By: Katie Klemmensen
Omaha’s underground music scene is giving local artists the opportunity to express themselves creatively while building a community through do-it-yourself (DIY) shows.
Unlike traditional concerts, DIY shows give audiences a more intimate experience with the bands in a casual, welcoming environment. From creating show flyers and band merch, the work behind the scenes is handled by the bands and organizers themselves.
Darkwaveradio.net defines underground music as music that “comprises musical genres beyond mainstream culture. Any song that is not being legally commercialized is considered underground.”
For many young people, these shows provide an opportunity to share their talents and express themselves. Sage Knowledge notes that with DIY shows, this can be done without worrying about the commercial side of the music industry.
Beyond the music itself, a major part of Omaha’s underground scene is the sense of community it creates.
Gavin Wilson, a sound engineer and musician, emphasizes the importance of having a space where people can connect with each other.
“A community of people that you can go and talk to and make stuff with is invaluable. It’s the most important thing in the world,” Wilson said.
One venue contributing to this community is the Breakroom, a prominent space in Omaha’s underground music scene known for hosting hardcore shows. As younger audiences become more involved in the scene, venues like the Breakroom offer a place to connect with friends, support local musicians and express themselves outside of school or work.
Sam Maser, a Breakroom show promoter and musician, says the continued involvement of younger generations is essential to keeping the scene alive.
“People my age are going to shows, and I think that’s really cool; scenes live and die with the youth,” Maser said.
While the Breakroom primarily hosts hardcore performances, Omaha’s underground music scene consists of various genres.
Tony Pelletier, a part-owner of the Breakroom, says that “people would be surprised to know that the Omaha underground scene is full of different varieties of music”.
For those interested in exploring the scene, Omahaunderground.net provides information about upcoming shows, including promotional flyers, dates, and venue locations.
These independent venues provide young people with spaces to connect, find community, and express their individuality. They’re more than just places to experience live music. Pelletier says these shows are “for the youth to get away from what they have to deal with at school or home”.
