A recent head count of the acts to have emerged via Philadelphia demonstrates the city’s ability to cultivate quality music from its scene.
In 2014 the primary example is undoubtedly The War On Drugs. With the release of their exceptional Lost In The Dream LP there are few better bands to prove the quality of Philly’s music scene.
If the same question had of been asked in the 2013 the answer would have been Kurt Vile the former War On Drugs member may originally be from Lansdowne, another Pennsylvanian town, but Philadelphia undeniably acted as a launching pad for the musician.
It doesn’t stop there though. The likes of The Walkmen, Dr. Dog and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are just some of the city’s indie acts to gain notoriety.
And while Will Smith, Boyz II Men and John Legend (who attended university there and maintains some allegiance to the city) demonstrates some of the metropolis’ musical diversity Philly is still most famous for its output of indie rock music and similar genres.
Aside from the success stories though what makes the Philly music scene worth visiting is demonstrated in this short documentary below via its interviews with industry professionals (just ignore the Justin Bieber references though)
While it undoubtedly has its problems the founder of JUMP Magazine, George Miller, who is interviewed in the video is one the people who continues to fight for Philly’s music scene.
Love Rage Against The Machine?
Get the latest Rage Against The Machine news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
As JUMP write on their website; “We love Philly, pure and simple. And we love music. We’re tired of watching our local talent run off to New York or London to be appreciated.”
With dedicated music lovers like that it shouldn’t be too long before another Lost In The Dream comes out via a Philly band.
Experience Jay-Z’s Very Own Festival, Made In America
Founded in 2012 along with business mogul Steve Stoute the inaugural event was held at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with nearly 80,000 people who brought them there. The first year, which was also the subject of a Ron Howard documentary, featured the likes of Drake, Peal Jam, Skrillex, Janelle Monae, Miike Snow and Calvin Harris to name just a few.
Head To One Of The City’s Finest Music Venues The Legendary Dobbs
304 South Street
First established in 1974 as JC Dobbs this rock n roll establishment has become an institution in Philly’s music scene. Remaining indepdent for the entirety of its existence Dobbs has hosted rock icons such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Rage Against The Machine and more throughout its history.
Shop Up For Vinyl At AKA Music
27 North 2nd Street
Touted as Philly’s largest independent record store they promise “Rock is our life” and stock everything from the eccentric underground to your usual quality rock acts. They sell both new and used CDs and vinyl and are fairly decent at recommending releases by some of the more obscure artists in their collection.
Experience One The City’s Oldest Music Events, Philadelphia Folk Festival
Fabled since its beginning in 1962 for its quality lineups this four-day not for profit event brings Celtic, World/Fusion, singer-songwriter, folk, country and the like to the Old Pool Farm across six stages and 75 hours of music. The festival draws around 12,000 punters and 5,000 campers every year.
Witness The History And Latest Big Acts At Trocadero Theater
1003 Arch Street
Both historic and beautiful at the ripe old age of 144 the Trocadero Theatre was opened in 1870 and has hosted everything from burlesque to other fine arts throughout its long and distinguished history. More recently the theatre has become a venue for club nights and gigs. You can catch anyone from Paolo Nutini to Gerard Way here.
Buy New & Used Records At Main Street Music
4444 Main Street
They buy and sell CDs, vinyl and DVDs and with pretty reasonable prices too. They’re not shy when it comes to stocking older releases either, although you will find plenty of major new releases in stock as well. The real drawcard here though is there in store performances and signings.
Catch Up and Coming Bands At Johnny Brenda’s
1201 Frankford Ave
This bar, restaurant and music venue is known not only for hosting acts like The Walkman and Thurston Moore, but for also being the place to catch up and coming acts. The sound system isn’t too shabby either, it’s world –class much like the view you’ll get from the balcony overlooking the stage.
Buy Vinyl From As Little As $1 At Repo Records
538 South Street
This establishment is home to mostly CDs and vinyl, both new and used. They do have some music DVDs though. While Repo has had a long history of with different locations involved for the past ten years the store settled in its current location with a wide array of genres represented in their collection. With over 3000 records in stock you can buy some for as little as $1.
Hear Both Local And International Bands At World Café Live
3025 Walnut Street
Seen consistently as one of the city’s best music venues in Philly World Café Live supports both local and national musicians with an eclectic selection of acts booked each month. Upstairs at the café you can also at times catch live acts to go along with your meal.
Long In The Tooth
Has Indie Rock Fans Catered For
2027 Sansom Street
Centrally located this establishment is best known for its indie rock and punk selection, however jazz fans won’t be left wanting either. The format is mostly CDs and Vinyl however there is a small selection of books worth browsing through as well.
