20 Reasons Why Our Music Scene Rocks
As the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony struts into town, we showcase a lineup of musicians, venues, vinyl makers and more who are amplifying our city's sound right now.
Cleveland's legendary '70s underground scene paved the way for the robust musical landscape of today. But while it's expanded in scope, adding diversity and bending genres, the punk rock spirit is still alive.
No. 2 FreshProduce Won't Be Underestimated
This female rap duo is unapologetically taking over the game — and they've only just begun.
No. 3 A Generation of Kid Cudi Fans Are All Grown Up
Three rappers who were influenced by Kid Cudi's landmark debut, A Kid Named Cudi, discuss how the artist from Shaker Heights shaped their sound and today's culture.
No. 4 It's Never Been Easier To Start A Band
Local scene stalwarts the Modern Electric give us a six-step guide to plugging in, rocking out and getting out of that garage.
No. 5 For Eight Days, We Really Are The Rock 'n' Roll Capital Of The World
With the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony rolling back into town, we give you five ways to get in on the festivities.
No. 6 We're Committed To Amplifying Local Music
If an amp feeds back in a forest and no one's there to hear it, did the guitar wail? Sixth City Sounds is making sure that's a conundrum we don't need to wrap our heads around.
No. 7 Welshly Arms Gets Us
As the band becomes a sensation off their hit single "Legendary", we talk to the budding rock stars about staying home to record, channeling LeBron, Cleveland pride and what's to come for the driving blues-rock band.
No. 8 Michael Stanley Keeps On Rockin' — No Matter What
A life-threatening heart surgery won't slow down this local rocker. You can still hear him classic rocking on Cleveland's home for Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and more.
No. 9 You Still Haven't Been To The Best Venues In Town
Sure, you know the House of Blues and the Agora (don't worry, we give them some love, too), but check out these six lesser-known venues where you can see anything from up-and-comers to Grammy winners.
No. 10 There's A Festival For Every Fan
With so many local music festivals to choose from, let this decision tree be your guide.
No. 11 There's Art And Science Behind Your Favorite Songs
It got a little loud and it got a little messy as art director Maria Amador and composer and sound engineer Benjamin Smith cranked up the jams and let the groove paint a picture.
No. 12 Our Studios Can Make Raw Talent Sizzle
Bad Racket, Bulkley House Creative Space and XIV Productions are three area studios that help the sounds of local musicians — and some more prominent acts — come alive.
No. 13 Marcus Alan Ward's Sound Cuts Deep
On the cusp of a new album and national tour, this electro-soul man ponders human consciousness as he sits on the precipice of his future.
No. 14 Gotta Groove Records Is Making Vinyl Cool Again.
Hair, coffee, ash — Cleveland's indie record plant is innovating in the thought-to-be-antiquated vinyl record space by shoving crazy stuff inside translucent records.
No. 15 Some Performances Need To Be Seen.
Christa Ebert, also known as Uno Lady, puts on a multi-dimensional, all-vocal performance using a loop pedal that needs to be seen to be believed.
No. 16 Electronic Collectives Promote Innovation And Inclusion.
Who's ready to dance to deep grooves and hard-hitting bass under the haze of fog machines and video installations? Good, because everyone's invited to these monthly underground dance parties.
No. 17 Alternative Press Has Been The Voice Of Fans For More Than 30 Years.
Jason Pettigrew got his first job with the local fan 'zine by bashing a review written by its founding editor — doesn't get more rock 'n' roll than that. Now AP's editor-in-chief since 1986, Pettigrew talks about about the publication's alternative evolution.
No. 18 Archie And The Bunkers Are Helping To Energize Our Punk Past
Brothers Emmet and Cullen O'Connor grew up on a steady diet of punk rock. Now, the Rocky River teenagers are an organ-weilding force to be reckoned with.
No. 19 Today's MCs Are Continuing Cleveland's Hip-Hop Legacy
Kipp Stone and Walker OG sit down with Cleveland Magazine to discuss the hip-hop scene and what it needs to propel itself to the national spotlight.
No. 20 These Northeast Ohio Artists Helped Change The Face Of Music
From Devo to Michael Stanley Band, we rank the 20 most influential bands in Cleveland's history.
