The Evolution of Idaho’s Music Scene

Idaho’s music scene has evolved significantly over the years, from its humble beginnings as a frontier outpost to its current status as a vibrant and diverse cultural hub. This evolution has been driven by a number of factors, including the state’s growing population, the increasing popularity of music festivals, and the emergence of new and innovative musical genres.

The Early Years

Idaho’s music scene can be traced back to the early days of the state’s settlement, when miners and other pioneers brought their musical traditions with them from their home countries. These traditions included folk music, country music, and traditional American music. In the early 20th century, these traditions were further enriched by the arrival of new immigrants from Europe and Asia.

During the 1920s and 1930s, Idaho’s music scene was dominated by big bands and swing music. These genres were popular throughout the country, and Idaho was no exception. The state’s largest cities, such as Boise and Twin Falls, hosted a number of big band dances and concerts.

The 1960s and 1970s

The 1960s and 1970s saw a major shift in Idaho’s music scene, as the state began to embrace the counterculture movement. This movement brought with it a new wave of music, including rock and roll, folk music, and psychedelic rock. Idaho’s music scene was no exception, and a number of local bands emerged during this time.

One of the most notable bands to emerge from Idaho during this time was the Idaho Speedsteppers. The Speedsteppers were a rock and roll band that released a number of albums in the 1960s and 1970s. The band’s music was influenced by a variety of genres, including blues, country, and rockabilly. The Speedsteppers were popular throughout the state, and they toured extensively throughout the United States.

Another notable band to emerge from Idaho during this time was the Boise Blues Band. The Boise Blues Band was a blues band that was active in the 1970s. The band’s music was influenced by a variety of blues artists, including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf. The Boise Blues Band was popular throughout the state, and they toured extensively throughout the United States.

The 1980s and 1990s

The 1980s and 1990s saw a continuation of the trends that had begun in the 1960s and 1970s. Idaho’s music scene continued to be influenced by the counterculture movement, and a number of local bands emerged during this time.

One of the most notable bands to emerge from Idaho during this time was the Indigo Girls. The Indigo Girls were a folk duo that released a number of albums in the 1980s and 1990s. The band’s music was influenced by a variety of genres, including folk, blues, and country. The Indigo Girls were popular throughout the United States, and they toured extensively throughout the world.

Another notable band to emerge from Idaho during this time was the Sugarcubes. The Sugarcubes were an alternative rock band that released a number of albums in the 1980s and 1990s. The band’s music was influenced by a variety of genres, including punk rock, electronica, and pop. The Sugarcubes were popular throughout the United States, and they toured extensively throughout the world.

The 2000s and 2010s

The 2000s and 2010s have seen a continued evolution of Idaho’s music scene. The state’s music scene has become increasingly diverse, with a wide variety of genres represented.

One of the most notable trends in Idaho’s music scene in recent years has been the emergence of a number of electronic music producers. These producers have been influenced by a variety of genres, including house music, techno, and dubstep. Idaho’s electronic music scene is vibrant and growing, and a number of local producers have gained national and international recognition.

Another notable trend in Idaho’