Written by Quinlan Gunty & Alayna Arias, Staff Writers
The music scene has grown to become an integral part of Riverside’s culture, and this rich history has influenced new generations of music fans to evolve, while still maintaining appreciation for the old.
Southern California has been a hub for live music for decades, helping nurture communal environments for people. You can never wander too far down the streets of Downtown Riverside without seeing individuals trying to showcase their musical talent for an audience, or occasionally a flyer for an up and coming band. With the rise of alternative fans and, of course, the reliance on the internet, many unfamiliar fans are fascinated by how the scene in Riverside has regained its spark!
Understanding the local music scene means hearing from the people who have been or are currently involved. Being a crucial aspect of his teenhood, Dave Gunty regularly attended local shows in the 1990s. He’s been in the scene (especially punk and hardcore) since around 1991-1992. Another music lover, Asher Kowalski, a Senior at Poly High School and the president/student ambassador of the Music Tech Club, has attended and played at local shows over the last year. He has been majorly influenced by music culture most of his life which is demonstrated through his musical abilities.
- How did/do you find out about shows?
A commonality between the generations is finding out from other people in the scene, but there are definitely differences. Gunty said it would be “self-perpetuating,” meaning one would go to a show through ‘word of mouth’ and find a stack of flyers for other shows and venues while there. Independent record stores like the Mad Platter, which has been closed since 2020, were known to distribute posters and flyers of local alternative shows at their businesses. As of recently, Kowalski mainly hears about shows through posts from people on social media.
- What places commonly platform(ed) local musician’s performances?
Gunty recounted Glass House, San Bernardino Arena, Spanky’s Cafe (later forming Showcase Theatre), and record stores as vibrant locations. Local musicians tend to play at Frets Music Store, The Smell, The Verve, Back to the Grind Cafe, Farmhouse, and even people’s backyards as common spots for shows now. Some ska bands even play in empty pools!
- Who are some local musicians you’d like to platform?
Gunty enjoys the bands Death by Stereo, Bad Religion, NOFX, etc., all of whom are from California. Common I.E. bands that would play in SoCal were Assorted Jellybeans and Voodoo Glowskulls. For newer local bands, Kowalski likes Analog Boy, Paris Needs You, and Every Dog Has Its Day. Bands who play frequently in SoCal now are Elsie, YeahWeKissed, and Aperfectportrait. Kowalski also creates his own music under the name Sonedus.
- Why do you think local shows are gaining momentum again?
Gunty stated that just like how records are gaining popularity again, teens strive to have a deeper connection with physical media rather than everything being online. He described this as the “pendulum swing.” Gunty also mentioned how online streaming of music barely pays their artists and how the only way to make money is through merch and ticket sales. Kowalski states that artists want to put their music and creative ideas out there. He says musicians now take a lot of inspiration from their idols who performed in the 1990s and strive to make great performances themselves. In general, going to shows is something that’s open to everyone for a low price, allowing for a free and welcoming atmosphere.
- Are there any moments at these shows that stick out to you?
Gunty detailed many amazing experiences being at shows. He recalled being pulled up on stage to sing with Guttermouth, seeing Sublime before Bradley Nowell passed away, talking with Dan Wleklinski from 88 Fingers Louie, and meeting the members from Blink-182 twice, then known as ‘Blink’. Kowalski talked about his experiences playing with the local bands fondly. He had an amazing and lively performance playing bass for Analog Boy at Black Beard Kickboxing, loving the exciting atmosphere of the event. He even got to play his original Sonedus songs while performing with Every Dog Has Its Day at Back to the Grind Cafe!
Although word of mouth sharing of shows is dissipating, shows nowadays are much more accessible due to technology progression. This, however, takes away from the experience you would have, compared to living the music culture back in the 90s.
With all that said, that should never discourage a person from getting into the alt scene. Just because the world is changing doesn’t mean all the work that artists put into their music and shows just goes down the drain. Appreciation towards local history is what keeps it alive, no matter how far people progress. As long as fans learn about Riverside’s history, it won’t ever be for nothing.