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Wisconsin was settled largely by European immigrants in the late 1800s. This immigration led to the popularization of galops, schottisches, waltzes, and, especially, polkas. Classical composers and conductors from Wisconsin include Hans Balatka, Hugo Kaun and Eugene Luening.
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Genres
German- and Norwegian-American music
The 1830s and 40s brought European dances like the schottische, waltz, galop and, most importantly, the polka. The 1840s also saw massive immigration from Germany to Milwaukee, which became known as Deutsche Athen (German Athens). Groups formed, such as the Milwaukee Musical Society, to celebrate ethnic German music. Some important figures from this era include Christopher Bach, Hans Balatka, Eugene Luening and Hugo Kaun.
While Germans moved to Milwaukee, Norwegians moved en masse to south and west Wisconsin, and surrounding areas. Norwegian musicians like the violinist Ole Bull were wildly popular in cities like Madison.
Blues
Perhaps the most influential musical output of Wisconsin came from Grafton, Ozaukee County during the 1920s, when Paramount Records released a series of blues and jazz recordings by artists from the South.
Punk rock
Probably the most famous punk band from Wisconsin was 1980s cult favorite the Violent Femmes from Milwaukee. New Wave bands from Milwaukee included, those x-cleavers, Couch Flambeau and The Stellas, later better known as hardcore punk band Die Kreuzen. Milwaukee saw some other hardcore action, like Clitboys, but the scene soon died out and Die Kreuzen moved on to speed metal. Madison, Wisconsin spawned a more vibrant scene, beginning with Mecht Mensch and, later, Bucky Pope's Tar Babies. Later, the noise rock band Killdozer became an important indie rock group.
Heavy metal
Since the late 1990s Wisconsin has had an upsurge in heavy and extreme metal bands that have consistently played shows across the state and often extending into the surrounding midwest. Recently, for example, Luna Mortis, which hails from Madison, WI was signed by Century Media Records and Lazarus A.D. was signed by Metal Blade.
In 2003 an organization called the Wisconsin Metal Alliance was formed to help young heavy metal bands across the state find other bands and put together shows and make social connections.
Locales
Madison
Madison has an active and varied local music scene. Much of the local music caters to the tastes of college students, specifically students of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Compilation albums, such as Mad City Music, have attempted to extend the local music scene further beyond Madison. One of the more popular local bands that has not gained nationwide recognition is the funk band Phat Phunktion, although they have had success in Japan. The nationally successful Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps also make their home in Madison.
The electronic and dark sides of music are alive and well in Madison. A number of bands in these genres got their start in, or make Madison home: most notably Stromkern, Null Device & Caustic (band), plus a number of others. The scene was started and kept alive through the efforts of Sonic Mainline records, Reverence (music festival) and the Inferno nightclub.
World music is well represented with such award-winning[1] acts as Tani Diakite, Reptile Palace Orchestra and Yid Vicious[2] and the yearly Folkball.
Wisconsintes Duke Erikson and Butch Vig, former members of Spooner, Firetown, formed Garbage with Steve Marker and Shirley Manson, which is based in Madison. Currently Richard Davis, Ben Sidran and weekly performer and world's-most-sampled[3] funky drummer Clyde Stubblefield[4] all call Madison home.
Aside from the many summer festivals, Madison hosts a yearly Madison Area Music Awards show, much like Milwaukee's Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards show.
Eau Claire
The Chippewa Valley, especially Eau Claire, has a plentiful music scene with groups and performers in the indie rock, metal/hardcore, hip hop, jam, and jazz genres. Bands such as Bon Iver, Laarks, The Wars of 1812, Meridene, Desolate Void, The Daredevil Christopher Wright, Brian Bethke, Michael Perry, and punk bands such as Dios Mios and Arms Aloft have achieved varying levels of national success. Nationally recognized hip-hop artists, such as Breakneck the Mage and Frozen Tundra, also claim Eau Claire as their homeland.
Amble Down Records, an Eau Claire-based record label, has released many recordings from local and regional acts.
Milwaukee
Waukesha
Notable artists from Waukesha include multi-track recording and electric guitar inventor Les Paul and The BoDeans, who are a Summerfest favorite.
La Crosse
There is a vibrant punk, hardcore, metal, indie, and alternative music scene in La Crosse nurtured by a solid fan base. Many bands claim origin to La Crosse and the surrounding area. With the foremost music venue being The Warehouse, La Crosse exhibits an extraordinarily deep music scene for covering such a small geographic area.
References
- Blush, Steven (2001). American Hardcore: A Tribal History. Los Angeles, CA: Feral House. ISBN 0-92291-571-7.
Notes
- ^ documentation of MAMA awards in 2006
- ^ Yid Vicious goes to Japan article in the State Journal
- ^ documents Clyde's beat on “The Funky Drummer” as being the most sampled piece of music of all time
- ^ Clyde's weekly Funky Mondays shows documented
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