Opinion | Amazing Local Music Scene – Right Here

It was a mere six months ago that I was tragically and fatally un-hip. I had no knowledge whatsoever of indie or obscure music, and never felt the need to explore the sonic world any further than my niche of classic rock and gangster rap. I thought I would never need more than the less-than-sultry tones of Van Halen and Dr. Dre. I was, without a doubt, one of the lamest people in the entire world. However, all of my preconceived musical notions and barriers were about to be flipped on their ignorant heads.

Toward the end of June 2015, I attended Summer Soulstice, one of Milwaukee’s copious summer festivals with some of the best bites, beer and bands that the cream city has to offer. The first band on the bill for the night was ready to perform, and I, in my typical fashion, was already a cynical asshole. I thought a local band had nothing to offer me that I hadn’t already heard from someone with more notoriety. I had no idea just how wrong I was, but I was going to find out the instant that they took the stage.

The band performing was Soul Low, a self-described “heavy pop” band that consisted of danceable alternative rock with unorthodox vocals that could only be described as a frog caught in a wringer. I was enamored by their energetic performance style and rapport with the crowd, so much so that I even questioned if this music actually came from my city. They piqued my sonic interests so immensely, and I was immediately hooked on them. However, it was not until the next group performed that I realized Soul Low was no isolated incident, and the Milwaukee music scene was very much alive.

The next group to take the stage was New Age Narcissism, a hip hop and R&B collective with experimental instrumentation, introspective lyrical content and soulful vocal work. I was mystified by their unique sound and insane amounts of energy by every single member. Their style was undoubtedly distinct, developed and different from the previous act I had seen to the point where I had an epiphany about the city I lived in: Milwaukee has an eclectic and exceptional music scene that was right under my nose all along.

From that point on, the floodgates were wide open, and I began to explore even the most cavernous depths of Milwaukee music. Whether it be pop, rock, hip hop, R&B or practically any other conceivable genre, brew city has a hard-working, do-it-yourself music community with something for any and all music fans. Speaking from personal experience, any caring citizen of Milwaukee that is unaware of this revolutionary movement is sorely missing out on something astounding.