2013 has been a strange year for local music. Stranger than any other year I can remember. With the closing of old venues, the opening of new ones, and a radical shift in the presence of certain bands, DJ's, artists and acts, this period can best be described as transitionary. A weird, in between, with no predictable path; absent of anything linear. Why is this worth noting? I've always been a believer that great things (music, art, whatever) come out of struggle and uncertainty...often necessity. While it is unclear what these "things" are, or what it all means in the greater scheme of things, I think the present day is worth paying attention to.
In early 2013, we were confronted with the closing of some of Buffalo's most established independent venues. First came Mohawk Place, the long-standing, legendary venue which has hosted some equally legendary artists. Shortly thereafter Soundlab and Club Infinity announced they were closing up shop, and finally the Vault and the Funeral Home. Each of these venues represented something unique in the musical landscape of our city, and the blow was felt by all. There was alot of concern over the scene during this time and the question everyone wondered was where will these bands play now?
From death comes life though and I'm pleased to see alot of great DIY venues (if you want to call them venues) spring to life. From the Jungle Gym, Lair, Glitterbox, Flesh Temple to the newly established Ironworks and Gypsy Parlor, it's apparent that our musical slumber was only temporary. I'm especially optimistic about these great house shows, as I grew up going to Custer and Tyler shows, and I have a special place in my heart for this kind of thing. Buffalo is not a town of quitters, and our music scene is as vibrant as ever, regardless of the curveballs thrown at us.
I've noticed alot of variety recently that I haven't seen in years, at least in terms of style and substance. In the past year of two great artists such as Forealists, Space Wolves, Camp Counselors, JOHNS, and many others are each bringing something unique to the table. And we still have a ton of great bands that have been around for awhile like Chosen Ones, Irving Klaws, Gas Chamber, etc. etc. etc.
Where we go from here is unknown, but I am excited to see the path we're on. Change is good, and if I know anything about Buffalo it's that we're survivors and we'll find a way.
Well said. Long live Buffalo music!
Great positivity. Unfortunately, DIY venues are constantly running into trouble with the police and getting shutdown. That said, the Allentown music scene is still going fairly strong, and I have heard great thing about the Gypsy Parlor.
Great article Jon. I'm also optimistic about the future of Buffalo's music and arts scene. We're definitely in a transitional period, like you said. There have been a lot of really exciting new bands popping up - The Malones, Forealists, Marine Biologist, Space Wolves, and old reliable bands still hanging in there and trying new things. There have been some amazing new events like City of Night and Cameron and Jason's Buffalo DIY Fest. It seems like a lot more "underground" house party and abandoned building shows (pretty much a guaranteed excellent time) have been popping up too in response to venue after venue closing down. Waiting Room is an excellent addition to the city, and it couldn't have come at a better time, and I'm excited to check out Gypsy Parlor as soon as possible. Their pictures make it look really cool. Definitely a transitional phase. 2014 is going to be killer. I can feel it.