Top 20 Cities With The Hottest Indie Music Venues

Posted by Kristin Anderson On March - 12 - 2010

With respect to our indie roots and a desire as fans and artists, we need to know where we came from and where we are now. Indie music is not about mass production, it is not about trying to fit into a mold to get sold. Indie is the soul of music. The thing that makes music the voice of the people and not the marketing of the masses. The music that saves you when your alone, the sounds that lets you know people still create originally and want to share unconditionally with others.Indie has survived in the face of a social crisis of a culture that has us all begging for fame and believing blindly that it is owed to us with or without effort or struggle. You have heard people say that anything worth having is worth working for. Indie pumps with a blue collar blood and a dedication to the real musician. These artists have embraced an offering of sorts and crafted it without projecting any expectation other than a desire to share and be shared. So,with indie love in our hearts and a respect for the sound that saves us, I have compiled a reference that includes some indie history of the top twenty cities that helped indie music root itself and the top venue in each city to date. My heart is with you indie fans, lets do all that we can to give a little credit where credit is due.

Indie Street Cred: Athens, GA

Known for being the birthplace of R.E.M., The B-52's, and Pylon, with much of the scene focused around the famed 40 Watt Club. In later years, the area spawned many member bands of the Elephant 6 Recording Company, including Neutral Milk Hotel, The Olivia Tremor Control, Of Montreal, and The Apples in Stereo. While perhaps indie only in the "status" sense, Athens was also the home to the jam band Widespread Panic and producer/remixer Danger Mouse.

Best Venue: The 40 Watt Club

For The Band: The 40 Watt Club is a indie staple in Athens.Providing a larger venue than most indie artists have played, not only does this club set up the bands with a serious concert setting but the artists have actual dressing rooms, internet and private backstage bathrooms. Who said indie wasn't glamorous? The 40 Watt also reminds the bands not to get ahead of themselves. Giving a friendly indie reminder to start with smaller venues to build your fan base or get your instruments wet,tips on what you need for a press kit to get gigs, and then how to handle the big gig when you land one. Good lookin' out 40 watt.

For the Fans: This is as close as an indie fan can get to a gritty indie rooted show. The club has got that sexy stench of musician sweat, remnants of bands past and a sweet setup for a true concert experience. You will probably never see a cover band at the 40 watt, as they have a reputation to uphold. Spacious and 18 and over, don't get brave and try to drink without hard evidence of your 21 years on earth cause the club promises to boot you on your indie loving butt.Enjoy the shows and the atmosphere, like the Filmore and CBGBS the 40 watt is sure to house landmark performances for indie pioneers.

Indie Street Cred: Brooklyn, NY

It's important to distinguish the Brooklyn's scene from its larger neighbor, Manhattan, to acknowledge the contribution made by this particular community. As high rents pushed artists out of Manhattan, many of them found a burgeoning scene just beyond the East River in Williamsburg. By 2002, artists such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Girls Against Boys, Liars, and Les Savy Fav, had gained national attention. Since then, numerous musical acts have emerged from or emigrated to Brooklyn. Some of these acts include: TV on the Radio, Bishop Allen, The Bravery, Say Hi To Your Mom, Enon, USAISAMONSTER, Oneida, Parts & Labor, Animal Collective, Japanther, Prurient, Ex Models, These Are Powers, Deadbeat Darling, MGMT, and Matt and Kim.

Best Venue: The Bowery

For the Band: The Bowery ballroom proves that indie never says die.The building was constructed just before the stock market crash of 1929.A music venue since 1997 the Bowery has been hosting indie musicians with standing room for up to 550 fans.A more intimate setting for a indie lover,artists from all over the globe want to get on that stage. Songstress' friendly the Bowery was the recording location for Joan Baez album "Bowery Songs". Its a well known indie fact that "if you haven't played the Bowery, you haven't played". Indie history has been made at the Bowery, it's considered an Indie church having housed performances by the very indie artists that inspired you to play today.

For the Fan: The Bowery promises to make you feel like you are part of a secret indie club. Any show at the Bowery is assured to make memories. The venue offers an up close and personal with the Who's who of indie music.Conveniently located you wont have to worry about a designated driver, directly in front of the venue's entrance is the Bowery Station on the J line of the New York City Subway.

