One question that I asked myself as I read this list - is indie music separate from local music, are they synonymous or are there just alot of overlaps? Indie music at its root is a term used to describe independence from a major commercial label and a do-it-yourself approach to recording and publishing. But I feel that indie music usually gets labeled as an extension of rock/alternative music which this list definitely seems to agree with. Case in point, cities like Memphis or Miami and Im sure tons of other cities around the world with amazing local music scenes have been left out of this list. And because I spent my college years in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area (or the Triangle as it is also known) I’ve got to give some major props to that area for an amazing indie music scene. Bens Folds Five and James Taylor (and maybe not so awesomely Clay Aiken) have all called this area home at one point (thanks Indie-Scene.com). The Triangle area is bustling with a hip music scene, thanks in part I’m sure to the dozens of colleges and universities in the area. I definitely miss the Cat’s Cradle where I saw many an amazing show.. DJ Shadow show back in 2002 was definitely one of my favs.

And as a quick shout out, Indie-Music.com has down a great job with the “On the Scene” articles profiling different indie music scenes around the country. I came across this site doing my research for this blog post. Check ‘em out. The website does a good job profiling all kinds of indie music, and not just rock.

I think any list that calls itself the top ten anything of the world is inevitably going to be met with some kind of reaction. I know that I myself would never attempt to make such a list myself because I feel like there’s good music to be found everywhere. That’s exactly what Groovetap is about. Stay tuned to find out when the beta site launches later this year….

Keeping it real,

Melina

I was browsing the web the other day to see if there are any lists out there on the best indie music scenes. I came across a list posted by TripAdvisor, a travel guide and research website that offers reviews from other fellow travelers to help you plan your vacation. Back in 2006, TripAdvisor posted a review of the “Top Ten Alternative/Indie Music Cities in the World.” The list was put together by Guzzle a music journalist based in Vancouver who apparently loves to travel. He’s been to 117 destinations. Guzzle based this list on the “cities with the best indie music scenes, birthplaces of top indie bands and best places to catch an alternative band.”

And here are the top 10 cities…

1. Glasgow
2. Austin
3. Seattle
4. New York
5. London
6. San Fran
7. Dublin
8. Portland
9. LA
10. Chi-town

(it’s unclear whether these are ranked but I have a feeling since the author is a self-identified Belle & Sebastian fan that this list is from his most favorite on down..)

Although I can’t speak from personal experience about many of these cities, the list seems pretty comprehensive to me, even though it seems to be biased to cities west of the GMT time zone. But I guess that is mostly because the indie music scene has its roots in the US and Great Britain. I can’t say I can speak to the indie music scenes of Barcelona, Paris, Dubai or Shanghai. I’ll be traveling to Dublin later this summer as part of my much needed vacation to Europe. I’ll be sure to write a follow-up post on my thoughts of the Dublin music scene.

Antsy to get on outta here already,

Melina