Supporting small artists is essential to helping the growth of local music and to keep music diversity alive. Getting into the scene can be overwhelming at first, but a few simple strategies can help anyone to feel more comfortable going to shows.
Getting into the scene
Going to local venues to see a small artist perform is not only a fun weekend activity, but also helps support them as they start to grow in their craft. When supporting local music, a viewer could in turn support a person’s livelihood, passion and dream. Seeing a live show helps bands gain exposure and popularity in the community, helping them to reach listeners everywhere.
The music scene is full of people from all different paths of life and different scales of musical knowledge. Being in the music scene is extremely beneficial to being part of a supportive community and actively being in a group where everyone has a main interest in common can help broaden friendships and provide memories that will last a lifetime.
The Cauldron sat down for an interview with Cleveland State University first year Henry Pattinson, drummer for the band White Wall. White Wall is a Pop Punk band from Columbus, Ohio. The band consists of Ben Haley on guitar, Henry Pattinson on drums and Colt Conner playing bass.
“It’s a small community with small music. If you don’t have a link to a band and you’re just a viewer who’s coming to watch sets for bands you may know, you’ll meet people who align with your interests,” Pattinson says. “You’re going to see a local band and those types of people who are also seeing them are musically inclined and punk in nature. You can end up meeting a bunch of people in the scene and make your best friends.”
Contributing to the growth of the scene can help others get involved as well, leading to more shows and more bands getting what they have dreamed of. Going to live shows helps keep music alive. Every band one listens to started small at local venues. When someone attends live music, they’re supporting people who want to make it big someday or who even just want to be heard. The importance of one’s support in the scene can make a huge difference for artists and the community.
“As a fan, you have the power to make a real difference in the careers of local musicians. Your attendance at gigs and festivals helps to create a lively atmosphere, which in turn, attracts more people to the scene.” says an article from Eclectic DJ Collective. “Moreover, by purchasing merchandise, you are providing artists with a vital source of income, enabling them to invest in their music and continue to produce high-quality content. This support is invaluable, and it is up to you to play an active role in nurturing and promoting your local music scene.”
Attending a show
Oftentimes overlooked, the opening act at a local show is just as important as the headliner. Instead of showing up late just for the main act, getting to the venue early has a variety of benefits including getting a better view, hearing new music from the opener and overall getting more bang for one’s buck. Headlining for a bigger band is how most artists are exposed to a larger audience for the first time and it can be scary or nerve wracking. However, getting support from viewers helps performers grow as artists and puts their nerves at ease.
“Being at the first show is the scariest experience when you are in a band. A lot of times when the first band is playing people will stand outside to smoke and then come in for the opener,” says Pattinson. “It’s disheartening when I walk in and it’s deserted for the opener but instantly huge for the headliner. Whenever I go to a show and see that it’s the band’s first show, I always go in the crowd and mosh even if no one is there because it’s encouraging.”
Getting into the crowd is boosting for any band because it shows that the listeners are connecting with their music and enjoying it. Dancing and moshing can also help other viewers and new people to the scene to get into the crowd and feel more comfortable expressing themselves. Not only this, but the band will feel motivated to play better and gain more security and confidence in what they’re playing.
“Its such a scary experience to be playing a show to all these people when you don’t know how it’s gonna go. When you see people having a good time it makes you play better,” says Pattinson “All of my best shows have been when the crowd is dancing and moving. It’s really encouraging.”
Venues in the Cleveland area:
Venues can range in different sizes, allowing for more intimate or more open shows. The sizes of the venues can have different benefits for what a viewer may be looking for. Oftentimes, a more open venue will allow for more dancing and pits to open up. Before picking a show to attend, an attendee may want to look at a venue’s size and occupancy range to see what is more suitable based on preferences.
Mahalls: Not only a venue but also a bowling alley, thrift store and bar, Mahalls offers all age shows, 18+ shows and 21+ shows. DJ nights, flea markets and bingo days are just some of the events they host in addition to band performances.
No Class: A more punk-based venue that hosts stand up comedy, drag shows, live music, parties and events for every age group. No Class provides a welcoming community with most of their shows being all ages with the occasional 18+ or 21+ showings.
Grog Shop: The Grog Shop provides concerts for bigger artists that are still out of the mainstream, and others that have blown up. They offer tickets at a lower cost than large venues, and concert goers still get to see their favorite artist.
The Winchester Music Tavern: This venue is best known for small artists who perform rock, jazz and folk music. The Winchester also hosts brunches every month with different themes. The venue includes a restaurant inside with a brunch, dinner and happy hour menu.
Mercury Music Lounge: Mercury displays a lot of local artists, has themed trivia nights and does karaoke. This venue also has low pricing on concerts with prices ranging from $10 to $50.
Other great venues to check out include, but aren’t limited to, the Brothers Lounge, Beachland, House of Blues, the Agora, Bop Stop and Music Box Supper Club. All of the venues are in the Cleveland and Lakewood area, allowing for easy transportation from campus by bus, car and even walking.
Ways to support the local music scene
- Go to the gigs: An easy way to enjoy live music without dropping hundreds of dollars is to look at local venues and see the shows they are hosting. This also helps support the local economy by increasing business in the venue.
- Follow the artists: Can’t afford to go out? Not a problem. Find some small artists on social media and streaming services then give them a follow. Make sure to stream their music too so you can boost their brand and help their music get more attention.
- Buy their merchandise: A lot of musicians have merchandise you can buy at their shows or even sometimes an online shop. Purchasing an item or two allows for more money to roll into the artist, allowing for them to play more venues. This also helps get their name out there more when people see you wearing their label.
- Repost their show times: Even if you can’t attend the show yourself, reposting when they have a show allows for other people to go and see their work. This also helps the venue they are performing at to get more attendants and helps future players gain attention as well.
- Post from the show: If allowed, when you go to a show take pictures and videos of the venue, the band and the music to post when you get home. This helps the band and venue get their name out there more and gives your followers a good music recommendation to stream.
“Go to as many shows as you can. Accept it and love the music while keeping a good head on your shoulders.” says Pattinson.
Cleveland itself has been known as the “birthplace of rock” since the first ever rock and roll concert, the 1952 Moondog Coronation ball, was hosted by Alan Freed. Along with this, singer Elvis Pressley played his first ever show in Cleveland. The history of music in Cleveland alone, attests to how supporting local music is vital to the growth of artists and cities.
Supporting the local scene helps build names, create community and belonging, keeps venues running and allows for more people to connect and make memories. Music is universal, so support the music near you.
