<p>Ugh. I follow music a lot, and I’d say that Houston’s music scene is mixed. First of all, it’s a problem of geography. Houston is only three hours from Austin, a hip city with a UTxAustin crowdbase, so a lot of bands don’t tour both cities. Also, a lot of indie bands don’t come to Texas if they just stick to small tours (one coast or something). It’s kind of out of the way for them I think. Houston isn’t “cool” or convenient enough for some bands. Going to Austin or Dallas works out once or twice a semester if you really want to see a band (Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists), but don’t count on having time (or stealing time) often.</p>
<p>Also, getting to concert venues will require a car or comfort with Metro Transportation. I love the Metro, but it’s not always convenient and our Public transportation isn’t as densely scheduled as even smaller cities like Portland, OR. Security around these mid-size venues is OK.</p>
<p>KTRU, or Rice Radio, is eclectic. Its hit or miss structure evolves each semester with its student DJs’ tastes.</p>
<p>Also, I think that a lot less kids here like music than did at my high school. Now, I know that “liking music” is a very subjective term, so feel free to PM me for more detailed questions. You see, Shepherd is not going to satisfy (but it can and should supplement) your musical appetite. Accordingly, if you’re not interested in taking classes, it shouldn’t affect your opinion of music in Houston.</p>
<p>Rice isn’t big enough to attract big acts to campus. On the other hand, our size has some terrific advantages.</p>
<p>Oh yeah, Rice isn’t easy. You’ll probably have time to go to concerts, but you will not party like there’s no tomorrow. After you come back, you might still have a paper or a problem set to finish.</p>
<p>Student bands at Rice are also mixed. There’s a lot of talent, and that’s where Shepherd is good, but I don’t know of any student bands widespread campus popularity. Moreover, Shepherd school and other random young people good talent aside, Rice’s student musical talent is not abundant. </p>
<p>OK, all in all, I’m a bit disappointed with offerings for the music I listen to (Indiepop, Folkrock (not country), etc.) in Houston because of performances and a mixed student interest. It’s just a bit more work than it might be for you in a cool city (Nashville) or an undeniably attractive one (Chicago). On the other hand, all of these complaints aside, I’m comparing Rice to the ideal music scene, so Houston’s scene is actually much better than a lot of cities by virtue of its size.</p>
<p>And, all of this music analysis aside, Rice is hardcore awesome. The students are awesome and the city definitely has its own appeals. Taken on the whole, I guess that Houston has… character.</p>