Getting Involved in the Twin Cities’ Indie Music Scene

How to find new venues, enjoy new bands, and make new friends

By: Quinn McClurg

The Twin Cities: home to independent coffee shops, graffiti-covered alleyways, and more Doc Martens per square mile than any other location in the US. What you might not know is that the Twin Cities is the (unofficial) indie music capital of the world. Surprised? Don’t be! This article will serve as a convenient guide to engaging in the Twin Cities’ music scene.

Before diving into your first concert, it’s important to know that although the cities offer a dizzying amount of musical venues and bands, there are plenty of resources available to make discovering new music easier. For example, asking your friends or classmates can provide you with easy introductions to live music and maybe future plans. Listening to local radio stations may prove worthwhile as well, especially those which place a lot of emphasis on advertising local concerts (like the Current or Radio K). The more you search, the more music you’ll find and soon you may even be investigating the contents of fliers.

Additionally, familiarizing yourself with nearby venues never hurts. On campus and within walking distance are The Whole (Coffman), Gray’s or Varsity Theater (both in Dinkytown), and Acadia (West Bank). Within commuting distance are Underground Music Cafe (North Loop), Amsterdam Bar (St. Paul), and 7th St Entry (Downtown). I’d recommend following these venues on social media to help you stay in the loop with gig dates and concert lineups. Although basement shows are always a safe bet, finding them may prove even more difficult.

Once you are ready to attend a concert, all you need to worry about is having a good time. Familiarize yourself with proper concert etiquette if necessary (mosh pits, recording policies, etc.) and consider hearing protection if you plan on seeing more live music; after all, you just started your indie music listening career, so make sure you’re able to keep it going. 

The more concerts you attend, the more comfortable you will become and before you know it, you’ll be exposed to new music, new people, and new memories. I think that’s what the music scene is all about. So get out there, find something new, and make me proud. Happy listening!