Indie Street Cred: Chapel Hill, NC

Has had a strong indie rock scene since the 1980s. With three major colleges (UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. State University and Duke University) in its vicinity, the area has been fertile ground for music. In the 1980s, the region saw the debut of bands like The Connells. Bands such as Superchunk, the Squirrel Nut Zippers, Archers of Loaf, Polvo, and Southern Culture on the Skids formed the core of the indie scene in the area in the 1990s. (The Ben Folds Five got their start in the area, as well, albeit slightly removed from the main indie scene.) Much of the activity in the scene focused on longtime indie club the Cat's Cradle (which relocated to adjacent Carrboro in 1993). Labels also emerged in the area, including Merge Records, founded by members of Superchunk, and the now-defunct Mammoth Records.

Best Venue: Local 506

For the band: Although the venue is small it still is run in a professional manner and is accomidating to artists and fans alike.Being a college town there are tons of willing party goers awaiting the next indie show to get them through their studies.The bar offers reasonable prices for cover and drinks and is said to get pretty hot when a good crowd assembles there.

For the fan: If you want to catch the band before they were the darlings of Chapel Hill, just hang out here a few nights in a row and eventually you'll be in at the ground floor with someone that's going places. Really, that's the best thing that the Local 506 has going for it. There's a steady stream of fantastic acts, most of them local, that come through as 506 has kind of established itself as Chapel Hill's proving ground.

Indie Street Cred: Manhattan, NY

This scene was hugely important in the late 1970s, when the punk rock/new wave scene exploded. Centered around the CBGBs venue, bands such as Talking Heads, Ramones, Blondie, Patti Smith and Television were spawned. Always a contender, it has been cited as a major scene for recent indie rock music with such bands as Interpol, Asobi Seksu, We Are Scientists, The Essex Green, The Bravery, Superoscope and The Strokes. It continues to be a haven for Noise music. One example is the record label Ecstatic Peace, started by Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth.

Best Venue: Rockwood Music Hall

For the band: This is such a great little venue which provides you with such an intimate connection to the artists. The admission is free, however they do ask for a one drink minimum and will pass around a tip jar for each of the bands. Love this place is what i think a place in NY should look like, it's small, cozy and with lots of dreams inside. Candlelight and exposed brick walls,very Andy Warhol. Rockwood Music Hall is at the center of this resurgence. This tiny spot lies somewhere between a 60's era Greenwich Village folk club and a 40's era (only tinier) Grand 'ol Opry. The music on the bill tends to the heartfelt and authentic in a town and era better known for irony and sound-alike lemmings. The added plus if your too cool for trend, this joint is way too cozy for hipsters to feel at ease.

For the fan: Come here to enjoy some live music. the place is quiet small .. no cover charge always a plus. I would say it's a little bit hard to find because its right next to the restaurant and they have the same kind of window classes. I pass by here all the time and thought it's just another side of the restaurant. There was NO OUT-STANDING sign. You just have to look carefully. They have different musicians/bands performing each hour.

Indie Street Cred: Philadelphia, PA

Although better known as a hip hop/soul town. Philadelphia's contributions to the indie scene cannot go unnoticed. In the early 2000s, the music and art collective known as the Looking Glass Workshop gained notoriety with groups such as the Echo Orbiter alongside many other musicians, artists, photographers, actors, and directors. Philadelphia has been home to indie acts such as The Delta 72, Man Man, Need New Body, Zen Guerrilla, Matt Pond PA, and Bardo Pond. Enon and The Walkmen have also had members relocate to Philadelphia as high rents have pushed them out of New York City. Magnet magazine was created in Philly in 1993 and continues to be published in the City of Brotherly Love.

Best Venue: World Cafe Live

For the Band: World Cafe Live has been built on a simple insight: that a place dedicated to showcasing live music should be a place that attracts and inspires live musicians. The result is a three-tiered music hall in which every detail has been designed to optimize the live performance experience, from sight lines, lighting and acoustics to green rooms, equipment access and concierge service.A pretty cushy place to land a gig.Reputable and well known among signed and unsigned artists alike.Everything about this venue is about the show.

For the Fan: After being in some real music dives, it will be a nice to be somewhere that was clean. The crowd was a good mix of ages, but everyone seemed to be there for the music, ie. No chatty posers. The bathrooms were immaculate. That doesn't seem like a big deal until you've been to the the Starlight or other venues where they have Trainspotting type bathrooms.The people running the show were very nice and helpful as to getting tickets, taking your tickets and directing you to where you need to go.

