MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - “Most of what we see or what we listen to in terms of music is something that comes to Midland, or comes to Odessa, or the Permian Basin,” said Danny Holeva, Executive Director of the Arts.

This local father-son duo is an exception.

It all started in 2020 when 15-year-old Tripp Houck attended a KISS concert with his parents. Inspired by the performance, Tripp decided to pick up the guitar. His natural talent quickly became evident, and his father, Todd Houck, joined him on bass. Together, they decided to share their passion for music with the community.

Their band. “Side Effects”, blends heavy metal with influences from iconic bands like Metallica, Korn, Nirvana, Blink-182, Green Day, and Weezer. But what makes Side Effects truly unique is the bond between father and son, and their shared love for music.

The band’s name actually originated from a joke between Tripp and his mother, Mariah, who also manages the band and handles booking their gigs. The name was inspired by medication infomercials that list lengthy side effects—a joke which has now become their band’s brand.

The father-son duo has been making music together for years, but it was the KISS concert that pushed Tripp to master multiple instruments, including drums, bass, and guitar.

Tripp’s dedication to music is evident in the way he speaks about it.

The band started by playing gigs on their own, covering music from the 70s to the early 2000s. Their setlist includes classic rock, grunge, and punk, showcasing their diverse musical tastes. But beyond their genre-spanning performances, what truly sets Side Effects apart is the connection between Todd and Tripp.

When it comes to songwriting, Tripp draws inspiration from daily life and its struggles, as well as the themes he imagines his favorite bands might explore. For him, the arts offer a unique way to express himself.

The local music community in Midland has been incredibly supportive of Side Effects, fostering a sense of collaboration rather than competition.

This spirit of unity extends beyond Side Effects, with other local musicians rallying behind the band. Thurber Mingus, a musician from the band Pump Jack, has been instrumental in helping Side Effects on their journey, even assisting with the production of their upcoming EP.

The EP is expected to be released in October or November of this year, and Side Effects hopes to one day open for major artists who come to the area.

As they continue to grow and share their music, Side Effects serves as a reminder to support local bands and the artists who bring creativity and passion to the community.

“Support those people that are putting themselves out there and give them a chance to fly,” said Holeva.