Ah, Waco, Texas! If you’re envisioning cowboy boots and barbeque joints, you’re not entirely off track, but hold onto your mohawk, because there’s a bit more edge to this place than meets the eye. Known primarily for Baylor University and the infamous siege of '93, this central Texas town might not scream 'punk rock haven' at first glance, but it’s got its quirks and undercurrents that could pique the interest of any punk enthusiast.
Historically, Waco’s had its share of upheaval and oddities, which aligns pretty well with punk’s own ethos of questioning authority and breaking norms. The city has been through some real trials, shaping a sort of gritty resilience that resonates in the undercurrents of its music scene.
When I've been through in the past, it was easy to see that there’s a grassroots movement with local bands and underground shows if you know where to look. Like many college towns, it’s all about DIY there, from pop-up art galleries to indie record stores like Spin Connection, where you can dig through crates of vinyl for that obscure punk album you’ve been hunting for...but also get a chance to "ask a punk..." So...what's keeping the Waco scene moving? Our friend Ryan gave us the insider information:
First Name: Ryan |
City/Scene: Waco, Texas |
How would you describe the health of your scene?: It's growing! A lot of people have been getting into the DIY aspect lately so the amount of shows is growing exponentially. |
3 Things you love about your scene: I love the weird traditions we have, like sit pits. I love how welcoming and friendly the people are. And I love the music, obviously! |
3 Things you’d like to see improve: I'd really, really like to see more feminine-fronted bands. Also, more show spots! It wouldn't hurt to have more DIY involvement, too. |
What are the best places to see shows?: Cultivate 712, 2124, and Truelove (which is 21+) are the only consistent places we have. 2124 is my personal favorite. |
Who are some people putting in the work to make your scene great?: Jose (de0moan), who does videography and photography (and took all the pics in this submission). Luis, who does photography. Emmeline from Dontletmedieinwaco, who has put in a lot of work to get shows set up. |
If I were an out of town band, to whom should I reach out first to book a show in your scene?: On Instagram, Ethan from Bedtime Stories or Josh from Rad Dragon would be a good bet! Dontletmedieinwaco (Emmeline) is good at getting shows set up too, and Truelove is a good 21+ venue. |
So, if you’re a punk rocker looking to explore Waco, come with an open mind and a keen eye. It might require a bit of digging, but like the best B-sides, the real gems are often hidden. Whether it’s catching a gritty set in a dive bar or mingling with local artists putting their spin on the punk aesthetic, Waco’s got a beat of its own, just waiting to be cranked up.
-Chas
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