A quick Internet search for “How to make it in the music industry” will turn up hundreds of musicians’ blogs with the supposed key to success. But for Luther students, the answers were here last Friday with The Glad Version.

The Minneapolis-based indie-rock group, returned to their roots to perform in front of an energetic Marty’s crowd. The mixture of upbeat guitar melodies, rich vocals and intricate drumbeats moved the audience and gave inspiration to current Luther musicians.

The band includes Luther alumni Adam Svec (‘02) and Chris Salter (‘02). For them, the eight-year journey has included a move to Minneapolis, a change in name and the addition of new members Tor Johnson and Travis Welk. The rise from their Luther days, when they were known as Boy With Stick, to their current success in Minneapolis has been long but exciting.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m writing one really long paper,” said Svec, the lead singer. “And I’ll be writing that paper for the rest of my life.”

The journey so far has been a rewarding one. The band’s music is popular not only in the Midwest, but also on the East Coast. This success gives the band the opportunity to travel to cities in that part of the country about once every year.

The Marty’s concert, sponsored by KWLC and SAC Spotlight, gave the band a chance to show how far they have come, as well as an opportunity to showcase music from their latest album, Make Islands. The album, the band’s third, has generated press in the Minneapolis area and beyond.

Luther students seemed to agree with the praise.

“Whenever I hear these guys play, it makes me want to play too,” said Collin Thompson (‘11).

Thompson, an owner of all three The Glad Version albums says the sound of Make Islands is much wider in nature.

“This isn’t the type of stuff you hear in the mainstream, but it should be,” he said.

Members of KWLC and SAC Spotlight agreed that seeing the success of a band whose roots began at Luther can be inspirational for students.

“They are an example of a group who has stuck together and worked through the music business, although difficult at times,” said Katie Curran (‘08), a KWLC rock music director, who helped set up the concert. “I think their success should be an inspiration to those aspiring for careers in music.”

Jon Bakken (‘09) echoed this sentiment.

“It is a great thing to support Luther alums,” said Bakken, who plays for several different Luther groups. “[Their success] tells me to keep making music. They made it, and I’m here listening, so mission accomplished.”

Svec has advice for students hoping to make it in the music industry.

“When you’re starting to write songs for a band setting, don’t worry about ‘style,’” he said. “Worry about the song, and the style will find itself.”