We’ve been around the world to check out different and best music scenes, and we found music appreciation more prevalent in some countries, more so than others. Countries that have produced music like classical, blues, rock, and world music are all considered here. Another important factor was whether the country could support live music and if there was a fan base for it.
Top 10 Countries That Have The Best Music Scene
United Kingdom
Some of the best bands have come out of the UK. Hands-down, check out The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. Classical music is also very much enjoyed and supported in the UK. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a perfect example of that. Also, who could forget Andrew Lloyd Webber, one of the greatest composers in the theater world. This country has given a lot to the world, and probably has the best music scene.
United States
Of course, the US will be in this best music scene list! In the US, there is a huge variety of music, and much appreciation for it. Because there are so many genres of music that have come to the US, the different regions tend to have their own take on music. One might find more people liking country or blues in the south, and a propensity to like grunge rock in the Pacific Northwest. Almost every genre has done very well in the United States. Plus, some festivals happen nearly every month, especially in the warmer months.
Canada
Let’s not overlook Canada! You might think of musicians like Rush, Barenaked Ladies, and Alanis Morissette from Canada, but there are so many more. David Foster, a performer and producer, hails from there, as well as Paul Anka and Anne Murray. With multiple venues in their three largest cities, like Toronto, Québec, and Vancouver, shows in Canada are quite spectacular, with high production values. One of the most fabulous venues to see a musical production is BC Place in Vancouver. Definitely one of the Top 10 countries with the best music scene.
Japan
Japanese music goes way back. It has ancient roots in its religious history, and all the way to traditional, calming Japanese music. The Japanese have made musical use of bells and flutes. With the utilization of a variety of different instruments, it’s fair to say that Japanese music has influenced music in other countries and deserves to be in the Top 10 countries with the best music scene. Fun fact: The Japanese are huge consumers of American music, particularly hard rock and metal.
Finland
While we’re on the subject of metal, look no further than Finland. Finland has given us some amazing groups, including Amorphis, HIM, and Nightwish. Composers like Jean Sibelius and Kaija Saariajo hail from the freezing country. No matter if you’re into metal, folk music, or classical, Finland has it all. Their broad assortment of music is likely influenced by the fact that Finnish people are typically high achievers, and they certainly show that in their music.
Germany
With composers like Bach, Brahms, and Beethoven, it’s hard to deny that Germany has had a great music scene. Although these phenomenal composers are no longer with us, we have many more contemporaries such as Hans Zimmer. Zimmer has scored dozens of films, and he has won multiple awards for his beautiful compositions. Also, Kraftwerk is a pioneering techno/electro-pop band out of Germany as well.
Australia
Australia has produced a plethora of musicians. Cities like Sydney and Queensland have multiple venues to see musical acts. A few groups and superstars come to mind when thinking about Aussie musical artists: Helen Reddy, Sia, Michael Hutchence of INXS fame, Kylie Minogue, and rockers AC/DC. Aboriginal influences also have played a part in Australian music, thus giving multiple layers to its sound.
France
French music spans from the medieval era to romanticism, to the Renaissance and Baroque. French music has such a rich history, and that is why we have included it in our top 10 countries with the best music scene. DeBussy, in particular, is a renowned French composer who has influenced many others. More contemporary artists include the Belgian-born French musician, Django Reinhardt and Daft Punk.
Brazil
Brazil has many celebrations, including its famous Carnivál in Rio de Janeiro every year. Because dancing is such a popular activity, Brazilian culture has a love for music. Reflecting its diverse heritage, music in Brazil embodies anything from Bossa Nova to Samba. Famous Brazilian musicians include classical composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, Tropicália singer Maria Bethânia, and multi-instrumentalist Milton Nascimento, known for fusing folk and jazz. You can never exclude a country like Brazil from the Top 10 countries list that has the best music scene.
Italy
Now we arrive at the country responsible for giving us opera singers, beautiful concertos, and even Italian metal. Legendary classical composers like Bellini and Paganini are among the most famous, as well as Luciano Pavarotti and his ethereal tenor voice. Then there are the metal bands, like Lacuna Coil and Rhapsody of Fire, to put Italian music on the map.
Conclusion
The top ten countries with the best music scene are very definitely not an exhaustive list. A few honorable mentions include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Philippines, Israel, and Russia. All of them have given us influential music in one way or another.
