight different students with a passion for music as they take the stage, playing songs with their peers.
The organization, created in spring 2025, provides opportunities for students, musicians or not, to learn about Austin’s music industry. Students are able to learn about live performances, how to book shows and the behind-the-scenes of the music industry.
“(TSLM’s goal is) to build up the student musician community and people that want to work in music by supporting and going to live shows, helping throw (shows) and helping students become bigger musicians,” said Carleigh Clark, vice president of TSLM and youth and communities studies junior.
Mia Holberg, advertising junior, said she founded TSLM with her passion for live music. Holberg gathered students with similar ideas and brainstormed how they could help student musicians by booking them shows on campus.
“We actually put Study Break on their first show ever,” Holberg said. “Beginning to watch them perform live for the first time and then seeing where they’ve gone since then is so cool. … That’s what we’re doing more of this semester, is really helping those bands perform live.”
Holberg said TSLM currently works with many bands, general artists and other positions like sound engineers who reach out requesting help or opportunities. TSLM recently created a speaker series, inviting musicians to give advice about being in the industry.
“With the guest speakers, if you feel lost and you don’t know what to do in the live music industry, now, maybe you feel a little bit more comfortable because you have these professionals that know what they’re doing and saying ‘hey, here’s how we got to where we are,’” Holberg said.
French sophomore Sriyam Joshi was the first speaker for the series. The second speaker was local punk rock band Subpar Snatch, who said students who create art should not be afraid to fail.
“We know that we have to put in a bit of strategy to make sure that we tap into the next generation,” said Jessica Scott, Subpar Snatch lead singer. “We feel like a lot of the things we have to say are on the same page.”
TSLM offers an array of opportunities for both student and local bands to understand the benefits and negatives of working in music. The music industry is challenging and exhausting, but at the same time, exciting and open for opportunities.
“(The performers) help our members, and us, see what it’s like in the real world working in music,” Clark said. “They give us a real-world perspective of how it works and then, in turn, we give them support. We are hoping to support the general music community, and they’re doing the same to us. We’re pouring into each other.”
TSLM hopes to expand their impact on campus through concert ticket giveaways, jam sessions and opportunities for students to catch a glimpse into what it’s truly like being a part of the music world.
“Our mission mainly is to help our student musicians, especially those at UT, … learn more about how to perform live,” Holberg said. “They can either book with us on campus, or if they just have never played live and they need help, we help, reach out, get them booked at other places. … Everything that encapsulates putting on a live show, we want to help people out and get more involved.”