Cincinnati Indie Project

John Bealle ~ jbealle@spsp.net

513-861-1137 ~ 513-515-7473 (cell)

tinyurl.com/cincinnatiindieproject

I've created this page to introduce myself and my project writing about Cincinnati indie music.

Basically, I'm an expatriate academic who has written books and articles on musical community, festival, American music history. Now I balance writing with other editorial type work. I've been absorbing the indie scene for several years and looking through what others have written on indie music communities.

It's been a pretty exciting ride so far, so I've decided to get involved in the way I know best.

Cincinnati has some unique qualities that other writers just haven't recognized. The kinds of things indie music scholars usually cover are music scenes, DIY initiatives, independent labels, musical community, cultural geography, fandom and spectatorship, resistance to media conglomerates.

What has impressed me here is the way some in Cincinnati deliberately cultivate indie music as a part of the local urban environment. That is, there's a lot of effort at fostering venues, bringing cultural life to neglected spaces, promoting local talent, creating a music-friendly atmosphere. Basically, the folks who've made the biggest impression on me really like Cincinnati and want to make it a musical city.

At this point I have been to most of the venues and have seen many of Cincinnati's fine bands. But I have much to learn and would like to talk with anyone who will give me their angle on the subject.

I don't have a timetable or a definite outcome in mind for this project. Mostly the people I've written about in the past are grateful for what I've done, and I feel sure that will be the case here. Here in Cincinnati, I've developed great respect for the music and most everyone who has a part in it.

I will keep this page updated with any developments. Thanks for checking in.

— John

More about John Bealle

I am an academic expatriate and do part-time research on subjects related to American vernacular music. I have written two books, on old-time music and dance revival and on Sacred Harp singing. I have lived in Cincinnati since 1987 and have come to love my city for its robust and gritty music scene. I go to indie shows when I can and play in an old-time string band.