Indie Street Cred: Pittsburgh, PA

While colleges such as the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University annually bring in many new students, the region's depressed economy makes it difficult to attract and retain the young people necessary to sustain a thriving music scene. Nonetheless, significant contributions to indie rock have been made by the likes of Don Caballero, The Karl Hendricks Trio, Dirty Faces, Rusted Root, Modey Lemon, Grand Buffet, A Voice Like Rhetoric, Punchline, Girl Talk, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Midnight Snake, The Cynics, and Gil Mantera's Party Dream.

Best Venue: Club Café

For the band:It's small and cozy (which works for the type of shows they do) and it's got a great vibe. The appetizers and drinks are all good and we were happy with the beer selection. I was also impressed with how friendly and helpful the door staff and waitresses were. The sound in Club Cafe really was good, especially for a small venue.

For the Fan: Get there over an hour before "door time", and people will be inside and every table will be taken. The bartenders are really cool and keep your martini glasses full, Door staff is courteous, and the sound for the show is good considering how tiny the place is. Club Cafe is located just off of East Carson, so it's near all the action but off the beaten path.

Indie Street Cred: Washington, DC

The DC area has also re-emerged as a hotbed of indie music. The area gained notoriety in the 1980s when it became one of the flagship cities of the American hardcore punk movement, with bands such as Bad Brains, Minor Threat, Government Issue, and Rites of Spring. All of these bands were on Minor Threat frontman Ian MacKaye's own record label, Dischord Records. Several newer bands have gained popularity since the rise of MacKaye's later band Fugazi, including Q and Not U, Black Eyes, Decahedron, Dead Meadow, The Evens, and Make Up who have inspired many local DC bands such as pg. 99, Crestfallen, Haram, Reactor No. 7, Majority Rule and many others.

Best Venue: Nine Thirty Club

For the Band: The 9:30 Club tends to attract acts that fall somewhere between relatively unknown indie acts and the chart toppers and the venue itself is a great place to perform.Great place to get seen.

For the Fans:The 9:30 Club is clearly the best music scene in Washington, DC. This club is respected nation wide. So many great acts come into this great venue. I highly recommend seeing a show in this intimate venue.Its not in the nicest of neighborhoods, but is easily accessible via public transportation. There's not a sign with the club's name. It has two stories (plus a bar in the basement that's worth trying out if you arrive early) with multiple locations where you can see the stage clearly. Acoustics are pretty good too. So check out a band in DC without having to brave the crowds at one of those basketball arena sized venues.Unless otherwise posted our club is All-Ages, All The Time.

Indie Street Cred: Chicago, IL

Chicago has become known for indie rockers following in the paths of The Smashing Pumpkins, Urge Overkill, Wilco, and The Jesus Lizard; bands like Califone, OK Go, Andrew Bird, The Academy Is…, Umphrey's McGee and Butterfly Assassins, hail from the city. In recent years Chicago has become a pinnacle in the indie scene, attracting both premier indie bands and industry attention. Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger of The Fiery Furnaces, who now reside in Brooklyn, New York are originally from Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Experimental and post rock trailblazers Tortoise (band) also Hail from Chicago. Chicago is also home to many independent labels like Touch and Go Records, Thrill Jockey, Drag City, and others, and to the popular music-news website Pitchfork Media. Chicago is also notable for two popular mainstream bands that emerged from the Chicago Hardcore Scene, Rise Against and Fall Out Boy. Champaign-Urbana: Champaign-Urbana houses the University of Illinois and has provided a platform for many popular groups to grow into regional and national acts. Some of the more well-known bands from Champaign-Urbana include REO Speedwagon, Head East and Dan Fogelberg, HUM, Poster Children, Hardvark, The Moon Seven Times, Braid, Castor, National Skyline, Absinthe Blind, Headlights, The Living Blue, The Beauty Shop. The cities now host the Pygmalion Music Festival on an annual basis, and releases music through multiple labels, such as Polyvinyl Records and Parasol Records. The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts also hosts world-renowned performers of classical music, as well as other annual festivals.

Best Venue: Schubas

For the Band: This place is all about the MUSIC! It is absolutely my favorite venue in the city. The room is intimate, great acoustics and never push/shove crowded.You will find the dedicated followers at this venue,and they will all be focused on getting to know your sound and talent.

