Where’s The Music?

Juniper Wolff

Local Music Journalist

San Marcos, Texas, is a small college town home to a fantastic music scene, but where has it been this fall? Typically, at the beginning of the school year, there are a ton of shows and festivals, but it has been dormant this fall. Right now, we are in a “dark age” considering the lack of music for the time being, but we are headed towards a musical golden age. We must find out why we are in a musical slump to see why we are headed towards a musical boom. 

Alchemy Records’ Shut Down 

Alchemy Records was home to live music of all genres. You would find anything from screamo to drone to shoegaze at Alchemy. However, on April 26, 2025, it unfortunately closed its doors. Although it isn’t the only record store in San Marcos, Alchemy was one where many called home. With the shutdown of Alchemy, shows would be harder to find. Compared to seeing a post on the Alchemy social media page, many bands host house shows requiring a DM to find the address. One thing to consider is that Alchemy isn’t the only record store in San Marcos. Sundance Records has always been in the shadows of Alchemy, but now is their time to shine.  

Lack of Releases 

Local artists in the scene haven’t released many albums in the past months. Not many major releases have been premiered live, nor have they been advertised. More likely than not, these local artists are in between projects. There were many releases at the beginning and during the summer months. Especially with classes starting, many local artists are likely busy, leaving them less time to work on their passions. Alongside the lack of releases, a lot of local artists have outgrown the local scene. Bands such as My Dad Died have been playing shows all over Texas, and even in different states such as New Mexico. They haven’t completely outgrown the area, as they’ve hosted a couple of house shows since the beginning of the school year, but nothing compared to the previous school year. This isn’t all negative as a new wave of music is soon to hit San Marcos. 

The Golden Age is Coming 

With the largest class in Texas State University history getting situated, new ideas, genres, and music are here to unfold. It takes time for people to get comfortable and find community, especially in a large university. San Marcos is about to see a brilliant wave of new music. Great music doesn’t only come from a larger group of people, but due to things out of control of the university. Political strife has been on the minds of students, faculty, and staff all over the university. Hard times not only create strong men, but it also brings fantastic music. For example, the conflicts of the Vietnam Era brought fantastic artists such as Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. Political turmoil will always happen, and it will always bring remarkable music.  

At the end of the day, music comes and goes. We are in the middle of musical eras. As artists outgrow the scene and venues shut down, other artists are just getting their footing. As political turmoil unfolds, music unfolds with it. Everyone’s voice is heard in lyrics, melodies, and guitar riffs. Time brings change and we have to embrace it.