What is the CURRENT music scene like in Chicago?

[Attrill]

Originally Posted by ren&stimpy

Um, actually people still do this. But I do agree with you, this generations bands are very weak AND low on ideas.

I have to disagree with that, at least on the local level.




This is a band that I found out about from someone who used to babysit our daughter (he's a member of the band). This is just a random band of high school students, but they are great.

Maybe it's just that I grew up in the 80's going to see bands like the Minutemen, Husker Du, Replacements, and Mekons - but these guys put on an incredible live show. There is a lot of great stuff going on in the city that doesn't get the attention it deserves.

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by coldwine

What happened to finding an abandoned home on the south side, throwing a huge party and running away from the police at 2 a.m.? This generation of bands has gotten weak.

What makes you think it dosent happen? A few months ago I saw a show in the basement of an vacant Payless Shoes store (and they've been doing shows there for over a couple years). There are tons of private loft type spaces in the city that host shows, some of which are incredibly well appointed...the reason you dont hear about them should be obvious.

And your consenus on the current bands couldnt be further from the truth.

[Irishtom29]

I went through this 35 years ago. The problem with playing in a pop music band and doing your own material was making money. Because every such band out there thinks that if people just see them they'll love them bands are willing to work for peanuts. The ego gets in the way of the pocketbook.

Whereas bands doing other types of music got paid for a job of work ; dance bands, wedding bands, Oldies bands and such.

[Basekamp]

I knew it! IT29 is from 98 degrees!

Originally Posted by Irishtom29

I went through this 35 years ago. The problem with playing in a pop music band and doing your own material was making money. Because every such band out there thinks that if people just see them they'll love them bands are willing to work for peanuts. The ego gets in the way of the pocketbook.

Whereas bands doing other types of music got paid for a job of work ; dance bands, wedding bands, Oldies bands and such.

[ToriaT]

Ren and stimpy

My son does not get sick of playing because the band is somewhat newish and he has not been doing it that long. As many posters point out, there are quite a few places to play in Chicago. He has been on an East Coast tour and played in Brooklyn and the East Village and other spots and the crowds here are as large and as enthusiastic as anywhere. I believe there is thriving scene. As for getting sick of something you have to have a passion for what you do, the music and performing for a live audience. If you don't have that you should think twice. It is frustrating because every band wants to make it big and be another Wilco or the like. I say keep trying but if you enjoy it its probably a hobby at best. And don't forget to see Color Radio at Subterreanean!!!! Here is their webpage. By the way the front man went to Columbia, my son to Depaul and another band member UIC, live in Chicago. As Chicago as you can get.

MOD CUT

[GT28107]

Originally Posted by gearedtowardssalad

Personally, Chicago wouldn't be somewhere I would move to as a musician.

I agree.

[ren&stimpy]

Originally Posted by GT28107

I agree.

So, I'm guessing you would move to New York or LA where everybody is trying to "make it".

[GT28107]

I know a guy who plays in 3 bands. He gets random gigs in the city that pay a little bit, but nothing significant that he can support himself on. He still lives at home.

Just something to chew on.

[quigboto]

Seriously, are you going to copy and past this same thing in every thread regardless of topic?