For the Fan:Schubas presents a diverse line-up of live music seven nights a week. From Honky – Tonk to Indie Rock, from Americana to Jazz, from Pop to Country, it's all here.At last- a venue in Chicago that has nice staff. I have had great experiences every time I see a show at Schubas. The door people are nice and the space is amazing.

Indie Street Cred: Detroit, MI

Detroit is the internationally known home of Motown Records and the Motown Sound and has been the breeding ground of musical talent as diverse as ? and the Mysterians, Jackson 5, Madonna and Kid Rock. Building on the classic pre-punk sounds of local favorites MC5, the Detroit garage rock scene that began in bars and music clubs across the city in the early 2000s saw rise to bands like Electric Six, The Volebeats, The White Stripes, Von Bondies, Blanche, The Go, The Muggs, The Paybacks, Detroit Cobras and The Dirtbombs. An evolving set of bands building on the garage rock sound continues to spring from Detroit include The Raconteurs, Great Lakes Myth Society, Allan James & the Cold Wave, Brave Rifles, Millions of Brazilians, Jellyeyes, Javelins, Thunderbirds are Now!, The Hard Lessons, Valentin Narvaez, Deadstring Brothers, The Witches, Saturday Looks Good to Me, Daestro, and The Great Fiction.

Best Venue: The Majectic / The Magic Stick

For the band: This is one of my favorite places to go in Detroit, hands down. They have a great bar with excellent selections and the entrées are second-to-none. I personally like the Majestic because it's affordable, concerts and stuff upstairs too- a perfect date night or random adventure. This place will never let you down.

For the fan: Majestic Theater is really a few things–Magic Stick (smaller music venue w/pool tables), the Garden Bowl (bowling alley and a bar on the first flloor- also serves bar/pub food), the Majestic Cafe (moderately upscale restaurant), and the Majestic Theater (a larger music venue) oh and Sgt. Pepperoni's which serves pizza. I'll probably always come here b/c they consistently book acts that I want to see– alot of garage and indie rock, but also reggae, world and electronic. The Garden Bowl tends to have a more punk rock vibe, the restaurant has more of an urban artist/hipster feel. The Stick's vibe totally depends on who is playing. It was featured a couple years ago in Rolling Stone as one of the coolest bars in Detroit and has had its share of rock dramas (some even hit the Detroit newspapers). If I could only go to one bar in Detroit this might be it, simply b/c it's like a few different bars in one.

Indie Street Cred: Omaha, NE

As of 2000, many new scenes are appearing on the radar in Middle America; all with unique sounds. One is the Omaha-based Saddle Creek Records, home to several highly regarded indie rock acts such as Bright Eyes and Cursive. Bright Eyes singer/songwriter and Omaha native Conor Oberst, who helped start the label, has been called the "King of Indie Rock" by Rolling Stone magazine. Elliott Smith was born here, but raised in Texas and rose to popularity in Portland.

Best Venue: Slowdown

For the Band: This is THE favorite place in town to see a concert. They have great drink specials for happy hour, Pub Quiz on Tuesdays and free juke box and loaner board games. The garage doors are open in the summer, but the main reason to go to Slowdown is for the concerts. There isn't a better venue for shows in Omaha right now. There really isn't a bad seat in the house.Bartenders are attentive and friendly, even when they're swamped. Drink prices are more than fair.Soundsystem, lighting and HVAC are excellent. Okay so the HVAC is something people might not notice, but trust me it's great.

For the Fan:Simply put, this place is amazing. There are two stages: the bar stage and the main stage. No matter which one you're on you will get plenty of room to rock out and wonderful sound. The only downside is they are pretty stingy on free drinks, at least if you're a smaller act.

Indie Street Cred: Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis has been home to famous acts such as Low, Hüsker Dü, The Replacements, and Semisonic in the past, and is currently home to one of the larger local indie scenes in the midwest. Rising bands such as Tapes 'n Tapes and Halloween, Alaska are only the tip of the iceberg that is the Minneapolis indie scene, with the notable record label Afternoon Records at the helm of such development.

Best Venue: Varsity Theater

For the Band: The disco ball, the strings of white lights, the thrift store chic couches and mishmash collection of little side tables and chairs. Prices are always right – $15 per show. The crowd was sits on the floor, lounging on the couches, very low key, chill vibe. At the Varsity you will end up feeling like you have the "in" and are watching a great band play in someone's very cool basement….in a good way.

