The Chicago music scene is one of the most diverse and vibrant places in the world, but it has the potential to grow even more. Now that Chicago’s economy is strong and the city itself is not experiencing the great increase in crime and other incidents that many of its neighbors have, there is a good chance that Chicago will continue to enjoy a strong music scene for years to come.
This is good news for Chicago’s musicians, labels, promoters, and business owners who wish to take advantage of a thriving music scene in the Windy City. There are now more opportunities than ever before to make a career for yourself as a touring musician in Chicago. Even more exciting, Chicago’s musicians can now play to larger crowds and larger audiences than ever before, thanks to the country’s increase in small clubs, including everything from country to hip hop to rock and pop.
Chicago music promotion has experienced an explosion of growth and development since the city was first known as “Chicago” over 200 years ago. One of the pioneers of the Chicago music scene was Al Jolson, who started off by playing musical shows in the parks of Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhoods. Al Jolson took advantage of this opportunity and used it to take his talent to Los Angeles and beyond.
Although Chicago music promotion in the past was centered on nightclubs and bars, Jolson was the first to bring the idea of concert promotion to a national audience. Of course, his success also made Chicago the center of the first “swing era” when the music scene was becoming popular among middle-class Americans.
Al Jolson’s success, however, was not the only sign of life in Chicago music promotion in the early part of the 20th century. Around this time, Chicago’s main street clubs were rapidly closing their doors as the original working class crowd found success and cultural acceptance in the city’s newer nightclubs.
Soon, new venues and stages were opening and the “Irish Wave” was forming. These clubs and venues were creating much of the Chicago music scene that we see today.
Other venues, such as the legendary Delaney Street Club and the beloved Capri Club, also had a long history of supporting local musicians. But, if Chicago music promotion really did “take off,” it was the clubs that were able to build their music audiences quickly and have the biggest impact on the scene, especially with national touring bands like the Beatles.
Some artists, however, struggled to survive in Chicago, and many even left the city due to the rising cost of living. But, the rise of Chicagoland clubs and venues also made it possible for many of the best-known artists of the day to thrive in the Windy City.
Over the years, Chicago music promotion has become a much more popular venue for touring musicians. So, now that the Chicago music scene is booming and thriving, there is a lot of competition for fans and dollars.
Unlike years ago, now that Chicago’s economy is stronger, it is easier for many bands to afford the major venues that might be open to them. This increased competition has made the scene a much better place for talented local musicians to find an audience, and they are encouraged to do so by their peers and the venues that they promote their shows at.
As it is, the Chicago music scene is a great place for any musician, regardless of age or experience. Whether you are just starting out or are an established musician looking to expand your local profile Chicago music promotion offers you a number of great opportunities to get your name out there and market your musical talents. If you are looking for the best music promotion, you need to use iTunes Exposure. With iTunes Exposuer you get a full campaign for your music whether it’s a single, an album, or EP.
