Memphis, TN

It's not just home to Elvis Presley any more, though residents both musical and not take great pride in their history with The King. Memphis' current music scene is standing very well on its own. With labels like Makeshift Music, Goner Records and Ardent Records picking and choosing ripe young talent to showcase on annual compilations and internet radio shows, the rest of the country is starting to take notice of what Memphis is producing today, not what the city was known for decades ago. The labels are also instrumental in hosting annual festivals, like Memphis Pops and Gonerfest, the latter of which sometimes delves into the city's history with documentary viewings while still showcasing new talents from acts like The Carbonas. Though you're still likely to find a good deal of rockabilly and swaggering country rock filling the bars, today Memphis has room for some indie rock too.

Guide to Gigging in MEMPHIS

Book a Gig: Venues

The Hi-Tone Café
1913 Poplar Ave
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 278-8663
www.hitonememphis.com
A local favorite, having been voted best place to see live music by the Memphis Flyer‘s public polls six times since 1998. The Hi-Tone Café brings in a good amount of country and jam band music, but has a fair share of indie rock too. The 450-capacity venue books up to 12 weeks in advance, so send your stuff in early. Send a physical press pack with CD to Dan Holloway or Chris Walker via the mailing address above and allow two to three weeks before following up with a phone call or an email to hitonecafe@hotmail.com.

Young Avenue Deli
2119 Young Ave
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 278-0034
www.youngavenuedeli.com
A comfy venue in midtown with 550 capacity, Young Avenue Deli is open to all genres and acts, from local talent like Jay Reatard to national touring bands like Dinosaur, Jr. Send a press packet with attention to “Talent Buyer” at the mailing address above, and then wait for the venue to contact you. If you want to follow-up, use the website’s contact page or at info@youngavenuedeli.com, but only after sending the initial press packet through snail mail.

The Stage Stop
2951 Cela Lane
Memphis, TN 38128
(901) 382-1576
www.myspace.com/thestagestop
With cheap food and drinks, The Stage Shop manages to entice folks to its weekly shows every Friday and Saturday night. Definitely one for the rockers, this is a small venue prime for those starting out. For booking, contact Nita at (901) 382-1577 Tuesdays or Thursdays after 9 p.m.

Murphy’s
1589 Madison Ave
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 726-4193
www.murphysmemphis.com
A band’s bar away from home, Murphy’s is involved with Goner Fest every year, packing the 100-capacity room with swaggering rock of various shades. The venue has been around since 1977, showing great staying power with a loyal clientele of great variety, from indie hipsters to young professionals. Contact the venue’s MySpace page or call the number above for booking information.

Promote a gig: Media

Memphis Flyer
Contemporary Media, Inc.
460 Tennessee St, Suite 200
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 521-9000
www.memphisflyer.com
Memphis’s alternative newsweekly, the Memphis Flyer has comprehensive music calendar listings as well as a great locally-oriented music section. Chris Herrington is the music and film editor, email your band’s information to him at herrington@memphisflyer.com or mail your press packet to the address above.

Live From Memphis
www.livefrommemphis.com
A great resource for all things creative in Memphis, from music to art to film. The site showcases bands’ music, as well as providing a calendar of events for all shows in the city. Bands can create their own account, which are easily updated to show where they’re playing.

GEAR/REPAIRS

Yarbrough’s Music
6122 Macon Road
Memphis,TN 38134
(901) 761-0414
www.yarbroughsmusic.com
A friendly store with a community vibe, Yarbrough’s Music has a huge selection of all types of musical instruments and accessories, as well as repair and rental services. The store has a “Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam” that packs a crowd and the store’s website even provides some “Helpful Hints,” from choosing the right microphone to making a demo.

Taylor’s Music
1739 Madison Ave
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 276-7717
www.myspace.com/taylorsmemphis
Owned by local musicians and open for over 20 years, this midtown store specializes in used and vintage gear as well as consignments, just in case you need to give up an old guitar for some extra cash on the road.