For the Fan:awesome atmosphere at the varsity! its a huge room with futons and couches lining the walls. big stage, good lights and great sound! I love the aura of this place. I love what they did with it when renovating it too. The place is huge, and plush, and all too good! Tons of comfortable places to sit, and tons of walk around/dance room. It doesn't matter what you are coming to do.. do it, there is plenty of room! The shows here are always affordable too, which is really nice. I hate paying so much and not being happy with my experience or just being overly crowded.I hate it/ love it though.. on the outside, it looks completely un-enticing, but don't let that fool you, the inside makes up for everything Dinkytown lacks and then some!

Indie Street Cred: Denver, CO

Denver has produced a scene sometimes labeled "country gothic" for its stark combinations of American country and gospel music with unusual or morbid lyrical themes. The approach ranges from solemn, sometimes wrenching religious contemplation by 16 Horsepower, twisted Americana murder ballads by Munly, to rollicking, drunken, apocalyptic Southern gospel by Slim Cessna's Auto Club, all of whom have released albums on Jello Biafra's Alternative Tentacles Records. The Denver music scene has produced several now-respected musical groups, such as DeVotchKa, who were nominated for a Grammy award for their work on the Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack. Additionally, the Elephant 6 Collective has ties to Denver. Singer/songwriter Robert Schneider and his band The Apples In Stereo lived in Denver until recently. Parts of Neutral Milk Hotel's opus, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea were recorded in Denver with Schneider producing.

Best Venue: The Hi-Dive

For the band: The Hi-Dive is great because of two things- the lovely staff and the great sound. The sound guys are always on and attentive and the barkeeps are incredibly accomodating and friendly.As with any South Broadway venue, you gotta deal with a few fart sniffers, but the key is to get real drunk and not worry about it.

For the Fan:The Hi-Dive is one of the best Denver music venues. It is small [and "a dive"] but this is exactly where the charm is. It is in venues like the Hi-Dive that the Denver music scene is gaining national recognition. The Hi-Dive is notable for its eclectic range of artists. You can catch everything from proponents of the neo-folk revolution to the indie-Dance scene that is so hot in Denver. Aside from all the great artists passing through on their way between Cali and NYC the Hi-Dive features its own Denver-fabulous events such as Monday night's Mr. Pacman's karaoke challenge and Wednesday's 80's dance night. Visit the Hi-Dive to check out up and coming bands on their way between the coasts and especially for Denver-fabulous artists like Magic Cyclops and Mr. Pacman.

Indie Street Cred: Boulder, CO

The Boulder scene originally coalesced in the late 1980s and early 1990s around the local Adult Album Alternative radio station KBCO, college radio station KGNU, and the Etown syndicated radio show. The presence of a strong music program and eager audience at the University of Colorado and numerous local music venues like the Fox Theatre helped propel the scene forward. Bands like The Samples and Big Head Todd & The Monsters achieved national notoriety by blending folk, reggae, rock, jazz, and pop together to appeal to a broad range of listeners. Additionally, the scene moved on to spawn a number of bluegrass-influenced bands like Leftover Salmon, Yonder Mountain String Band, and String Cheese Incident. 3Oh!3 is the latest nationally recognized band to emerge from the Boulder scene.

Best Venue: The Fox Theater

For the Band: The Fox is home to a serious show. The sound system & acoustics are superb.It is a relatively small venue and when crowded it is hard to be comfortable–just about the only way to be comfortable is to dance or walk around the whole time you're there, because sitting down or standing in one place during a show at the Fox is just a sign of laziness. The Fox seems to be a well-managed venue, and has attracted a wide variety of talented performers over the years. Of course there's a full bar, and last time I was there they gave free drinks to designated drivers.

For the Fan:Better known as The Fox, located on "The Hill", a popular commercial, restaurant, and bar district in Boulder, CO. The theater is located on 13th Street between a restaurant and the vacant Tulagi (Boulder) club. The Fox is located two blocks from the University of Colorado campus.Although this venue has housed some mainstream music such as Dave Matthews Band, The Fray, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, and Method Man, the indie lineup is still respectable.

Indie Street Cred: Las Vegas, NV

The Las Vegas music scene consists mostly of underground indie rock, shoegaze, freak folk, hard core, grind core, screamo, and various other modernized versions of alternative rock. Bands such as The Killers and Panic! at the Disco, are the first Las Vegas indie bands to receive international attention. Fremont East is the epicenter of Indie music in an area of downtown Las Vegas with bars such as Beauty Bar, The Griffin, and The Bunkhouse regularly showcasing indie music. Indie Krush is a Las Vegas promotions group that books indie bands.

