Scene & Heard: Detroit, MI

posted in: By Genres • Reviews & Playlists • Rock • Urban

We haven’t had too many stops in the Midwest while we’ve been looking at music scenes, and that’s kind of a shame. Some of the most “American” music genres and acts come out of this central part of the country. Having seen the Midwest’s contribution to hip-hop via Chicago, it’s no surprise that Detroit gives the Windy City a run for its money. Artists like Insane Clown Posse and Eminem have origins in Detroit. The movie 8 Mile is a dramatized depiction of Eminem’s early work as a struggling rapper coming out of Detroit.

The music scene doesn’t stop at rap. There is such an eclectic mix of genres that it’s tough to point out specific styles and artists. We would be remiss if we didn’t talk about R&B/soul. Detroit was the birthplace of Motown, arguably the most influential R&B label of all time. Detroit was also home to Grammy-winner Aretha Franklin. In terms of pop, you’ll find artists ranging from Sonny Bono all the way to Aaliyah. And did we mention Madonna? Moving into heavier genres, rock, hardcore and metal are some of the most viable ones within the state of Michigan, and in Detroit in particular. Moving through Detroit’s rock history you’ll find artists like Bob Seeger, Alice Cooper and the White Stripes.

For venues/establishments, Detroit boasts the nation’s second largest theatre district with eighteen professional theatres (only second to NYC). There is the prestigious Detroit Symphony Orchestra as well as the Detroit Opera House. In terms of live music venues, you may want to travel to some of the outlying areas of Detroit such as Ann Arbor and Pontiac. In Pontiac, we’ll recommend heading to The Crofoot Ballroom. Here, their calendar stretches from smaller, local bands to larger indie rock acts like the upcoming Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes. At the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor, you’ll find even greater genre diversity, with up-and-coming hip-hop acts one night, and local pop/rock bands on another.

For some advice, we turned to Michigan-based OurStage metal band Siren The Escape. If you’re a fan, “see what’s going down at The Majestic or the Eagle Theater (affiliated with The Crofoot),” suggested the band. “Personally, [we] loved playing the Magic Stick. We played there a few months back . . . and the reaction from the crowd was intense, which helped us play a better show all around.”

Siren The Escape combine in-your-face heavy metal with an optimistic outlook on live music. While it’s hard to describe their sound exactly, you can look at the big name acts they’ve shared the stage with to get an idea: Haste the Day, August Burns Red, Emmure, Whitechapel and Every Time I Die. STE’s break-down heavy songs with driving double bass fit right in with these hardcore/metal giants.

“The Detroit music scene is full of a wide variety of people with the same goal in mind: hearing good music and having a good time,” mentions the band. “The kids love shows, plain and simple. We are always gaining the opportunity to meet new people, to make new connections with promoters, and to play some amazing shows.” If you’re in the area, check out the Detroit scene as well as Pontiac and Ann Arbor. The name of the game here is exploration, so be prepared to hear a huge lineup of eclectic live music when heading to Detroit. Check out Siren The Escape’s OurStage profile while you’re at it.