By: Jack Schwed
Do you enjoy supporting small local artists? If so, you are in luck because Boston is home to many incredible musical talents. Since a lot of them tend to fly under the radar, I am going to share two of my favorites:
1. Tripwire
This band, recently formed by four Berklee College of Music freshmen, blends the shoegaze influence of bands like Fleshwater with a post-hardcore sound, forming what they call a “heavier shoegaze.” They debuted at Middle East in Cambridge (which is an awesome venue by the way) in late February. A few weeks later, they dropped a three-song demo on streaming services, which I highly recommend you check out!!! Their Instagram is @tripwirema.
2. Leila Lamb
Leila is an absolute icon! She too is a Berklee student, but unlike Tripwire whose brand comprises four members, she is the star of her project. However, she does not take the stage alone. She is accompanied by spectacular musicians, even including a violinist and a keytarist. Although her music is fantastic on its own, it is her stage presence that truly captivated me. My favorite song that she performed live is “American Spirit,” which she actually dropped on streaming services not too long ago, so I would suggest you check it out!!! Her Instagram is @needspower.
There are even some bands featuring BU students, including Uma Thermos and Humana Humana.
However, it is not just the music itself that makes the scene so special — it is also the people. These “DIY” and house shows, dating back to the mid-70s punk rock scene, have historically acted as havens for marginalized groups, like women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community. So, regardless of your background, you are welcome! Plus, for only $5-15, you might get to experience some of the most memorable performances of your life.