Doylestown, PA is a great place to grow up if you're into the arts. As a musician, I've made several great friends and memories through the Doylestown music scene. Between "DTown's" love of the arts and its close proximity to Philadelphia, growing up there as a musician really is one of a kind. Here are 18 things you know to be true if you're a musician from Doylestown.
1. You know there was always at least one person who brought a guitar into school just because.
2. You know the Zen Den is the best coffee shop in town, but is always in high demand for show booking.
3. You know there was a fierce rivalry between band and choir kids in high school.
4. You know that nearly everyone who's ever touched an instrument dresses like a hipster.
5. You know about all the great weekly open mic nights, especially the one at Puck for its sound system.
6. You know there was some "tension" between the kids who studied at School of Rock and those who didn't.
7. You've had at least one photoshoot near the iconic Mercer Museum, and might have gotten kicked out for not having a permit.
8. You know that Circa Survive, Balance and Composure, and Sinch are the "best bands out of DTown."
9. You know that The Wonder Years are from LANSDALE, and do not call them a Doylestown band.
10. You get annoyed when someone's first reaction to hearing "Doylestown" is "That's where Pink's from!"
11. You've taken advantage of the many recording studios available in the Doylestown area.
12. You and your friends make makeshift memes about your favorite local artists.
13. You fangirl if you ever go down to Philly and run into the members of Civil Youth.
14. You root for local bands like Sonnder and Nothing Vital who are on the brink of taking things to the next level.
15. You know that anyone who goes down to Philly to play shows is part of the cool gang.
16. Siren Records, enough said.
17. You've had an after show meal at the Wawa since it's the only good place that serves food after midnight.
18. Every once in a while, you think about your first experience in a band and realize how far you've come.
That's me on the far left, playing my first gig at age 16. It's really amazing to have grown up in a place where the music is alive and well.
