The Helpline - How to Start a Music Scene

And how to keep it alive

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In this edition, members of Chile’s DIY rock underground answer a question about how to start a music scene.

Hello Bandcamp team,

My name is Bruno and I’m from South America. I wanted to ask if you had some tips or recommendations on how to join or start a music "scene.”

I love to read your scene reports, and when I read the one [about] Chile’s new rock scene, it really got my hopes up that my country could develop something similar. I've gone to some sessions/small venues, but it never amounts to something big. I guess I also have this idea in my head of how "it’s supposed to be”—like rock in NYC in the 2000s or Buenos Aires' rock revival in the 80s—when I read all these stories of big artists interacting like it’s nothing, all this talent in such a little places. I just want to ask: How does a music scene start and how do you keep it alive?

Best wishes from South America,
Bruno

Editor's Note: We thought this was such a good question that we decided to go straight to the source, and ask some of the artists and labels Richard Villegas interviewed for “The Raw, Rebellious Sound of Chile’s New Rock Underground” to share their perspective.

Here’s what they had to say:

“¡Hi Bruno!

Your question really got me thinking. Chile is a country where the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean are carried in the DNA of its people—we don’t always realize it, though. For example, every morning after an autumn rain in Santiago, most Instagram stories will be photos of the mountains. On the rest of the days, we lose them in the smog. Our geographical condition makes it relatively easy to meet across the width of the territory, but much harder along its length. This in turn leads artists to seek opportunities in the central zone—mainly from Santiago to Concepción.

Now that I’ve gave you a geopolitical context of the country, I’ll proceed to answer your question: in my view, a music scene can have several origins, even simultaneously: The audience and its generational renewal; the artists; and the venues where the events take place. Audiences find their favorite artists based on what they seek from them—moshing, jumping, screaming, or feeling moved in peace. There are venues that are popularly known for offering exactly what you’re looking for.

As artists or event producers, we also play a fundamental role in the choice of space. Are there seats? Cushions? Is everyone standing? What kind of experience do I want to offer as a performing artist? Do I know my audience?

The online community—through meme pages, music reviews, and independent media—greatly helps unify the scenes, giving listeners the chance to discover new projects. It becomes heterogeneous in terms of musical genres and stage proposals, and at this point, the friendships between bands are key to growing a "scene" with the broadest possible color palette, always grounded in genuine respect and admiration for each other's craft.

My summarized tips would be:

• Take into account the geopolitical distribution of the country; identify where your peers are and how you can connect with them.

• Observe the relationship between the audience and the venues where musical events take place.

• Foster interpersonal relationships among artists—collaboration, support, and respect for each other’s work.

• Ask yourself why there are many men and few women on stage and/or in the audience. Make an effort to include them in your events or bands.

I’d love to know where you’re writing from, maybe we’ll manage to meet sooner rather than later and build a South American ‘scene!’ A warm hug from the Southern Cone.”

—Javiera Electra

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“It's hard to pinpoint a specific moment or event that marks the beginning of a ‘scene’—these things tend to grow gradually. That said, I believe there are a few essential elements.

First, it’s crucial to understand the value of cooperation. Things move forward more powerfully and organically when we recognize we’re advancing with others. Progress—whether in science, art, or society—has always been a collaborative effort. Without that sense of collective work, it’s hard to build something lasting. Of course, individual projects can be important, but isolated efforts often get lost in the sea of everything else happening.

It's also important to understand your affinities—not just aesthetic preferences, but also your values. Ask yourself: Where do I want my music to go? What do I want it to say? With that clarity, you can take meaningful action. And one of the most important steps is simply to go out and listen to local music. Whether virtually or, ideally, by attending shows and events, showing up is powerful. It creates visibility and makes mutual recognition possible.

Once you start building those relationships, you can take further steps: Organize meetings, shows, fairs, audiovisual content, or look for spaces to host concerts and festivals. Seek collaborators—not just musicians, but technicians, producers, designers. To me, this is how a scene begins to take shape.”

— María Bruma, drummer for El Significado de las Flores

“To add to María’s thoughts, I believe community support and solidarity are fundamental. That’s the only way we’ve seen growth happen here in Chile. Most of the time, the initial audience is the members of the individual bands themselves. We really believe in the idea that “the scene must celebrate itself.” That self-affirmation helps create a narrative—both for the world and for the people around us.

We come from a country that has long struggled with self-doubt and underestimating its own value. But in recent years, there’s been a stronger emphasis on recognizing the importance of Chilean music. If there’s one thing that can help spark a music scene, it’s the willingness to grow alongside the people you admire and who admire you. Support your local bands, be present beyond just performing—because keeping it alive is something only time can define.

Today, there are different nodes across our country where you can feel that “something is happening.” And that something is always the result of artists and people supporting one another. A scene doesn’t appear out of nowhere—it’s built through mutual and sustained effort.”

— Acacia, guitarist and vocalist of El Significado de las Flores

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"As I understand it, a scene is not something that can be consciously planned or oriented (Ian Svenonius would tell us that it is an act of magic). A generation of musicians—trained or otherwise—rescues an aesthetic or a style that inspires them to create their own forms of expression. Often unwittingly, they come together in the same concerts or rehearsal rooms. If they realize this, they will be able to come together to collectively mount something they wouldn’t be able to achieve individually.

Often, they will encounter difficulties in their operation, which they should be able to overcome using the elements at their disposal today. There will be key individuals with the desire to organize and produce shows and records, to run venues, and to communicate it to the outside world. That part can be tedious, but fundamental to creating the apparatus where the magic happens. If they are wise, they'll know how to stay out of the spotlight to allow the art to take center stage.

Dear Bruno: I hope that the fire that inhabits you and takes shape in radical art, to be shared with others in your territory for the sake of communion and enjoyment."

— Rodrigo Herbage, Director of Sello Fisura