Best Venue: Double Down Saloon

For the band:The drinks are pretty cheap. I must highly recommend the house "ass juice" – cheap and sweet. And leaves you buzzed. A must try if you happen to follow my advice and check out this spot. Not to mention, the bartenders are cool and quick to get you your next drink.One gripe, the ladies bathroom door does not lock easily, so be prepared to have a fight for your privacy or have the door open on you mid-stream (as it did to me). Bathroom decor was crazy cool, by the way.So, the next time you are on a quest for a uber cool dive bar, I highly recommend stopping by the Double Down and having a great time. You won't regret it.

For the fan:The best dive, punk rock, music bar in town and the country. The NYC Double Down might get to this caliber one day but right now it tries too hard to be Vegas. The original cant be beat! Awesome bartenders. Amazing music, jukebox and people. Always live music and cool random people. You Puke You Clean the way any bar should be. If you havent been to Double Down yet you have to experience it to love it. If you are uptight you will relax, tolerance is a must! Great selection at the bar and prices that are great.No cover, strong drinks, fun atmosphere. Open 24/7. Mainly good bands. Awesome jukebox. Video poker… no cover charge! the place is small and it gets pretty packed. I've been in there with and without a band playing and without one the place is cozy enough… with a show on, standing-room-only becomes close-knit, shoulder-to-shoulder contact.

Indie Street Cred: Los Angeles, CA

The L.A. indie scene rides the wave through neighborhoods like Koreatown, Los Feliz, Silverlake, and Echo Park, which have given rise to such bands and artists as Elliott Smith, Moving Units, Rilo Kiley, Earlimart, Autolux, Scarling. and Giant Drag. The venue The Smell became a prominent spot after 2000 where many new avant garde indie rock acts like Abe Vigoda, Anavan, Ancestors, BARR, Carla Bozulich, Captain Ahab, David Scott Stone, HEALTH, Laco$te, Lavender Diamond, The Mae Shi, Mika Miko, Nite Jewel, No Age, Silver Daggers, Thrones, and Upsilon Acrux started their carriers. Skeleteen is a band from LA as well.

Best Venue: El Rey

For the Band:The El Rey Theater is an original art deco theater in the heart of the Miracle Mile, one of Los Angeles' preserved art deco districts. The El Rey was built in 1936 and designed by Clifford Balch. After over 50 years as a first run movie house, the El Rey was converted into a live music venue in 1994. A registered Historic-Cultural Monument, the El Rey has sweeping staircases, an art deco lobby, VIP balcony lounge and a grand ballroom equipped with a full stage.This venue is sure to impress fans with a upscale decorum and a history of indie exposure.Great for any indie resume.

For the Fan: The El Rey is a general admission, standing room venue, unless stated otherwise in specific show details.This is the hot spot for a vintage show.The atmosphere is flawless and a perfect location for a smaller venue showcase.Intimate and sexy, the El Rey is perfect for date night.Look sharp and get your tickets early,everybody knows about the El rey and tickets are limited.You may want to put on your pantent leathers for this one fans.

Indie Street Cred: San Francisco Bay Area, CA

The Bay Area has always had one of the biggest indie scenes in the country since the dawning of the psychedelia counterculture, cultivated on its very own streets. Prominent 60's artists such as Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, Sly & the Family Stone, and Big Brother & the Holding Company were all founded in San Francisco. Since then the city has continued its psychedelic trend with the foundings of the modern-day legends The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, as well as being home to many punk bands like Dead Kennedys, Jawbreaker, Tiger Army, and Tsunami Bomb. The Bay Area has also been graced with artist/producer John Vanderslice and his recording studio dubbed Tiny Telephone. Other notable indie acts are Deerhoof and The Dodos from San Francisco and Pavement from Stockton.

Best Venue: Cafe du Nord / Swedish Hall

For the Band:For the record, Cafe du Nord is a live music venue. Not a restaurant. It has a bar, occasionally two on busier nights, a pool table, and luxuriously dark walls. Vintage posters adorn the walls and the whole establishment glows with a 20s charm. And yes, it houses one of the best small stages in the City. As a performer, there are few places you'd rather play in town. The green room is too small to hang out, which means bands mingle with the crowds. There is ample room for merch in the hall just outside the stage. The only con is the lack of an elevator and about thirty narrow steps that are not fun navigating with a drum set or a bass cab in tow. It's a top notch venue to see nationally touring acts and really feel like you're participating in the experience.

