How to be a Not-So-Snobby Music Snob or How to Maintain a Rock-N-Roll Lifestyle in Des Moines, Iowa

1. Know your independent music.  Subscribe to Paste Magazine or Off The Radar.  Most of the bands that play Iowa are not the mainstream stuff that you hear on the radio or see on MTV (our hear in the background of an episode of The Hills or whatever).  This can be a good thing though.  A lot of independent artists tend to be very talented and actually enjoy what they do.   They're not in it for the money.
   
2. Go to Starbucks.  (It's okay.  We all do it.  It's nothing to be ashamed of...)  Every week they have a different "Pick of the Week"  free download from iTunes.  It gives you a chance to check out bands such as The Boxer Rebellion, Andrew Bird, and Airborne Toxic Event.  Plus they have some cool CDs for sale.
   
3. Check out locally owned music shops.  Go to Zzz Records and Homers to get local music and buy your vinyl.  
4. Visit live music venues such as Peoples and Vaudeville Mews.  Check out there websites or The Juice for a list of upcoming acts.  I just got my Santigold tickets the other day!
5. Stop by some of our local coffee houses.  Java Joes and The Ritual Cafe frequently have live music.  I have seen Brenda Weiler, The Honeybees, and Joan Jett at these places.
6. Go to the 80/35 Music Festival.  Kaisercartel autographed my CD for me last year and I can't wait to see who I get to mingle with this year. Flavor Flav (ewww!) is going to be here but not to worry there will be plenty of other cool artists.  Check out this year's line up at http://80-35.com/
7. Shop at Target.  Target sells CDs for up-and-coming artists for between $7.99-9.99.