Your 2019 Music New Year's Resolution

Rose Lamela hard at work at the 1-year anniversary celebration for Jersey City's magnificent White Eagle Hall

Get Out There

By Rose Lamela

Music is an important part of culture around the world, and I don't have to explain to you how important it is in our daily lives. The sad part is that we tend not to go searching for it. For decades now, we are told what to listen to, whether it was on the radio, a video going viral online, or the same few artists getting Grammy awards or getting picked for the Super Bowl. Now, I am not saying these artists are not talented; but a lot of what is mainstream follows a trend that makes everything start to sound the same. It's polished, perfectly packaged and delivered to us. Then we have to make decisions on whether to pay 150-300 dollars to go see these acts live.

I get to say this and make you feel uncomfortable because this was me for many years. I got into what MTV told me to listen to in the 90s, the radio a decade later, and then a lot of what was being shared online. I took a lot of pride in myself to be into the "Indie" scene and not necessarily mainstream, but the "Indie" music I listened to was on the cusp of mainstream.

I used to hear a lot of people tell me, "Support your local music scene," and I would just get annoyed. To me, the local music scene was a washed-out band of old wedding singers playing covers at the local dive bar. I was not interested in that.

About three years ago, I went to Seattle with a friend. We took a tour with this amazing grunged out lady, and she talked about the 90s scene. We drove around to locations that some Pearl Jam stories were a part of, saw the "Black Hole Sun" monument, and Kurt's house that I had only seen on the news. I remember leaving there and thinking, "Why can't I be part of a scene? Something new and fresh. Music being played in small dark places full of genuine music lovers."

I found my way in without even knowing it. I volunteered at WFMU and became part of the scene at Monty Hall. These bands were not anywhere close to what I imagined would be the "local music scene." I found myself completely amazed that it only cost $15 to see some of these extremely talented bands. These bands were doing it for the love of music. I mean, I'm sure a lot of them would like to sell out a show in Madison Square Garden one day, but with that not being a promise for their hard work, they continue to play and record their albums. It's a community where everyone knows each other and helps each other out. The bartering between these DIY bands that make their own merchandise or exchange artwork is quite endearing. These are the bands that need your $15 more than the ones asking for $300. The local venues that open their doors to you need your support, too, to keep the tunes flowing and the culture of music alive. If you are living in Jersey, you may be missing out on a music scene that is happening now. It's fresh. It's new, and it needs your support.

So, if you find yourself thinking about what to do on a weekend night (there are shows during the week too!!), look up some local music venues and see what's going on. If you happen to be lucky enough to live either close to Jersey City or Asbury Park, then there are no good excuses to stay home. If you find yourself saying, "Well where do I look to see who is playing?" No worries. CoolDadMusic.com has got your back every Thursday.

So, when you are writing up your 2019 New Year's resolutions, make sure to promise to support your local music scene. You will immediately fall in love with what is out there. I promise!!

Couldn't have said it better, Rosi. -- CoolDad