City Streets Vibrating Around The World
Music plays a big part in many cultures and cities are often the heart of the industry, pumping beats from dusk to dawn. Bands and musicians have made their breakthroughs in various cities across the globe and buskers still serenade us on the streets. If you're a music lover, ponder our list of the best cities to catch a live band and endure a musical trip of a lifetime.
1. Dublin
Grab a pint and listen to a live musician in a cozy pub if you truly want to immerse yourself in Irish culture. With emotional ballads and timeless songs, traditional music can be heard around every corner. A trip to Dublin is incomplete without your fix of diddly-diddly music and dancing with the locals and tourists alike.
2. Seoul
K-pop has taken the music industry by storm and it keeps on growing. Seoul is the heart of the K-pop scene, exploding with emerging artists who inspire the world with their new blend of gospel, dance, western pop, and beyond. Although there are K-pop bands galore, the city is also buzzing with other genres from punk to R&B.
3. Nashville
Nashville, Tennesse is basically the center of the universe for country music. If you’re searching for the best twang in the world, bring your stompin’ boots to the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s famous stage. The city’s country roots began back in the 1800s and it’s currently one of the top cities for new songwriters to perform their tunes.
4. Berlin
Sophisticated by day and grungy by night, Berlin has multiple musical identities. Hosting the Berlin Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra, you’ll be blown away by prestigious classical performances. When you’re ready to strip off your formalwear, dive into the underground world of raves and dance clubs that kick off at midnight. Berlin is world renowned for its techno scene and it's a city that truly never sleeps.
5. Havana
With a blend of traditional music from Spain and Africa, Cuba’s capital plays unique sounds that are old and new. Havana’s music scene is as colorful as its streets with the Buena Vista Social Club as its hot spot. Music has long been an influential part of Cuba’s culture which is embraced through live music across the city.
6. Tokyo
From punk to jazz, you’ll find live music of all kinds blaring out of Tokyo venues. The modern city buzzes with concerts downtown and in large arenas nearby. Every week you can catch a local or international band, a popular DJ, or a soloist breaking into the industry.
7. Memphis
Tennesse claims another music powerhouse with Memphis, the home of soul and rock n’ roll. Legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash launched their careers in this city and renowned record labels are still pumping out talent today. The sweet southern sounds of blues and soul can be heard live in venues big and small all over the city.
8. Montreal
The French-Canadian city is North America’s little taste of Europe. As a festival city, Montreal hosts many musical events, from the world’s largest Jazz fest to Osheaga, a summer festival attracting global attendees. Along with their massive fests, small venues across the city host live musicians from vast genres and musical theater takes the stages.
9. Chengdu
This city may be smaller than Beijing, but its Chinese hip-hop scene is huge. Breakout artists are part of the Chengdu Rap House collective, defining Chinese rap and influencing rappers across the globe. Check out Chengdu for a modern music scene along with its tea houses and giant pandas.
10. Brazzaville
It’s not well-known yet as a musical hot spot but Brazzaville in Congo should make the musical capitals list. Its musical roots are often overlooked since the city is a gateway to many national parks. The city is the birthplace of the Congolese rumba and hosts the Pan-African Music Festival as well as other musical events.
11. Melbourne
This artistic city is buzzing with young talent ahead of all the trends. With the most venues per capita than any other city, Melbourne was once the music capital of the world and it still seems that way. The Aussies know how to host an eclectic music hub, with emerging talent playing a wide mix of genres. From cafe musicians to buskers on the streets, you’ll find live music all over the city.
12. Manchester
Since the 60s, Manchester has been a musical capital exploding with talent. From the Bee Gees to The Smiths, this English city has staged many iconic bands. Today, the music scene in the city continues to grow and more innovative acts are taking center stage.
13. Varanasi
Varanasi is a hidden musical gem in India. As one of the most sacred places, the spiritual city boasts gorgeous hymns and chants. Varanasi is known for producing popular Indian musicians, taking our breaths away with their beautiful voices. For a cultural taste of traditional sounds, a trip to Varanasi should be on your list.
14. Austin
Austin might be situated in cowboy country but its diverse music scene would make you think differently. Although you’ll get your fill of country tunes, musicians from the likes of rock and hip-hop perform in many venues. As a music capital in the United States, it’s in close competition with LA for artist discovery.
15. Bologna
This city in Italy has a delicious taste in food and music. As a university town, you’ll want to follow the students to find the best gigs. With an exciting balance of new and old, the city hosts musicians playing modern tracks as well as traditional genres like jazz and folk. Bologna is a top place in Itlay for aspiring artists and progressive sounds.
16. Vienna
As Europe’s top destination for classical music, you’ll be in awe of the music and the mountains in the magical city of Vienna. Have you heard of Mozart and Beethoven? Well, they used to call this city their second home. With heaps of venues throwing classical events all year long, Vienna is a haven for composers.
Charilaos Fragkias on Unsplash
17. London
From the Spice Girls to The Rolling Stones, England’s capital has arguably given us the most popular and influential bands of all time. The city remains a musical legacy with live music across the city daily and huge acts selling out stadiums. As an industry powerhouse, the royal city will continue to pump out iconic musicians forevermore.
18. Rio De Janeiro
The beautiful chaos on the streets of Rio De Janeiro is reflected in the rapid rhythm of Brazil’s music scene. While musical concerts and festivals such as Carnaval attract millions each year, the dance party doesn’t ever seem to stop. With samba music as their tradition, the city is also popular with hip-hop artists, house music DJs, and soul musicians.
Agustin Diaz Gargiulo on Unsplash
19. New Orleans
Known as the birthplace of jazz, folks continue to bip and bop to the rhythmic tunes today. Take a musical journey down Bourbon Street, the famous strip of music clubs and lively street musicians. With an array of festivals and parades each year, the streets of New Orleans are constantly alive with music.
20. Johannesburg
South Africa’s largest city also hosts a huge music scene. Locals blast songs out the windows of their homes and cars on the streets. The city offers a wide spread of musical genres with kwaito, South African jazz, alternative rock, and house music at the top. Its diverse talents attract an eclectic mix of music festivals and events each year.
.jpg){kind=link}
