General Music Chat

I hope that by now people consider Seattle to be the musical city that it is. So many great artists have came out of this neck of the woods (Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Death Cab for Cutie, Macklemore, The Blue Scholars, The Sonics, etc). If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend that you come visit.

All you have to bring is your instrument, and you can have the chance to attend any number of open mic nights every day. Here in Seattle, I've noticed, people take open mics pretty seriously. Working artists see it as a way to practice there new material, and patrons see it as a way of discovering new music. I still have not performed at an open mic yet that has had a small crowd. If you are going to hit up the open mic scene, I recommend Stoneway Cafe, Hotel Hotel, or Art Marble 21. All are great venues with good PA's and friendly people.

If, however, you don't like to perform. There are many great concert venues. If you happen to be here during the summer than check out Bumpershoot (Seattle's largest music festival). I don't really recommend Key Arena, but The Showbox Sodo is nice or The Moore Theatre (a very intimate setting—where I saw Robert Plant).

We also have some great record stores. Unfortunately, Silver Platters just went out of business, but Easy Street Records in West Seattle is still going strong. Hit them up for some sweet deals and buried treasure.

So all in all, whether performer or aficionado, Seattle is a great place for music, and it's just getting better.

What are some of your favorite musical cities?

P.S. if you haven't seen Sonic Highways, I recommend you watch it.

I thought you were in LA? Am I confusing you with someone else?

Yes, Seattle rocks!! Portland is similar but I don't think they have as many venues? That drum-off they do downtown every week can be fun.

In my travels across America I always try to go find the local live music scene and a few stick out.

Detroit & San Francisco have always been the leaders in Rock. Atlanta seems to rule in hip-hop for now (but be careful in Buckhead). Asheville NC would surprise you in how many great jazz/funk players show up for a jam session. If I ever leave Texas, that's where I'm going!

Maybe it's because I live here (sometimes) but I still think TEXAS rules when it comes to a brotherhood of musicians jamming together. Any night of the week in Dallas/Ft Worth, there are usually several blues jams, or open mics happening all over the metroplex. Even the bigger local bands will allow strangers to come out of the audience and jam in their normal gigs.

We welcome good-natured competition in our music scene here. What is Sonic Highways? Can I find it on Netflix?

Hey so I'm actually in LA for school, but I took the semester off since I am ahead in credits to get my musical chops up and prepare for a career in music. I'm taking this semester off at home up in Seattle.

That's a good thing you mentioned Texas because I am actually going to South by Southwest this year. Very excited for that!

Oh and Sonic Highways is only available through HBO go, check it out!

I thought you were in LA? Am I confusing you with someone else?

Yes, Seattle rocks!! Portland is similar but I don't think they have as many venues? That drum-off they do downtown every week can be fun.

In my travels across America I always try to go find the local live music scene and a few stick out.

Detroit & San Francisco have always been the leaders in Rock. Atlanta seems to rule in hip-hop for now (but be careful in Buckhead). Asheville NC would surprise you in how many great jazz/funk players show up for a jam session. If I ever leave Texas, that's where I'm going!

Maybe it's because I live here (sometimes) but I still think TEXAS rules when it comes to a brotherhood of musicians jamming together. Any night of the week in Dallas/Ft Worth, there are usually several blues jams, or open mics happening all over the metroplex. Even the bigger local bands will allow strangers to come out of the audience and jam in their normal gigs.

We welcome good-natured competition in our music scene here. What is Sonic Highways? Can I find it on Netflix?