Houston Music Scene vs Austin Music Scene (culture, artist)

[AK123]

Unlike some others here where the grass is always greener in cities that the media hypes up while ignoring all the negatives, I've actually lived in both places rather than the occasional trip or observing from afar.

The Austin music scene is obviously more organized and concentrated. There are a few very notable festivals obviously. But the genres are a little different, the college scene is definitely an influence, and I don't know that I'd say the quality of the acts are necessarily better. Just different. I hear from family there that the last ACL was a snoozefest... not that it wasn't packed, but it was like coffee-shop-hipster-heaven as far as the type of music. Houston has had some pretty good music festivals as of late that I would have much rather been at as far as the type of music. Of course I am an observer/fan, not a musician.

[blkgiraffe]

Originally Posted by AK123

Unlike some others here where the grass is always greener in cities that the media hypes up while ignoring all the negatives, I've actually lived in both places rather than the occasional trip or observing from afar.

The Austin music scene is obviously more organized and concentrated. There are a few very notable festivals obviously. But the genres are a little different, the college scene is definitely an influence, and I don't know that I'd say the quality of the acts are necessarily better. Just different. I hear from family there that the last ACL was a snoozefest... not that it wasn't packed, but it was like coffee-shop-hipster-heaven as far as the type of music. Houston has had some pretty good music festivals as of late that I would have much rather been at as far as the type of music. Of course I am an observer/fan, not a musician.

Pretty much what I was saying.

[eastontracks]

Originally Posted by AK123

Unlike some others here where the grass is always greener in cities that the media hypes up while ignoring all the negatives, I've actually lived in both places rather than the occasional trip or observing from afar.

The Austin music scene is obviously more organized and concentrated. There are a few very notable festivals obviously. But the genres are a little different, the college scene is definitely an influence, and I don't know that I'd say the quality of the acts are necessarily better. Just different. I hear from family there that the last ACL was a snoozefest... not that it wasn't packed, but it was like coffee-shop-hipster-heaven as far as the type of music. Houston has had some pretty good music festivals as of late that I would have much rather been at as far as the type of music. Of course I am an observer/fan, not a musician.

very good

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

Oh good. Another, "why doesnt Houston get more attention" thread.

[blkgiraffe]

Originally Posted by justme02

Oh good. Another, "why doesnt Houston get more attention" thread.

We just wanna be loved!

[TVC15]

Originally Posted by AK123

Unlike some others here where the grass is always greener in cities that the media hypes up while ignoring all the negatives, I've actually lived in both places rather than the occasional trip or observing from afar.

The Austin music scene is obviously more organized and concentrated. There are a few very notable festivals obviously. But the genres are a little different, the college scene is definitely an influence, and I don't know that I'd say the quality of the acts are necessarily better. Just different. I hear from family there that the last ACL was a snoozefest... not that it wasn't packed, but it was like coffee-shop-hipster-heaven as far as the type of music. Houston has had some pretty good music festivals as of late that I would have much rather been at as far as the type of music. Of course I am an observer/fan, not a musician.

Exactly what I would say as well. I lived in Austin for 1.5 years and was not impressed with the bands all over the place that just either sang cover songs or sounded like **** with their own music!

I grew up in Houston with a brother that played the lead guitar and also the sax. So I was well immersed in the music scene in Houston due to my brother who was always in a band and always playing somewhere in Houston. He is an engineer by day and musician by night. He took a job in Austin at the same time my partner took a job in Austin. So I moved to Austin as well and never got what the hype was about.. And I am a huge music person! It is mostly lame with a few good acts IMO. I am not into the college kido mentality who thinks it is cool to get drunk every night and worship the lame bands...maybe that is why the hype is overblown....it is being put out there by drunken ears

[HtownLove]

Originally Posted by TVC15

Exactly what I would say as well. I lived in Austin for 1.5 years and was not impressed with the bands all over the place that just either sang cover songs or sounded like **** with their own music!

I grew up in Houston with a brother that played the lead guitar and also the sax. So I was well immersed in the music scene in Houston due to my brother who was always in a band and always playing somewhere in Houston. He is an engineer by day and musician by night. He took a job in Austin at the same time my partner took a job in Austin. So I moved to Austin as well and never got what the hype was about.. And I am a huge music person! It is mostly lame with a few good acts IMO. I am not into the college kido mentality who thinks it is cool to get drunk every night and worship the lame bands...maybe that is why the hype is overblown....it is being put out there by drunken ears

agree the quantity in Austin does not often translate into quality

[Tconnolly83]

I say this from personal experience... Houston music scene is kind of pathetic. I’m a musician who has lived in both cities. Most people I met in Austin played some sort of instrument. It made for a lot of pick up bands and an overall great scene. I had a blast when I lived there. My experience in Houston has been much less impressive... Sorry.

[kemahkami]

Originally Posted by Tconnolly83

I say this from personal experience... Houston music scene is kind of pathetic. I’m a musician who has lived in both cities. Most people I met in Austin played some sort of instrument. It made for a lot of pick up bands and an overall great scene. I had a blast when I lived there. My experience in Houston has been much less impressive... Sorry.

It's more just a difference in prevailing genre focus than anything.

[As Above So Below...]

I play drums in a metal band in Houston and Ill say there is a lot of potential in the metal scene here. Its just unrealized. Im hoping the band I play in can help shape it personally.