Today we’d like to introduce you to Rya Bohmer
Rya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Ded Wed Lock was formed at Converse College through the Creative Music Ensemble (CME), a specialized program for students pursuing a Bachelor’s in Contemporary Music. About a year ago, I, Rya Bohmer, met Fay Bullard and Sophie Mitchell through this program. We quickly bonded over our shared musical tastes and multi-instrumental abilities, leading us to form a band. Since the CME program requires students to create and perform in a musical group, it was the perfect opportunity—not only to play music together but to earn academic credit while doing what we love.
During our first year, we performed extensively throughout Spartanburg and the Upstate, both through Converse College and independently booked shows. One notable performance was a student-organized event at Wofford College, and one of our most exciting gigs took place at the Fr8 Yard as part of a CME showcase, where we played alongside fellow Converse bands and connected with a fantastic community of local musicians and venue staff.
As the year progressed, we faced a challenge: while we worked well as a trio, we weren’t completely satisfied with our instrumental roles. Fay, our lead singer and original bassist, felt her skills were better suited for guitar, but neither Sophie nor I had the ability to switch instruments. We continued with our existing setup until fall 2024, when we met Shawn Pupke, an exceptional bassist. When Sophie was unavailable for a gig, we invited Shawn to fill in—and that night, our musical chemistry was undeniable. With Fay on guitar and me on drums, we had never felt more comfortable as a band.
The following week, when Sophie returned, we discussed the possibility of officially adding Shawn to the lineup. It was an easy decision—all three of us were excited to welcome Shawn into Ded Wed Lock, making us a four-member band and marking the end of our all-female identity.
Now, with the spring 2025 semester underway, DWL has already booked six shows, four of which are through Converse College. As we continue growing as a band, we’re looking forward to even more performances, collaborations
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, it has been a smooth road. Since we are just starting our journey there isn’t much standing in our way. The only thing that comes to mind is trying to find more venues to play at. Most shows we play are either booked by us or another band and once we have the line up we have to reach out to venues. It should be easy to find new places to play but recently most venues are closing or don’t allow live music. The recent law passed by South Carolina legislature has had a huge negative impact on local venues and is the prime reason why they are all closing. Due to this we don’t have that many places to play. For example, we used to play lots of shows at the Velo Felo in Greenville but they closed recently and now the only other venue allowing small bands a stage is the Other Lands brewery also located in Greenville. So, I believe once we are either signed or gain popularity online finding venues to play will no longer be an issue but until then we struggle to find good local places to play our music. Make this sound professional
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Ded Wed Lock is an Alternative/Indie band born at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC. We create music that speaks to real experiences—whether it’s love, heartbreak, or the state of our country, we believe in bringing emotions to the forefront. For us, music isn’t just about sound—it’s about sparking thought and inspiring change.
Known for our striking contrast of a hard-edged aesthetic and a welcoming attitude, we take pride in fostering a space where authenticity thrives. Our bassist, Shawn, brings a sharp sense of fashion that ensures we always hit the stage looking as cool as we sound. One of our most anticipated releases, “Bleach,” has already become a fan favorite, with crowds chanting, “Play Bleach! Play Bleach!” at our shows.
What sets us apart is our dedication to performing alongside like-minded, trustworthy artists in a local music scene that spans a wide spectrum of people and values. As far as we know, we’re also the only fully student-led college band in Spartanburg—though if there are others, we’d love to share the stage!
More than anything, we’re proud of how far we’ve come, both as musicians and as friends. With three to four practices a week after classes, we’ve built not only our sound but a strong bond that keeps us grounded. Between the pressures of college life, our rehearsals are where we let go, recharge, and focus on what we love most—making music that matters.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During the Covid-19 crisis my band mates and I were all still in high school doing online learning. It’s really interesting to think that we had no idea of each others existence or the fact we would form a band in the future. This plays into an important lesson I learned during that time. The lesson that time passes and no matter what’s going on during that time, good or bad, it too will pass. Covid was a hard time for most everyone because it was the first time we were separated from the people outside our home. Some people were alone in their apartments but luckily I was living with my family and since there was not much to do I decided to pick up the guitar. I played guitar probably every day and after a while I started writing lyrics to go with what I was playing. Later on I bought Logic Pro and started recording my songs. Honestly, the musical skills I learned during Covid-19 is the entire reason hwy I am where I am today. At Converse studying music and sharing that with the ones I love. Without Covid, I would still have my grandma, but I wouldn’t have the skills and patience I have today to further my future and help those around me.
Pricing:
- Shows are typically $10
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dedwedlock/
