I suppose it’s not all that surprising that Seattle is not only home to a wonderful music scene, but also to plenty of house shows. I’ve been to my fair share of them for local student bands from Seattle U, and I understand the appeal to them because they are intimate and you are surrounded by your peers and what not. However, they just don’t compare to a regular show at a venue. Granted, I’ve never been to a house show that wasn’t being hosted by a well known band.  The reason why I haven’t enjoyed the house shows here very much is because they are nuts. Everyone is intoxicated and there is no structure. The bands don’t care about the show very much, but care more more about the party that they are at. It’s a lose-lose for everyone.

I’ll never forget the first house show I went to my freshman year which doubled as a birthday party for a hipster one year above me. The band’s set ended and he wanted everyone out so he got up on the kitchen counter, picked up a watermelon, and threw it to the floor with all of his might. If you’re envisioning a tantrum from some 5-year old, you’ve pretty much nailed it. He then picked up the pieces and remains and threw them at the attendees in order to shoo them out. Watermelon all up in my hair. Naturally, this progressed into a fight. A hipster fight! It was all sorts of hilarity really, but one that I will never forget.

Anyways, what I’m trying to get to is that house shows in Seattle kind of suck. I recommend that students in the area that are considering throwing one get this book by Roy Silverstein. If you’re going to host one, do it right. House shows are parties, but that’s not what they have to be about entirely. If you’re going to throw a party, just throw a party sans band. If you want a house show, have one for the right reasons and that is for the love of music, art, and community.

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