Behind the scenes of Athens’ music culture
Photo via Claire Lovinski/The New Political
This article was published as part of The New Political’s 2025 Fall Print.
From house shows to open mics to bars, Athens has lots to offer musically for viewers — that might mean a great show, a chance to spend time with friends or just an excuse to go out on a Thursday night. For the musicians, it means much more. Several local musicians shared their experiences in Athens so far.
Many expressed how comforting it is to perform in Athens. “There’s a lot more open-mindedness when it comes to music in this town compared to other places. I think that’s a good thing, I think it’s great that everybody gets a chance and everybody can do something that makes them happy,” said Emaline Duquette, who can be found performing country and jazz music at Athens open mics.
Ella Franks, a member of the local bands The Laughing Chimes and Blush, said, “I love Athens, there’s always a community that’s going to show up for you no matter what…whatever you do, it’s going to get received well no matter what.”
Ty Scott, a southern rock/blues guitar player, compared playing shows in Athens to other places in Ohio. “It’s a lot lower stakes here, it’s okay to not be perfect in Athens, which makes it a lot more welcoming for open mics and things like that. In Cincinnati, if you go to one of the old blues bars and you mess up, you’re gonna get booed, they’re gonna yell at you, you need a certain level of professionalism, whereas here you can actually have more fun with it.”
Some artists mentioned changes they’d like to see in the Athens music scene. Liam Keron of Space Kid says, “There’s a lot less variety of venues here, you’ve got The Union and house shows. There are a lot more bars to play at in Columbus.” Duquette spoke of her wish to see more diversity in the local music scene, “I’ve had so many times where I’ll be going to an open mic or I’ll be playing a show and I’ll be the only woman.”
Duquette and Scott discussed the convenience of Athens being largely walkable. “I used to have to drive multiple hours every night to get to places like Indiana or Louisville,” said Scott.
Duquette added, “You can just walk to an open mic without putting everything in your car and trying to find parking once you get there.”
Many expressed pride in being involved in the local music scene. “I love the music scene here… Athens is just surrounded by music and great people who have great vibes. I feel really at home here in Athens,” said pop-alternative artist Jillian Kay of Jillian Kay and the Jewels. On the opportunities provided, Riley Morgan-Boucher of Space Kid said, “It’s a lot easier to find more opportunities and reach out to find people who are similar to you in Athens.”
Ella Franks talked about leaving Athens after graduation, saying, “I’m happy to be a part of the community, I’m sad that I have to leave next year. I feel like I’ve left my mark, though. I’ve won Battle of the Bands twice with two separate bands, which is a flex that I’ll carry forever, honestly.”
“If you’re an artist around here and you’re trying to get into the music scene, I’m always here for advice or just to hang out and talk about music,” said Kay.
Those encouraging words from Kay perfectly encapsulate the welcoming spirit of the Athens music culture uncovered in this article. Athens artists are at the heart of the community. If someone enjoys bars, basement shows, open mics or just an excuse to go out on a Thursday night, local musicians have got them covered.