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Syracuse music scene leaves little room for growth
By Dan Kaplan
Posted: 9/4/08, 1:58 AM EST Section: Feature
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Together with roommate and fellow musician Mike Barnett, the sophomore mechanical engineering major plans on converting his Winding Ridge apartment into a rehearsal space, where the two will share the ultimate venture of starting a band at Syracuse University.
His transition from playing in Ohio, known for being a hub for rock n' roll, to starting over in Syracuse was not an easy one.
"Going to Syracuse was definitely an eye-opener," Trimarchi said. "I took for granted how many exceptional musicians and opportunities there were in Cleveland for me. The Syracuse music scene leaves much to be desired."
Andrew Maury, a 2008 SU graduate and former lead guitarist of the student band Magic Hour, voiced a similar frustration with the limited musical opportunities in Syracuse.
"Syracuse, as a city, has little to nothing to offer for the indie-rock scene," he said. "We soon got tired of what Syracuse had to offer. Shows just weren't bringing in audiences. There is nothing waiting around at the venues."
However, the city's recent contribution to music contradicts these critiques.
In the last 15 years, Syracuse has produced successful artists from a variety of genres, including metal (Brand New Sin, Ed Gein) and rock (SU alum Pete Yorn). More recently, six members of SU's indie-rock band Ra Ra Riot, currently touring and signed to Seattle-based Barsuk Records.
But despite the occasional success story, area promoters still consider the city's music scene a mere blip on the radar.
"Because the music scene experienced such a downward slide from its level in the 70s, 80s and 90s, not many acts feel that Syracuse is an appropriate market for them to play anymore," said Kelly Bertog, director of concerts for University Union. He pointed to a lack of adequate venues as the reason.
"On campus, we go from the 350-person (Schine) Underground to the 1500-person Goldstein (Auditorium) to the 2800-Landmark (Theater) to the Dome," Bertog said. "There are not enough right size venues for this market. More venues to fill in the gaps would help bring in certain artists that might not play here normally."
Ryan Canavan, an independent music promoter and member of the board of directors at the Westcott Community Center, blames music's decline on a lack of activity in local bands.
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snowboarder85
John
posted 9/04/08 @ 10:58 AM EST
Don't forget bands like:
Long Since Forgotten who had 2 records out with a west coast indie label Rocket Star (who launched Acceptance and Gadsby's American Dream)
Honor Bright who were just on TRL and Warped Tour
Merit who have had their music all over satellite radio and are recording with the producer of MCR and Brand New
Engineer who are on Black Market Activities. (Continued…)
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