When it comes to music cities the United States of America is home to some of the best and most famous metropolitan areas on the planet.
Depending on what your idea of a good music city is there are few places around the world that have successfully used their music heritage as a tourism selling point as well as Nashville, New Orleans, Austin and Portland has.
It’s only plausible that you’d think Detroit with its famous Motown background would find itself in a similar situation.
However its lack of music memorabilia and celebration is bemoaned in a piece by NPR entitled ‘Why Can’t Detroit Cash In On Its Music Scene’.
While the aforementioned cities celebrate their heritage with festivals, statues and museums Detroit does little to show off the Motown label and the legends that sprung up with it. The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, The Four Tops and The Jackson Five all contributed to the city’s legacy.
But the city hasn’t always ridden on the coattails Berry Gordy’s famous label. As the years have gone musicians and stars have arisen from the Michigan city.
Aretha Franklin started out singing in her father’s Detroit church, while Bob Segar, Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop all gave the city some venerable rock history.
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Then there’s Madonna the pop star that just won’t lie down. Eminem, the world’s most famous white rapper and more recently The White Stripes have all given Detroit more reason to celebrate its music culture.
Instead though Detroit continues on without much fanfare. That’s not to say though that Detroit is any less worthy of a music destination than other American cities.
There might be less monuments to take photos of and fewer museums to visit but as its history demonstrates there has always been a strong music scene here to enjoy.
In fact as you tour through Detroit’s music venues not only will catch a glimpse of the up and comers but you’ll be unknowingly walking through places of historical importance.
Try the world’s oldest jazz club, the venue where Eminem first made a name for himself and even the place where Jack White threw a few punches for example (you can read about them below).
Detroit may not be like other American music cities, but maybe that’s why its music scene is worth checking out.
After all band’s that rest on their laurels aren’t famous for anything more than making bad records.
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Dearborn Music, 22501 Michigan Avenue
Since its opening in 1956 this record store has amassed a collection of over 50,000 new and used titles that include CDs, vinyl and DVDs. With so much stock you can only imagine the array of genres represented. From rock to even religious Dearborn has all the major styles covered. Opened seven days a week they understand full well just how daunting their collection is, which is why they insist you ask for help if you want to find an particular release.
Encore Records, 417 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor
Famous for its collection of rare CDs and LPs this store has the release you want that know one else has ever heard of. If you’re worried what you’re looking for is even too obscure for Encore Records the staff will order it in for you. In fact if you’re looking to nerd out over music with anyone it might as well be the guys who work here. They’re extremely well versed in the world of music.
Solo Records And Tapes, 30118 Woodward, Royal Oak, MI
While not quite as big as the other record stores mentioned above this one wins out for its variety of mediums. Records, 45’s, 8-tracks, 78’s, VHS, reel to reel tapes, DVDs and cassettes can all be bought here. Rock, rap, jazz and reggae lovers are most catered for at Solo Records. The store is open seven days a week.
Listen
This Australian born festival expanded its reach to Detroit in 2013 and boy did they start with a bang. Bringing together the world’s biggest indie acts in The National, Sigur Ros, Solange, Warpaint, Deerhunter and Savages amongst others there was no chance Laneway was going to fail. Located on the Oakland University campus, at Meadow Brook Music Festival, there are few better places to experience live music in Detroit. Read our festival guide to the event for more information.
The Magic Stick, 4140 Woodward Avenue
Known to some as the place where Jack White punched out Von Bondies’ Jason Stollsteimer in December 2004 to others this venue is one of Detroit’s best. With up and coming bands given the chance to spruik their sound in the Lounge the main room has the seen the likes of The National, Kings Of Leon, Modest Mouse and Interpol to name just a few. Upstairs you’ll find an outdoor patio called Alley Deck. With a capacity of 550 Magic Stick is intimate enough to provide more than a few memorable music moments.
St. Andrew’s Hall, 431 East Congress Street
While its name suggests the building might be a church St.Andrew’s was formerly a meeting site for the Scottish Society of Detroit. Now famous for being one of the first places where Eminem performed there are three levels to this massive venue. The main ballroom is obviously the biggest with a 35 foot long bar, VIP balcony area and a hardwood floor. Below is The Shelter, which features a private bar, cabaret seating, stage and private rooms. While The Burns Floor on the top floor has its own stage overlooking magnificent chandeliers no less.
See
The McNamara Tunnel, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
While we wouldn’t be harsh enough to push anyone towards an airport for any reason other than to travel if you happen to be touching down or departing in Detroit you can’t miss this tunnel. At the McNamara terminal the tunnel is used for passengers transferring between two concourses. With glass panels characterised by abstract art and LED lighting the tunnel lights up based on a soundtrack that runs for 27 minutes. Maybe there are airports that aren’t hell after all?
Motown Historical Museum, 2648 West Grand Boulevard
There are several buildings around Detroit where the city’s great music past times occurred. However there are few statues, plaques and information boards commemorating Detroit’s rich musical history. This museum does its best to make up for this fact with its location being the place where Berry Gordy Jr. built the formidable Motown Records. Inside you’ll get to see Motown’s first recording studio. There’s also one of Michael Jackson’s hats thrown in for good measure.
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, 20510 Livernois Ave
If you’re jazz fan you can’t pass up the opportunity to see and go inside a place that is almost as old as the genre itself. Opened in 1933 Baker’s Keyboard Lounge is the world’s oldest jazz club. Walk inside you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the lost golden age of jazz with the building characterised by a piano shaped bar. The venue is also home to an impressive collection of art deco paintings of European landscapes and tilted mirrors that allow punters to see the piano player’s hands. Then of course the excellent musicians that perform here are nothing to be snuffed at either.
Detroit Acts You Should Check Out
The Boy Wonders – Soundcloud
With a title like ‘The Day I Slept With The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo’ this rock duo or superheroes as they call themselves suitably draw your attention on the first track of their debut EP Let’s Make Moose Noises. Fans of QOTSA styled rock might just find the rest of the release appealing too.
Citizen Smile – Soundcloud
After gradually releasing three EPs before unleashing their first self-titled full length album this indie pop rock four-piece waited until late 2013 to drop their follow up Everybody’s Changing and Nothing. Fans of Weezer will undoubtedly hear familiarity, while traces of Nada Surf can be heard throughout Citizen Smile’s sound.
Hit Society – Soundcloud
Releasing their self-titled debut in 2012 this four-piece play gritty guitar driven rock that is characterised by Kurt Sommer’s raw vocals. After being signed with Bellyache Records Hit Society have quickly become local favourites as they tear down stages across Detroit.
