Scene & Heard: Philadelphia, PA

posted in: Features

You’ve probably been to Washington, DC, or New York, NY. You probably also know that these cities have a rich culture, particularly in the performing arts. So, wouldn’t a city right between these two also be an awesome music market? Philadelphia, PA is probably the city with the richest political history, aside from Washington, DC. With historic buildings, passionate sports fans and classic American food, Philly is rich in east coast culture, and with such a diverse population, you know you’ll find a vibrant music scene.

Philadelphia has made a huge mark on both pop/rock and jazz history in American music. John Coltrane was born in Philadelphia, setting the tone for the city’s strong influence in jazz music in the northeast. Dick Clark’s ground-breaking TV show American Bandstand, which launched many rock/pop acts into stardom, began in Philly. Current artists  from the City of Brotherly Love include Will Smith, Boyz II Men and Circa Survive.

The venues in Philly are as diverse as its genres and population. The Trocadero Theatre brings you mid-high level acts every week mixed in with up-and-coming openers. You’ll find the likes of Chromeo, Robyn, Kelis and The Temper Trap. Not too far from the Troc, there’s the Theatre of Living Arts (TLA). This venue also hosts major touring acts like Street Dogs, Mewithoutyou and Broken Social Scene.

OurStagers Find Vienna are a pop/rock band that has been making waves in the live circuit as of late. They’ve toured with acts like The Script, Parachute, Green River Ordinance and Person L. Their infectious hooks and complex instrumental beds drive home their songwriting/arrangement skills. Their sound has even landed them a few licensing spots on MTV for shows like The Real World and The Real World Road Rules Challenge. So what does a notable regional act like Find Vienna think of the Philly scene?

“The Philadelphia music scene is pretty broad which helps a lot, and pulls influences from other areas and genres,” said bassist Paul Mencel when we asked how the scene has affected them. “Philly is really known for hip hop, indie (hipster) rock and singer-songwriter…We had to completely step up our game to ensure that people who enjoy other types of music like us as well.”

When asked what their  best live performance venue experience was, the whole band agreed that the World Cafe Live has certainly taken the cake. The venue is a wise choice, having hosted artists like Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Andy McKee and Katie Herzig. “The venue just seems to be where our fans took hold the best and ironically is one of the first venues we played in the city,” said Mencel.

“They almost always have great bands playing there, no matter what day of the week,” concluded drummer Mark McGuire. The band went on to say that The TLA, Electric Factory or Johnny Brenda’s are all great venues (albeit, varying in size and style). “When we aren’t on the road, I’m constantly at one of these clubs checking out bands,” said Mercel.

Overall, Philly has a distinct flavor of rock as well as a strong influence in east coast hip-hop. The venues are eclectic, the people are passionate and the artists are impressive. McGuire was able to sum up the scene in one word: “Honest”.