One of the most exciting parts of college is expanding your horizons and experiencing new culture and art, and Clemson has plenty of opportunities to do so. One of my favorite parts of being at Clemson has been experiencing the local music scene, both on and off campus.
At first glance, it might seem like Clemson’s music scene is closed off to under-21s, given how many opportunities to see live bands in Clemson are confined to downtown bars. Dig a little bit deeper, though, and you’ll find a whole range of all-ages or 18 and up musical experiences just below the surface.
Off campus, Moe Joe Coffee Co. is one of the best places to catch a show. Local bands like indie-rock favorites Tangerine Scene and atmospheric funk newcomers Aleph Null share the stage with bands from around the Upstate and the Southeast.
Student organizations can also be hubs for student musicians and music fans. The Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity is a social fraternity “for men with a special interest in music,” and the Clemson Guitar Club is a great option for students looking to meet fellow musicians.
One of the most prominent music-related organizations at Clemson is WSBF-FM, the University’s student-run alternative radio station. WSBF has been on air since 1958, and is a fantastic organization for anyone interested in being a radio DJ or learning about live music production. WSBF also hosts live shows throughout the year.
Clemson also has plenty of clubs for students interested in specific genres of music. The EDM and hip-hop clubs are hubs for fans of electronic and rap music, respectively, while K-Clemson is a club for K-Pop stans. The Swift Society, a club for Swifties, is, of course, one of the biggest music-related organizations at Clemson, and it’s recently been joined by the Clemson Lauvers League, a fan club dedicated to Icelandic jazz-pop singer Laufey.
Dance is a huge part of Clemson’s music culture, and there are several organizations dedicated to different dance styles. Clemson Dholna describes itself as a “Bollywood fusion dance team,” while the line dancing and shag clubs provide spaces for students to learn and participate in classic dance styles endemic to the South.
If you just can’t get enough of line dancing, then the Two-Step Tavern is the perfect place for you. While the Tavern doesn’t have a permanent venue yet, they’ve hosted plenty of pop-up line dancing nights at downtown bars.
The last two places to interface with Clemson’s music culture, and probably the most popular, are the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts and the yearly Tigerama pep rally. Tigerama, which takes place in the fall semester, has been headlined in the past by artists like B.O.B., Waka Flocka Flame and X Ambassadors.
The Brooks Center hosts student and professional musical performances throughout the year, from Clemson’s own choirs and orchestras to touring musicians. The Brooks Center also facilitates the Clemson audio technology program’s capstone presentations, which often include live concerts by local bands.
No matter what kind of music you’re into, you can find it somewhere at Clemson. TigerQuest is a great place to find organizations related to the music you’re interested in and get involved with the scene.