For the fan: What a fabulously intimate venue! . Friendly bar staff and nice selection on draft, pool table in the back. They don't serve food here, but there are plenty of great eateries in the area. Parking is free if you find a spot on the street by the Safeway.

Indie Street Cred: Phoenix, AZ

The Phoenix metropolitan music scene has been the base for a plethora of bands in the rock, metal and punk genres; alternative rock groups such as the Gin Blossoms, The Refreshments and the Meat Puppets got their start in Tempe's Mill Ave indie venue scene. In the thrash metal world, bands Flotsam & Jetsam, Sacred Reich and Nuclear Death (all formed in the 1980s); In the 1990s, alternative metal groups Soulfly and N17; In the 2000s, the melodic death metal band Vehemence; Death/Doom metal bands Hospice Widowed and Fall of Empyrean (the latter signed to Grau Records) and also deathcore/metalcore bands like Job For A Cowboy, Greeley Estates, Knights of the Abyss and Landmine Marathon. In the punk and emo scene, Authority Zero and Jimmy Eat World had started out in Mesa.

Best Venue: Rhythm Room

For the band:Since the Rhythm Room is not a see-and-be-seen type of place, the emphasis is always right where it belongs — on the music. A typical lineup consists of one or more locally-based blues acts.The support of local music is balanced with a generous lineup of touring acts. Any blues artist with a national following is likely to visit the Room when touring the western U.S. The music doesn't begin and end with the blues, however. The Rhythm Room has also been home to jazz, indie rock, and country acts over the years.

For the fan: The great thing about a small venue is the opportunity to meet your favorite stars. The Rhythm Room has provides many memories that will be with you for a lifetime. It's cozy, not pretentious, and the drinks are reasonably priced.The fan favorite place to hear music in this town.

Indie Street Cred: Portland, OR

Relatively recently has become a hot spot for indie bands, being the home of such acts as The Decemberists, Ghost to Falco, The Shins, The Gossip, The Dandy Warhols, Dirty Martini, The Wipers and the late Elliott Smith. Seattle-launched Modest Mouse and Sleater-Kinney eventually relocated to Portland, as did Stephen Malkmus. San Diego: In the past, it has bred its fair share of influential bands such as The Locust, The Black Heart Procession, Pinback, The Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower, Heavy Vegetable, and The Album Leaf, as well as the partnership between John Reis and Rick Froberg that has produced Drive Like Jehu, Hot Snakes, and Reis's Rocket From The Crypt. It is home to Pacific Records and several other small labels.

Best Venue: Doug Fir Lounge

For the Band:Unsolicited submissions from bands and djs alike are accepted by the Doug fir lounge.Doug asks that you send a cd,current press kit,photo and bio.It looks like a log cabin 70s porno studio. But what a perfect place to show your skills.

For the Fan oug Fir lounge is a 21 and over venue.Equipped to hold a cool 299 fans. this is an ideal location for a smaller show. Their beer isn't cheap and their tickets are about $10-20 depending on who's playing, its a very clean, not-so-crowded, but yet intimate venue where you can see the stage from anywhere in the room!

Indie Street Cred: Seattle, WA

The Seattle scene became extremely popular in the early 1990s, when bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Screaming Trees, inspired by local forefathers Mudhoney, found chart-topping national success with the grunge rock sound. This was unique since it signaled the first time in a long time that punk-influence rock had become once again in vogue with the masses. During the 1990s, Seattle could be considered to have the most influential indie pop scene in the world. Seattle has since produced such artists as Death Cab For Cutie, Minus The Bear, and Modest Mouse. It is still home to indie rock staple Sub Pop Records, one of the most influential record labels on alternative rock, as well Tooth & Nail Records and Solid State Records.

Best Venue: The Crocodile

For the Band: We're not talking symphony orchestra here… The Croc is the place to catch indie acts of every stripe before they hit the big time. Their bookings are consistently eclectic . The beer is cheap, the floors are sticky and the whole place has that funky smell that can only come from a tightly-packed room of sweaty rock fans. If you love music and want to catch your favorite band up close and personal, the Croc is the place to be.

