Do you think Seattle will ever again contribute to the music industry? Or is it doomed to perpetual tech geekdom?

[franklin42]

The rock and roll/pop scene is thriving right now. Just last night there were 2 separate shows and most of the people in the bands were all from the "grunge" era. Loads of talented people are still here and they are still playing and recording and designing and touring and putting out records. Everything is fine.

[Flightoficarus87]

Musician here who will chime in.

I think it depends on how the current tech boom continues to play out, and how Seattle continues to respond (i.e - Will new housing growth help w/COL at all? Will the tech boom fizzle out?). While Seattle's music scene still has a lot going for it for a city of it's size (Plenty of good live music events/venues, and opportunities in certain genres), it's noticeably less vibrant than a decade ago, and as far as I've been told, a far cry from the 1990's (I was a little one back then, but as we all know, Seattle was very musically influential during that time!).

I think there's a one-two punch at play here. The tech boom has definitely altered the culture of Seattle to some degree. Re-development and COL spikes have pushed out many artists/creative types, as well as caused a few notable venues to shut their doors/make way for the wrecking ball. You could also argue that "tech culture" is becoming more prevalent, and is turning Seattle into more of an educated professional/careerist city. But there's also the changes in the music industry as a whole at play here as well (i.e - it can be argued that it's harder to earn a living from music nowadays, with lower gig pay, lower record sales, and higher COL in most major cities).

Overall, I think it's a situation where musicians/artists will have to adapt to the circumstances to stay in cities/keep them artistically & culturally vibrant (i.e - have decent paying day/side gigs outside of music).

[Polymorphist]

I honestly don't think that there is anything to worry about. Every major city will always have a creative force of people within it regardless of the economic situation. There are plenty of bands and musicians, the thing is most people only want to attend events featuring people they know or whom are already popular. To really get an idea as to what's going on, you have to dig under the surface and attend shows at local clubs which regularly feature local original music. Again, most people just can't be bothered to do that. Not everyone makes it into The Stranger, and i've found that by the time The Stranger picks-up on someone, they are already known around town. Go to original music clubs on a Tuesday night, you'll see mainly musicians hanging around because they are either supporting the scene or actually a member of one of the bands playing that night. Of all the shows I played around town over 12 years ago, I only ever met a handful of people whom came out just because they were curious and didn't know anyone. To the outside world, those small and poorly-attended shows look like loserville. But...that's where it all starts.

I've found that mid-size and smaller cities actually have an easier time of attracting locals to shows and events. Big cities are often stuck on themselves and they have a lot of different things to choose from. I've always had a great time playing in Spokane, Olympia or Salem (for example). I remember the pay-to-play scenarios at the more known venues in Los Angeles and those gigs often didn't help push anything further.

But a local scene is out there, you just have to be more curious and adventurous. The reality is that nobody really cares about art and creativity...until it becomes popular. Then everybody suddenly loves it.

[dav51lin]

tech n gloomy kingdom

[BATCAT]

Originally Posted by Flightoficarus87

Musician here who will chime in.

I think it depends on how the current tech boom continues to play out, and how Seattle continues to respond (i.e - Will new housing growth help w/COL at all? Will the tech boom fizzle out?). While Seattle's music scene still has a lot going for it for a city of it's size (Plenty of good live music events/venues, and opportunities in certain genres), it's noticeably less vibrant than a decade ago, and as far as I've been told, a far cry from the 1990's (I was a little one back then, but as we all know, Seattle was very musically influential during that time!).

I think there's a one-two punch at play here. The tech boom has definitely altered the culture of Seattle to some degree. Re-development and COL spikes have pushed out many artists/creative types, as well as caused a few notable venues to shut their doors/make way for the wrecking ball. You could also argue that "tech culture" is becoming more prevalent, and is turning Seattle into more of an educated professional/careerist city. But there's also the changes in the music industry as a whole at play here as well (i.e - it can be argued that it's harder to earn a living from music nowadays, with lower gig pay, lower record sales, and higher COL in most major cities).

Overall, I think it's a situation where musicians/artists will have to adapt to the circumstances to stay in cities/keep them artistically & culturally vibrant (i.e - have decent paying day/side gigs outside of music).

I've been a performing/recording musician in Seattle from the mid 90's until today, and this post is not only a very VERY good summary of where we are now, it's so much so I don't have a single thing to add. If you want a good answer to the OP question, just read the above.

[AleeGee]

You have to subscribe to Band In Seattle, and then determine for yourself. We have pretty good bluegrass bands up and coming. Rock isn't as hardcore or the popular genre anymore. Many overlapping styles combined in one band now. I like these bands. The lead singer of Duke Evers has a strong resonant voice (he's handsome too).

1. Duke Evers
2. Polecat
3. Vaudeville Etiquette
4. Staxx Brothers