Flyer by Simon Simard

Our Conference of Musicians held at the Lilypad on Saturday, February 1st was a great success! We heard a plethora of opinions from a wide variety of the music community. It was truly humbling! We all acknowledged how scary it is out there, but that there is still hope. Some of that hope begins at places like these. We don’t have a one size fits all answer, but some ideas to start. KLYAM intends on hosting another conference in the future and we encourage this ongoing conversation. Below are some thoughts based on the discussion we had that night.

Takeaways:

• There are people in this city (Boston, MA) and surrounding areas (even states, with some folks from CT speaking) who care about the local music scene and vocalize how much of an impact it has had on their lives – musically, spiritually, socially, ethically, and politically. It is a place for those who feel ostracized from society and a space to find like minded individuals. Also, to share their love of music and their own music/art, but also to be exposed to new music/art.
• In spite of a mountain of obstacles and issues, we have a great scene here in Boston and the wider New England region; however, it could be MUCH, MUCH greater. It has also been on a decline and we are losing many of our venues/spaces over the past few decades.
• The scene is fragmented and needs to be more unified through diverse bills, people attending more shows, going to shows in other parts of New England such as Worcester, Lowell, Providence, RI to name a few, and exposing music/fringe genres/shows themselves to friends, co-workers, neighbors anyone – online, but importantly in person.
• Additionally, make people feel welcomed, included, and make resources such as show calendars and other curated media more widely available to the public. In particular, create a more diverse, equitable environment for marginalized groups. Accessibility – figuratively and literally (emphasis on creating spaces that allow disabled folks to still be able to enjoy the show i.e. chairs for them, ramps, ability to still see the “stage” outside of the pit area).
• Conversely, while we want to embrace more outsiders, we still want to keep the underground protected with DIY spaces under the radar of the authorities. We still want the scene to maintain it’s alternative character. Constructive criticism and dissent within the scene are valuable and necessary.
• We need to continue to have more grounded, organized forums for such discussions as these.
• It’s tough out there financially (and every other way), but spending money to support local artists and the venues and whatever products they have for sale at the venues such as drinks is paramount to keep these places open and thriving.
• While many of us want a new Great Scott, folks are leery about the presentation of the venue looking like a luxury apartment building. Will the venue continue to serve the community or simply outside corporate interests? We hope this doesn’t change O’Brien’s Pub (will be located next door) as that has been a major hub for both seasoned underground performers as well as new comers. We need both.

Nevaeh Berenato also covered the conference for Cambridge Day! https://www.cambridgeday.com/2025/02/18/bands-make-some-noise-about-diy-quandary-getting-audiences-but-not-too-much-attention/