The Pulse of UCLA’s Underground Music Scene
When students think about music in Los Angeles, massive venues like the Hollywood Bowl or The Greek Theatre often come to mind. But the heart of UCLA’s live music scene beats in much more intimate settings—tightly packed living rooms, small campus coffee shops and hidden backyard shows that rely on student enthusiasm and organization. These informal spaces serve as incubators for up-and-coming artists and create an environment where music and community are inseparable.
For Bruins, attending one of these DIY shows isn’t just about hearing live music—it’s about being part of a community that embraces creativity and collaboration. Whether it’s a garage band forming after a chance meeting in a lecture hall or a seasoned student musician organizing a lineup of local talent, the UCLA live music scene is an eclectic mix of raw talent and communal passion.
Westwood’s DIY Venues: From Apartments to Backyards
One of the defining features of UCLA’s music scene is its decentralized nature. Unlike a traditional college town with dedicated music venues, Bruins have adapted by transforming everyday spaces into live music hubs.
Westwood apartments, often crammed with students eager for a break from their studies, double as makeshift concert venues. The typical setup includes a corner stage made of a repurposed wooden pallet, LED string lights hung from the ceiling and an eager audience shoulder-to-shoulder in the living room. It’s an electric atmosphere, buzzing with energy and the thrill of listening to music in an unconventional space.
Beyond apartment shows, backyard concerts offer another layer to UCLA’s underground music culture. They operate on a word-of-mouth basis, with addresses kept semi-private to avoid unwanted attention while still ensuring a dedicated crowd of music lovers.
For many student musicians, these backyard and apartment gigs are more than just performances—they’re opportunities to refine their sound, grow a fanbase and engage with a tight-knit community of creatives.
Kerckhoff Coffeehouse and UCLA’s Official Music Spaces
While DIY venues drive much of UCLA’s underground music culture, student-run spaces like Kerckhoff Coffeehouse offer more structured opportunities for live music.
Kerckhoff Coffeehouse is a beloved staple for students looking for an intimate, low-key music experience. With its cozy ambiance, warm lighting and a consistent lineup of student performers, it serves as a bridge between informal house shows and larger campus events. Musicians performing here gain exposure without the logistical challenges of setting up an off-campus show.
For those looking to experience music on a larger scale, UCLA’s Cultural Affairs Commission, or CAC, and other student organizations often organize live performances. These events provide a professional setting for student artists while also bringing in more well-known acts to perform for the student body. The combination of DIY shows and official campus events ensures that there’s always a space for live music at UCLA.
Student Musicians and the Growth of UCLA’s Music Culture
At the core of UCLA’s thriving music scene are the student musicians themselves. From indie rock bands and acoustic singer-songwriters to electronic DJs and jazz ensembles, there’s no shortage of talent among Bruins.
Many student musicians use these underground spaces as a testing ground for their original work. The informal nature of the scene allows artists to experiment with different genres and performance styles in a supportive environment. For some, these shows serve as stepping stones to bigger gigs in Los Angeles, while for others, they’re simply a way to share their passion with fellow students.
Beyond performance, collaboration is a key aspect of UCLA’s music culture. Bands are often formed through casual jam sessions in dorm rooms, and it’s not uncommon for student musicians to feature each other on tracks, produce songs together or even book multi-artist lineups for events. The interconnected nature of the scene fosters a sense of community where Bruins support each other’s artistic growth.
Challenges and the Future of UCLA’s Live Music Scene
Despite its vibrancy, UCLA’s underground music scene faces challenges. Noise complaints, strict apartment lease agreements and the transient nature of student life mean that DIY venues are often short-lived. Keeping the momentum alive requires constant adaptation, as musicians and event organizers work around logistical barriers to keep the music going.
One possible solution is the development of more official, student-friendly performance spaces on campus. While spaces like Kerckhoff Coffeehouse and Ackerman Union provide opportunities, students often push for more easily accessible venues that can accommodate larger audiences without compromising the intimacy of UCLA’s homegrown music culture.
Keeping UCLA Loud
At its core, UCLA’s live music scene is about more than just performances—it’s about creating spaces where students can come together, express themselves and be part of something bigger. The passion and DIY spirit driving this culture ensure that no matter how many challenges arise, Bruins will always find a way to keep the music playing.
Whether it’s a cramped Westwood apartment buzzing with an indie band’s first-ever live set, a backyard pulsing with the energy of students swaying to the beat or the cozy glow of Kerckhoff Coffeehouse hosting a student’s original song, UCLA’s underground music scene remains a vital and ever-evolving part of campus life.
—
Featured Image: Courtney Blue and Christian Rodriguez perform at one of ASUCLA’s Noon Tunes concerts. Unofficial venues, like Kerckhoff Patio and Ackerman Union serve spaces in which to keep UCLA’s student music scene alive and thriving as many factors work against these indie artists. Photographed by Regan Rhodes/BruinLife.
