by Austin Marsman
Brothers Cameron and Jacob Conley, along with Clayton Brenner, started playing music together a few years ago after a rained-out bonfire forced them inside. A casual jam session has resulted in the formation of a band called Triple Barrel, which does covers of hits from Metallica, Shinedown, AC/DC and others.
Jacob Conley, the youngest of the group, can shred on the electric guitar. He is a Martin sophomore and athlete. His brother Cameron, a 2017 Martin grad, is lead vocalist and picks the electric guitar as well. Cameron currently works as a welder. Clayton Brenner is the third member of Triple Barrel. A 2015 Martin alum, he keeps a good beat on the drums.
Triple Barrel rocked out for the third time Saturday night in the Conley’s pole barn. As usual, the effects and decorations provided a Halloween-themed backdrop. Their annual Halloween concert, “Turn up the Terror Festival” attracted more than 50 Martin students and friends. The music went on for nearly three hours after two encore performances.
When asked about the future of Triple Barrel, Cameron said they hope to sit down this winter and write some original songs. He also said: “It would be nice to write an album and maybe do some shows around the area.”
COVER PHOTO: Jacob Conley, Clayton Brenner, and Cameron Conley pose for a picture ahead of their concert. (Photos courtesy of Austin Marsman)
Learning to play a musical instrument can be a rewarding achievement for a long time. My wife and I joined friends recently to hear a rock concert at a sold out venue in West Michigan. One of our friends was onstage performing. He started playing in high school. He’s never stopped. He said to me once, coming off a golf course, “I don’t know why I do this. Golf is frustrating, expensive, and I usually go home annoyed at myself. When I play music, it’s fun, it’s collaborative, and at the end of it, they give me money.”