How many band’s do you know that have Rome in the title? How many American movies or songs by Western pop stars that reference the city can you list?
It goes without saying that Rome is one of the most famous cities on earth. Although there are more tourists swarming there for pictures of the Colosseum then there is punters lining up to experience the ancient metropolis’ music scene.
In fact the most that many will ever hear of Rome’s musical delights will be by simply taking a stroll down one of the city’s cobbled streets.
Opera singers, jazz musicians and acoustic acts all frequent the major tourist precincts to fight for you dollars.
The likes of the Vatican Museum, the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona can host five buskers at a time.
For the majority however these buskers provide tourists with an off handed and under appreciated taste of Rome’s music scene.
The city provides some of the most unique settings to experience live music in the world. While the open-air concerts in Villa Celimontana is written about below who can deny that the annual charity concert inside the Colosseum doesn’t boast one of the world’s most spectacular live music locations?
While such a gig is only afforded to the likes of Sir Paul McCartney and Sting there are several venues like Beba do Samba, Big Mama, and Casa del Jazz which cater for a wide variety of music fans and musicians.
It’s venues like the aforementioned and the ones listed below that punters can really witness the diversity of Rome’s music scene whether the band’s be electronic, heavy metal, progressive rock or anything else.
Just don’t sideline yourself to that one post card-esque view of the Italian capital.
Shop
Radiation Records, Circonvallazione Casilina 44 Pigneto
With a collection comprised of thousands of new and used vinyl, DVDs, books, magazines, t-shirts and other music related items this record store might just be home to one of Rome’s most extensive establishments. Opened in 2005 Radiation Records imports new releases directly from all corners of the globe.
Junk Food, Via di San Giovanni in Laterano 188
Opened by Hate Records in April 2012 this vinyl establishment beat the recession through its small yet eclectic selection of records. From opera to punk, jazz, classical, soul, funk and disco you won’t pay a cent more than €10. There’s also a diverse collection of used CDs worth searching through.
Goody Music, Via Cesare Beccaria 2
Rome’s DJ community congregates here frequently to find the best hip-hop, nu-jazz, deep and funk house, hardstyle and rare grooves on vinyl and CD. They may well have to credit Goody Music with their start as well with the store selling a decent selection of equipment. You’ll also find t-shirts here as well.
Listen
Fanfulla 101, Via Fanfulla da Lodi, 101
Most famous for its starring role in one of Pier Paolo Pasolini’s films Fanfulla 101 draws in hipsters through its cinema screenings, theatre, photography and independent music. More an out-of-sorts household than a music venue you’ll find the bar in the corner, books scattered about, football tables and sofas and armchairs to make you feel completely comfortable for the up and coming indie band, DJ set or video artist.
Sinister Noise Club, Via dei Magazzini Generali, 4b
Situated beneath the city this venue caters for underground music lovers just as its location suggests. Both local and international bands and DJs can be witnessed from the club’s various levels. The ground floor is characterized by retro-psychedelic walls, cinema inspired posters and leather sofas. While downstairs showcases breakthrough Italian rock acts upstairs provides the best local beers.
Init, Via della Tuscolana, 133
Long an institution in Rome this establishment casts a wide net of music fans. DJ sets, rock bands, underground acts, indie music groups and electronic musicians play here. Whether you’re in the Spartan decorated main room or at the outdoor bar Init provides for the indie and eccentric alike.
See
Villa Celimontana, Via Alessandro Poerio, 112
This ancient park is transformed into an open-air concert arena from the 1st of July to the 12th of August every year for a series of concerts. With the Colosseum close by it’s not hard to access the jazz, contemporary art, theatre, music, poetry and dance events. There are few better ways to experience live music than with the outdoor scenery of ancient Rome in your sight.
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 7, 00187
On one hand this opera venue is one of the most revered auditoriums in the world, on the other it’s one of the most incredible architectural opera houses you’re likely to see. While it may not look like much from the outside whether you like opera or not just go to check out the red and gold gilded interior.
MUSA, Viale Pietro De Coubertin, 30, 00196
Home to one of Italy’s greatest collections of musical instruments MUSA (short for: The Museum of Musical Instruments of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia) has more than 130 instruments on display from around the world. The exhibition showcases plucked string instruments in particular alongside, harps, lyres and keyboards. Guided tours, themed concerts, conferences and seminars are all available here.
Rome Acts You Should Check Out
XX+XY – Soundcloud
Made up of Roman Sladzana Bogeska and Joseph Pradella it’s hard to sell this act on the audio below. That is because this duo’s music can only really be appreciated by the visuals that accompany their live shows. While dedicated fans can purchase a DVD, XX+XY are one live outfit worth witnessing while in Rome.
I Cani – Soundcloud
Headed by singer-songwriter Nicholas Roman Countess with his band ‘Ancien Régime’ joining him on tour I Cani (which translates to dogs in English) play an electric swirl of indie rock. With the band’s satirical component obvious from the title of their debut album, The Amazing Debut Album Of The Dogs, the band have sold out dates across Italy.
Zu – Facebook
With their latest album, 2009’s Carboniferous, rated 8/10 by both Pitchfork and NME the experimental duo have remained relevant since their first release in 1999. With over 15 releases, including live discs, Zu continue to leave a massive impact on Rome’s music scene.
