Music is with me wherever I go, whether I’m walking to class with my headphones in, taking in some jazz at a coffee shop, or humming a tune to myself at work. But let’s face it: nothing compares to the real thing, and that’s live music.
Chicago is one of the top places to be for live music. Littered with historic venues like Metro, Thalia Hall and Aragon Ballroom, Chicago’s concert scene is filled with the presence of those who have come before. The city is home to stars like Chance the Rapper, Nat King Cole, Jennifer Hudson, and countless others.
Still, I can’t help but feel partial towards my home of Austin, known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” It was where I saw my first concert — my first six, actually. The year before I came to Northwestern, I went to the Austin City Limits music festival to see Miley Cyrus, Megan the Stallion, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, Greta Van Fleet and Tyler the Creator all in one weekend. That experience, three days of incredible live music splashed against the backdrop of Austin’s beautiful skyline, is hard to top.
To help overcome my bias, I turned to a few concert-goers more seasoned than me.
Sophomore Paige Usry is an Austinite like me, but she’s also spent time jamming out to the likes of Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams and Lizzie McAlpine in the Chicago area.
She said she prefers the Chicago music scene because it gives her more of a taste of city life. Many major Austin concerts like ACL and Blues on the Green happen in an outdoor atmosphere, but Usry said she prefers Chicago’s historic venues.
“I love Austin because it’s a city, but it’s also a suburb and a country town,” Usry said. “So it will always be in my heart, but it’s less of that city life experience.”
Lexi Goldstein is a sophomore who regularly covers concerts in Chicago for The Daily Northwestern. To her, the Chicago music scene’s charm comes from its history.
“I think there’s something really cool about seeing new artists blossom in an arena where there have been plenty of other greats that have come through there,” Goldstein said. “Even if it’s just a tiny bar with a little stage in the back, they work themselves up.”
So here’s the gist: if you want your live music to have an outdoor crunchy girl vibe, Austin is your best bet — especially if you’re into country. But if you prefer old historic venues and sold-out shows, give Chicago a try. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.