Music of Wisconsin
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Perhaps the most influential musical output of Wisconsin came from Port Washington, Ozaukee County during the 1920s, when Paramount Records released a series of blues and jazz recordings. Large-scale immigration for Europe in the 1930s 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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[edit] German- and Norwegian-American music
The 1830s and 40s brought European dances like the schottische, waltz, galop and, most importantly, the Polish 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.
[edit] 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 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. The Tar Babies tried without success to import go go from Washington DC, and drummer Dan Bitney currently perfroms with Chicago alternative band Tortoise[1]. Later, the noise rock band Killdozer became an important indie rock group. The E-X's started to become a driving force in the Delafield/Oconomowoc area just west of Milwaukee. The Gomers began as an alternative music band in 1986[2], still play weekly[3] and the City of Madison has named a Day after them. [4][5]
[edit] 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.
World music is well represented with such award-winning[6] acts as Tani Diakite, Reptile Palace Orchestra and Yid Vicious[7] and the yearly Folkball.
Duke Erikson and Butch Vig, former members of Spooner, went on to form Firetown and finally Garbage with Steve Marker and Shirley Manson, all Madison Wisconsin bands. Currently Richard Davis, Ben Sidran and weekly performer / world's-most-sampled[8] funky drummer Clyde Stubblefield[9] all call Madison home.
Aside from the many summer festivals, Madison hosts a yearly Madison Area Music Awards show, much like Milwaukee's WAMI show.
[edit] Milwaukee
Main Article: Music of Milwaukee
[edit] Waukesha
Notable artists from Waukesha, WI include multi-track recording inventor Les Paul and The BoDeans, who are a Summerfest favorite.
[edit] Summerfest
Main article: Summerfest
Summerfest is an annual music festival in Milwaukee. It is the biggest music festival in the world. Although the popularity of Summerfest is due in no small part to the nationally known music talent it hosts, it has also been a popular venue for local bands, both from the Milwaukee area and around Wisconsin.
[edit] References
- Blush, Steven (2001). American Hardcore: A Tribal History. Los Angeles, CA: Feral House. ISBN 0-92291-571-7.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Cincinnati City Beat interview of Tortoise showing membership and picturing Bitney, far right
- ^ Short overview of the Gomers
- ^ weekly + shows documented at the High Noon Saloon
- ^ Audio of Mayor Dave proclaiming February 1 Gomer Day in Madison WI
- ^ Text of the official Mayoral proclamation in Madison, WI
- ^ 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