For the Fan: The Croc bar is mellow and quiet, show room is small enough to be intimate, big enough to hold crowds for most shows. the stage is elevated so everyone can see what's going on. it's grungy and dirty, but not scary like the old graceland. it always sounds great. they serve food. the beers are good – and pretty cheap. and they consistently book the best local talent — any given night you're bound to like some or all of the lineup. If you love music and want to catch your favorite band up close and personal.

Indie Street Cred: Austin, TX

Austin is the host of the annual SXSW (South By South West) festival that showcases a large variety of independent artists across many different venues in the city. The city itself has spawned some of the following bands: Spoon, …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Jeff Klein, Ian Moore, Goudie, Canvas, Pushmonkey, Zykos, Okkervil River, Butthole Surfers, White Denim, Scratch Acid, Big Boys, Alpha Rev, Voxtrot, Loxsly, The Black Angels, Ghostland Observatory, Daniel Johnston, Jad Fair, David Garza, Golden Bear (band), The Lovely Sparrows, The Sword and Shearwater. Austin is home to Misra Records.

Best Venue: Continental Club

For the Band: Known as the grandaddy of all local music venues,The Continental Club has ceased to lose its vintage feel.From music club to burlesque shows,back to music venue in the 70's,with a authentic overhall in the 80's that maintained its original flare,this club has maintained its cool without needing to upgrade to a more new age formatt.Music history has been made here.This is simply one of the greatest clubs in the country. With its rich tradition and great reputation for always having good music, the Continental Club seems to be a hot spot for anyone who really likes music. And if you go, you just may find yourself sitting next to Julia Roberts or Johnny Depp. You never know at the CC. And that's why bigger acts such as Rev. Horton Heat or Spoon always make a stop here on tour. As far as musicians are concerned, there's no better place to play…or go."

For the Fan: Think Austin in 1976. Cool people, good bartenders, lots of great music.. A NO HIPSTERS ESTABLISHMENT!Local and awesome! The Continental Club. Part legend, part sonic excellence, part fantasy land.Be it a place to see a great show, or a sanctuary stop on the way home from work, or a great saturday afternoon tipsy, when you go here you find happy folks and one of them is you! And you NEVER miss here. It's almost as though, when you cross the threshold, you're crossing the river Styx and only quality folks have the coin to enter. In a town that wears the crown for live music, the CC is the jewel in that crown.This place doesn't have a super friendly doorman flagging you down to enter. It doesn't need that. It doesn't need the best cocktails in the world. But when you go in, you WILL have top notch waitresses attending to you. And on occaision, they have been known to double as dancing sideshows. Even if you don't dance just come to watch and listen. This is THE place in Austin.

Indie Street Cred: Denton, TX

In the last 20 years Denton's music culture has grown beyond the rigorous and disciplined world of University of North Texas' College of Music. In 2004 and 2005, the roster of the town's performing and touring indie music acts remained between 90 and 100, a high number considering the town's 2000 U.S. census population figure of only 80,537 people. Notable indie bands from Denton include: Satan's Fingers, and The Killers, The Hospital Bombers, Lift to Experience, Centro-Matic, Fishboy, Brutal Juice, the Baptist Generals, Midlake, Spoonfed Tribe, the Marked Men, South San Gabriel, and Bosque Brown. Although not quite "indie rock", Denton has also produced unconventional acts such as Brave Combo and Corn Mo, as well as notable producer and promoter DJ Nature, all contributing to the overall scene. Denton's music culture makes the smaller town Texas' only other city, outside of Austin, that could claim such a title as music town, a reflection of city's own creative and progressive dominant cultural base. Denton was named the Best Music Scene of 2008 by Paste Magazine.

Best Venue: Boiler Room

For the Band: This bar is known to indie artists as a no hassle gig.The staff are all cooperative and laid back but do not lack professionalism.There is never an issue about payment and the venue itself is inviting and comfortable.The staff will also help you promote your show by hanging any flyers you send to them.The Boiler Room features the most diverse lineup of live music in Denton. We regularly host national and regional touring acts as well as top local talent in our 350 capacity venue. We have pro-level production and a private green room for artists.

For the Fan: Indie in Texas,not so easy to come by.But the Music scene in has been building its name for long enough for this to be a hot spot for a good time with some good tunes.Austin may be in the spotlight but if you dont want to fight the crowd and be a witness to some quality stuff stay in Denton and hit up the Boiler room.The venue is serious and supports the artists like you dont usually see in smaller venues, think happy band = great show.

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