19 March 13-19, 2025 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents Breaking Barriers Blinde and the resilient harmony of disabled musicians in North Texas. BY PRESTON BARTA I n the heart of North Texas, where mu- sical notes echo through bustling streets and intimate venues alike, the band Blinde stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Formed by a close-knit group of friends, including legally blind bassist Keegan Bell, Blinde captivates audiences with their energetic rock ‘n’ roll and em- bodies a broader narrative of resilience within the disabled music community. Their journey has ignited a vital conversa- tion around inclusivity, empowerment and the creative potential of musicians who challenge societal norms. Blinde’s inception was grounded in friendship and a shared passion for music. “When they called me and asked, ‘Hey, we’re starting a band. Do you want to join?’ I said yes,” Bell says. “That night, we got to- gether, and they had lyrics and a couple of riffs ready.” The band’s name, intentionally spelled “Blinde” with an ‘E’, highlights Keegan’s vi- sual impairment, an attribute the band members wanted to embrace rather than shy away from. “We wanted something simple because we’re simple guys,” Bell says, revealing their shared commitment to authenticity. Their sound is rooted in rock yet influ- enced by progressive bands like King’s X and Porcupine Tree, reflecting a mosaic of artistry in which each member contributes their individual influences. Joey Duhon, the band’s drummer, praises Bell’s musician- ship. “Even when I do a trash can ending to a song and slow it down to hit that final big note, most musicians look at the drummer to synchronize,” Duhon says. “But Keegan can barely make out my sticks going in the air, yet he consistently nails it.” This profound connection onstage em- phasizes the essence of collaboration — a common thread among musicians facing their own challenges. In crafting their music, Blinde draws from personal experiences and relation- ships, creating a sound that resonates with a growing community of artists with disabili- ties. One such artist is Malcanthearyou, a deaf singer-songwriter who has recorded in Dallas, whose work reflects a vibrant spirit of defiance against the limitations often im- posed by her condition. “The music industry often forgets that we exist. But when we create art, we advo- cate for ourselves and for others like us,” Malcanthearyou says. Her voice, like Blinde’s, calls for greater representation, reminding audiences that diversity in music enriches the art form. This notion of inclusivity is essential as the music community grapples with its re- sponsibilities to uplift marginalized voices. In North Texas, the stage is shared by musi- cians like The Five Hands, a band notable for including a bassist who plays with one arm. Their story, much like Blinde’s, breaks precon- ceived notions about ability and artistry. The truth shared by members of each of these groups is striking: Talent can flourish in any form, regard- less of physical limi- tations. Amy Wang-Hiller, a professional violin- ist grappling with Ehlers-Danlos syn- drome, a genetic condition affecting connective tissues, is carving her path in the classical music realm. Currently writ- ing a thesis for her doctorate in music edu- cation at the University of North Texas, she advocates for greater access and under- standing within the educational system for people with disabilities. “I’m hoping to spark many conversations about inclusivity in music education and to discuss disabilities in music performance,” she stated in a 2024 interview with WFAA, emphasizing the importance of musicians overcoming challenges. Blinde brings this mission by sharing their experiences openly. “When I started playing the bass, learn- ing the distance for sliding on the fretboard was quite challenging,” says Bell, who learns primarily by ear. “It was tough to memorize because I can’t see my fingers between the frets unless I’m looking very closely. Onstage, there are one or two in- stances when I need to look down to stay in sync, particularly when playing a song where I move from the third fret to the twelfth fret.” His unwavering resolve to normalize his performance is inspiring, challenging us to broaden our understanding of what it means to be a musician. “People interpret my blindness however they wish, but I strive to push forward with- out limitations,” he says. This perspective resonates throughout the North Texas music scene, where the stories of artists with disabilities are be- ginning to create ripples of change. Each performance becomes an act of defiance against the stereotypes that so often de- fine expectations. As these artists grace the stage, they invite audiences to chal- lenge their preconceived ideas about abil- ity and art. Among these narratives is a tapestry of connections, shared experiences and col- lective hope. The resilience found within Blinde and their peers is not merely a series of individual stories but a unified move- ment that champions representation and change. “We can advocate for each other and the changes we want to see in the industry,” says Duhon, emphasizing their commitment to the broader community. As Blinde continues to grow and inspire, their journey, intertwined with those of Malcanthearyou, The Five Hands, Amy Wang-Hiller, and many others, exemplifies the strength found in vulnerability. In a society that often tends to overlook or define individuals by their disabilities, Blinde and their peers illuminate the true essence of artistry — the ability to share one’s story, evoke emotion and foster under- standing through music. This sonic revolution, ignited by musi- cians across North Texas, sparks hope for a future where every voice can be heard and celebrated. ▼ Music Preston Barta Blinde at the Denton Square. From left: Keegan Bell, Brendan Hasse, Joey Duhon and Gabe Parkerson. “WE CAN ADVOCATE FOR EACH OTHER AND THE CHANGES WE WANT TO SEE IN THE INDUSTRY.” –JOEY DUHON SCAN HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS
