Venue Review: Fountain Square’s Radio Radio
Embracing a music venue is no small task. In my career I have noticed that it takes many positive experiences in a row to earn my loyalty. Sure, a good promoter and solid booking always helps the cause, but there is also a myriad of variables that need to align to in order to swoon me.
- Intimate without the coffee shop chairs
- It has character
- ATP (Average Ticket Price) is around 12 USD
- A sound system that is clear. Lyrics sound crisp and understood.
- 5 minutes or less to get another drink
- Pit stop crew speed on the band changes
- Clean Toilets
- Nice to have: Local beer on tap
Fountain Square’s indie rock lair Radio Radio strongly embraces these attributes while contributing to the culture of Indianapolis. Every time I step foot in Radio Radio I feel like I am surrounded by a group of like-minded strangers who are contributing to the cultural advancement of a city we all own. Before I was old enough to go to places like Radio Radio I felt very similar to Matthew Lillard’s character Steveo in the 1998 film SLC Punk! Steveo was struggling with seeing cultural progression in dreary conservative Salt Lake City, Utah. As a young punker looking for a release, Steveo’s surroundings attempted to limit his identity progression.
It is amazing how a new venue can not only bring you happiness, but also enable distinctiveness. It is these 2 ½ hour long moments of unity I get on a weekly basis that keep me level. I want to thank Radio Radio for contributing to my musical growth and serving as the projector of live experiences with some really radical bands. Sleigh Bells, Andy D, We are Hex, Free Energy, Beta Male, Rural Alberta Advantage all stand out in recent memory. With bands like Yuck, Bear Hands, Tapes N’ Tapes, and legendary Sebadoh on the upcoming calendar, Radio Radio allows for many more opportunities to contribute to building out my character, but also blazing a new cultural path for Indianapolis.
Written by Brett McGrath
This Saturday, Radio Radio will host Marmoset’s record release party.
1119 E. Prospect Street
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Tel: +317.955.0995
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