It’s been a damn cold winter in Chicago. And even without a polar vortex, ice storms, and weeks of slush and gray, this time of year can make you just want to huddle somewhere it’s heated.
“It’s totally crucial that even when it’s cold and shitty outside, you still do what you can to put some energy into the scene and care about it,” says Emily Rose of art-pop duo Zigtebra.
Buy the merch
It’s publicity for your favorite musicians, and it’s fashionable. When you buy merchandise—T-shirts, hats, patches, et cetera—you aren’t just giving artists your money, you’re also giving them some advertising. Browsing the spread on the folding table at the back of the gig is a time-honored ritual, but you can often get merch via a band’s website or the merch tab on their Bandcamp page (but note that online services will take a cut of the proceeds).
“The underground music scene is so much more than just music,” says Alyssa Welch, cofounder of music blog and record label Midwest Action. “You’re also supporting the artists they work with and the venues that they attend.” There are plenty of ways to contribute to this cooperative community while your physical being stays snug at home.
Curious about my survey questions? I’ve closed the Google Form that I used to collect responses, but I pasted them in below:
