Memphis is one of the best cities on Earth for finding music and entertainment: but what music should you keep an eye out for? From music unique to the area to sounds that Memphis has perfected, you’ll fall in love with everything this area has to offer. These are some of the top sounds to listen for and why they’re such a big deal in Memphis!
Blues
The blues were born in the South through hardship and turmoil. The weight of oppression and personal strife all come out in fantastic music that is easy to listen to. Blues didn’t originate in Memphis, but it elevates to another level here. This is a genre that you won’t be able to avoid as long as you’re in the city.
Memphis Rap
Memphis rap, also known as Memphis horrorcore, is a unique version of rap that originates from Memphis. Easily recognized by having a distorted and almost lo-fi sound, mixed with synth melodies and repetitive vocal hooks, this is a hypnotic and interesting style of music that can feel tripping and interesting. All Memphis rap has a modern sound to it: but this style of music has been big since the early 1990s! This is an awesome genre to check out when you’re looking at local Memphis houses for sale.
Phonk
Phonk is a fantastic genre of music that’s completely unique to the Memphis area since it’s hip hop and trap music inspired directly by the 1990s Memphis rap style. Although most of the artists who make this type of music are known on the SoundCloud platform, you can still find tons of live shows offering this sound. It’s fun and interesting, with a great beat and unique lyrical stylings that set it apart from anything else.
Rock and Roll
Elvis is a large part of what built modern Memphis into what it is, and the staying power of rock and roll is thanks to this city. Although the rock scene is smaller here than in many other large cities, there’s still a lot of awesome music here. Not only are there rock shows at least once a week, but you’ll find some bars even cater to this sound!
Why Is Music so Important in Memphis?
Music is a huge part of what put Memphis on the map. Blues was what birthed Nashville, but when the city became overrun by country music that was born from blues, it chased out the people who helped create the massive city. Most of those creatives came to Memphis, where unique sounds and fantastic new genres were born. Music is what made this city what it is: and it gives the people who live here an escape from any of the worries that plague us all. There is no Memphis without music.
There’s Nothing Like the Music Scene in Memphis
Whether you’re considering a vacation or an extended stay in a city full of incredible music: there’s nowhere to go quite like Memphis. Consider looking for live music in any of these genres while you’re in town!