Between their open busking policy and the dozens of open mics, house concerts and coffeehouses in the area, it seems like Boston is an indie performing songwriter’s dream location. On the other hand, some say it’s a tough area to crack in terms of booking and “getting heard.” But the truth is, I’ve never played in the Boston area…so I decided to ask my friend and talented singer/songwriter Laura Vecchione, who just moved back to Bean Town after a year and a half away, for her take on the “scene.” Here’s what she had to say:
Q: How would you describe the Boston scene for songwriters?
A: I am a little shy of the whole “scene” thing – for me, when it comes to songwriting, I usually rely on a small circle of trusted friends, whether they or songwriters or not, to hear the first versions. Playing a new song for the first time feels very vulnerable…still. But beyond that, Boston has a number of open mics for songwriters to network and share their work. And each one has its own flavor. Off the top of my head, there is the open mic at The Cantab Lounge, another at Club Passim (which often requires a very long wait time), and one of my favorites for its warmth, humor, and communal feel, Monday nights at The Lizard Lounge hosted by Danielle Miraglia and Tom Bianchi. All different levels of songwriters come out. However, these are mostly limited to singer/songwriter styles. I don’t hear a lot of groove based, funk, or soul, in these settings.
I get inspired by my peers in Boston, there is a huge wealth of talent here. Some independent Boston artists who really inspire me and whom I will take the time to go out and see for that reason, are Dwight and Nicole (Dwight Richter and Nicole Nelson), Tim Blane, and Jen Kearney. To me, these artists have the whole package, not just the songwriting, but they also give really dynamic performances, and that is the OTHER part of songwriting (conveying the song) which is really important to me.
Q: what are some of the best/your favorite venues for songwriters in Boston?
A: Like in most cities, times are challenging for clubs and venues. One of my favorites for it’s intimacy, cozy but hip-vibe, and central location is the The Lizard Lounge in Cambridge. Fans can get there, and will go there, which is an important piece. And they always have a good sound guy, another big plus.I like Johnny D’s when I’m playing a full band set. I generally love this venue because of its commitment to a diversity of musical styles, and Dana, who has been booking and running sound for years is genuine and kind, attributes which go a long way with me in this field. Johnny D’s is also easily accessible for fans…oh – and people actually dance here!
Like every city, there are different tiers of venues for the songwriter and independent artist. Club Passim has the prestige attached to it, and is for better-known Boston artists and national acts. It’s a beautiful listening room. The Burren in Somerville has a nice songwriter Sunday series. But then there are tons of other places that all have different scenes and sounds. And when we say “Boston” scene, we are talking about Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston. The Middle East, TT and the Bears, Bill’s Bar, all these are where you can hear the young, Berklee bands and louder rock bands. All Asia has actually become a Berklee ”starter” venue, and I actually like seeing bands play there because it’s small enough to really hear them. Cantab Lounge is another place that honors diversity of style. They have a Bluegrass night, Blues jams, you name it. It’s divey, but I like its real, uniquely neighborhood vibe. And Toad in Central Square is a local favorite. Can’t go wrong there. Oh, and one unique thing about Cambridge for the songwriter is that you can get your performance permit and go sing in the Square when the weather’s nice (it happens occasionally). If you can handle lugging all your gear out to a spot which may or may not be taken by another performer, this is a good way to reach a fan base you might not otherwise have. It’s all about reaching a wide audience, so every gig counts.
Q: Are there songwriting groups/associations/circles that you know about?
A: As far as I know, Boston doesn’t have an ASCAP or any songwriters associations headquarters. I know WUMB sponsors a number of guitar camps and the like, that people love and say are great networking opportunities. And a lot of people go to NERFA. But I may not be the ideal person to ask because I don’t consider myself just a songwriter. I started out singing first, and I continue to sing the songs that move me. In fact, that’s what I love about hearing other artists’ music. I heard Danielle Gasparro’s (from NYC) “Birdsong,” fell in love with it, and started covering it. Same with Wendy Colonna’s “Nothing’s Gonna Take My Love.” She’s from Austin, Texas. I love hearing a good song, no matter who wrote it, and being able to sing it and have other people hear that song here in Boston. So I see myself as an artist who also writes songs. That said, I have been involved in songwriter’s circles that we started personally among friends. But these were informal and self-generated.
Q: What do you like most about being a songwriter based in Boston?
A: Well, I am just returning to Boston after a year and a half of being literally “on the road.” I had given up my apartment in Allston to go off and record again in Nashville, I networked in LA and got some great television placement, I played up and down the East Coast. Of course I have friends and family in and around NYC. But at the end of the day, I decided to come back to Boston right now. While navigating all these challenges, I have found an incredible network of support from friends, fans, and radio stations. The DJs and music supervisors at WUMB and 92.5FM especially, know the challenges of the independent artist. When I work with them, it really feels like family. The good, hardworking, ethical everyday people here, the intellectualism, the forward-thinking, all of this is what makes me happy and proud to be in Boston. My hairdresser. My musicians. My neighbors (I’m moving right back into my Allston apartment and we are so excited for the reunion!) I am blessed to have a loving network of friends and family around the country who have helped me every step of the way and made the impossible possible. But at this moment, in these hard times, I wanted to be surrounded by a large concentration of love, friendships, work opportunity (musical and otherwise – we gotta eat!) without being too far from my amazing parents, all of which ground me, and that’s what I have found here in good old Bean Town.
