Bruno Mars once said “Without music, life would be a mistake”. The quote is actually from the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, but let’s not be picky A journey without music is an empty and meaningless journey. From the radio accompanying car journeys, to the unique sound emanating from city streets, music is an integral part of a journey, just like accommodation, transportation or the pursuit of authentic activities.
But where does the music originate? What are the best destinations for true enthusiasts? From classical music concert halls to shabby bars frequented by true legends discover the world’s most incredible cities where you can hear, appreciate and learn the secrets of the world of music.
1. Nashville, United States
At the top of this list, the city of Nashville can only triumph Proudly nicknamed “the Music City of the United States,” the capital of Tennessee is known as the home of country music. For fans of the genre, the Grand Ole Opry the Station Inn, and the Ryman Auditorium are popular pilgrimage destinations. Country music can be heard almost everywhere in the city, but only at Robert’s Western World will you find the most authentic notes.
Nashville is also a hotspot for alternative music, indie, and blues-influenced rock and roll, especially in the trendiest neighborhoods. Legendary clubs like Exit In and nightclubs like The Five Spot and The Basement (strategically located in the basement of Grimey, one of the most famous record shops in the city) regularly host some of Nashville’s most celebrated bands.
2. Berlin, Germany
Between punk bands, street performers and a symphony orchestra among the best in the world, Berlin is undoubtedly one of the musical capitals of the world. The city offers musical events for all tastes. His creative energy has always attracted artists of all kinds, such as David Bowie, Iggy Pop and many others.
Despite the city possessing a legendary and diverse musical past, there is no doubt that techno music is the real lifeblood of Berlin. Since the 90s discos like Tresor and Berghain have become real institutions, where the best DJs in the world perform. Even if some clubs make a very strict selection at the entrance, with such a wide offer, you will certainly not run the risk of running out of places to dance.
3. New Orleans, United States
Considered the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans is among the most important places for modern-day music. Local historian Big Easy has hosted the likes of Louis Armstrong, Dr. John and Lil ‘Wayne, spreading notes ranging from blues to jazz funk and hip-hop. The city holds a lot to its roots and protects the history of jazz in the so-called Preservation Hall. Still being today a springboard for prodigious musical talents, don’t be surprised if you run into a street party animated by one of the many city bands.
Knowing the history of the city is essential to be able to fully understand its musical culture. In a city like New Orleans, virtually every neighborhood has a story to tell and has helped make the city’s music scene one of the most diverse today. Don’t forget to visit Frenchmen Street the street is said to have the highest rate of musical talent per square meter in the world.
4. London, United Kingdom
What do Led Zeppelin, Amy Winehouse Jamiroquai, Elton John, Dua Lipa and Mumford and Sons have in common? Their musical origins are all well rooted in London Given its variety, it’s no surprise that London’s musical influence extends far beyond the British Isles. London deserves to be included in this list not only for what it represents for the rock and roll scene but also for being the place of origin of so many musical movements.
Every corner of London has contributed to enriching musical culture, from grime and dubstep to the new wave originating from Rough Trade. Venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Alexandria Palace still regularly host some of the world’s most famous artists. And if your interests go beyond pop, visit Westminster Abbey to explore one of the world’s premier venues for classical music.
5. Seoul, South Korea
If you haven’t lived on the moon in the past 10 years, you’ve probably heard of the global phenomenon known as K-pop. The capital of South Korea Seoul, represents the heart and soul of this movement. Although the modern K-pop genre made its appearance in the 1990s, with boy bands like HOT, artists like Psy, BTS, and BlackPink have only recently come to the fore. The scope of the movement has become so broad that you can even become a real K-pop star (at least for an afternoon) by paying. Obviously, a single movement cannot encompass an entire city. Seoul offers numerous discos, bars and clubs where you can listen to music of all kinds, from indie rock to jazz, to funk, to hip hop. Stop at All That Jazz, a venue that has transformed jazz into a mass phenomenon in South Korea since 1976. Or, take a trip to Club FF to experience the best of the city’s rock scene firsthand.
6. Vienna, Austria
No city has been able to better represent the cultural apex of a society than the splendid Vienna the capital of Austria Literally developed in concentric circles to place music and art at the center of the city, Vienna has always put music first. From its incredible Opera House to concert halls, to rich classical history, the city is a traveling journey through the most sophisticated music in history. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, considered the best composer ever, made his debut in Vienna.
In addition to listening to Mozart’s works in the Golden Hall you can find a promising indie and underground music scene in Vienna. Events like The Pony Club at Rote Bar and Future Echo at Rhiz represent some of the most exciting musical nights in town. With a preponderance of synthetic and electronic music, finding a dance floor where you can dispose of the typical Viennese schnitzel, the wiener schnitzel will be child’s play.
7. Kingston, Jamaica
Despite being a small Caribbean island, Jamaica has managed to spread its music all over the world. Kingston in particular, is the musical kingdom of the country, with its reggae music born in the neighborhood of Trench Town. In the 1970s, artists such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh brought out not only this musical genre, but the whole country. Not for nothing, the island is regularly visited by fans of these revolutionary musicians.
Since then, reggae music has evolved under the influence of hip-hop culture. Dancehall music today is one of the most exported internationally, with the likes of Sean Paul leading the way. The entire city of Kingston is filled with dancehall and reggae music, but clubs like the Famous Nightclub and Redbones Blues Café are definitely the best for a dip in the local music scene.