D.I.Y. b y At r e y a A big part of the local and DIY scenes in any part of the world, I think, is the inclusive nature of the shows. The resounding theme of the scene is that music is for everyone, and no one should feel left out. More specifically, no one should be left out because of what year they happened to be spat into the Earth in a stream of guts. All-ages shows mean a lot of things for everyone involved, not just the attendees. Most venues that have all-ages shows won?t serve alcohol at the event, which affects everyone from the bands to the promoters. No booze means no bar sales, and no bar sales mean a limited budget. But the point of the DIY scene isn?t to make the most money, and that?s what sets us apart. It?s never about how much money we can make at a show, it?s about how many people we can get to come out and have a good time. Most people over 21 in this scene have taken to pregaming: drinking at home or in the parking lot with friends before shows. If a venue does happen to serve alcohol, there seems to be a clear divide between age groups created incidentally. We?ve all spent time in those taped off areas by the bar, guarded by shitty venue security, watching the show from the sides. Who wants that? If you?ve brought friends that aren?t 21 yet, it?s even worse. That kind of division doesn?t jive well with the ideals of this culture, which is why a good majority of local shows take place at someone?s house. House shows are a staple of DIY culture. Every city has ?the house? that?s known for its frequent and memorable showcases of local talent. Everyone remembers their first time at this house. Talks about the things that happen there seem to never end. After a while, stories of parties at this house become like legends told to all the newcomers to make sure they understand exactly where they?re going and what this place means to the scene. Rules are typically seen as blasphemy to the majority of people in this culture, but respecting the space is a rule that?s always enforced. Causing problems at a house could mean no more shows, and no more shows means no more scene.
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