The Evolution of Music Careers
In the past, musicians had to work hard in small venues and clubs to gain recognition. They would often play in dive bars, submit demos to radio stations and record labels, and hold regular jobs to support themselves. This was the path taken by many artists before they achieved fame. For instance, Elvis Costello once worked as a computer programmer before becoming a renowned musician.
The landscape of music careers changed significantly with the rise of TV talent shows like “American Idol” and “The Voice.” These shows provided a platform for aspiring singers to reach a national audience. Some of the notable stars who emerged from these shows include Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, and David Archuleta. These performers have gone on to have successful careers and are now making appearances in central Ohio.
The Role of Social Media in Modern Music
Today, social media plays a crucial role in launching the careers of unknown artists. Viral videos have helped many musicians gain sudden fame. Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, and Benson Boone are some of the artists who rose to prominence through viral content. More recently, TikTok has become a powerful tool for emerging talents like Alex Warren and sombr. Both of these artists will be performing locally in October, with sombr’s sold-out show moving from A&R Music Bar to Newport Music Hall.
Despite their different approaches to gaining fame, seasoned veterans, mid-career performers, and newcomers all share one thing in common: they are all set to appear in the upcoming concert lineup in Columbus.
Upcoming Concerts in Columbus
Parker McCollum
- Date: Oct. 3
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Venue: Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Drive
- More Info: See Parker McCollum
Kevin Gates
- Date: Oct. 7
- Time: Doors open at 6 p.m.
- Venue: KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave.
- Tickets: $70.19 to $153.95 (promowestlive.com)
Reneé Rapp
- Date: Oct. 8
- Time: 8 p.m.
- Venue: Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
- Bio: Known for her role in “Mean Girls,” Rapp transitioned to music in 2023. Her current single is “Leave Me Alone.”
- More Info: See Reneé Rapp
Elvis Costello & The Imposters
- Date: Oct. 10
- Time: 8 p.m.
- Venue: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
- Bio: Elvis Costello’s first three albums are on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
- More Info: See Elvis Costello & The Imposters
David Archuleta
- Date: Oct. 10
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Venue: Skully’s Music-Diner, 1151 N. High St.
- Bio: Archuleta gained fame on “American Idol” and has since explored more mature themes in his music.
- More Info: See David Archuleta
Aly & AJ
- Date: Oct. 11
- Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
- Venue: KEMBA Live!
- Tickets: $66.94 (promowestlive.com)
Brandon Lake
- Date: Oct. 12
- Venue: Schottenstein Center
- More Info: See Brandon Lake
Mumford & Sons
- Date: Oct. 12
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Venue: Nationwide Arena
- Bio: Known for their Americana sound, Mumford & Sons released their first album in seven years, “Rushmere.”
- More Info: See Mumford & Sons
Jesse McCartney
- Date: Oct. 14
- Time: Doors open at 7 p.m.
- Venue: KEMBA Live!
- Bio: Known for his hit “Beautiful Soul,” McCartney has a strong presence in both music and voiceover work.
- More Info: See Jesse McCartney
Alex Warren
- Date: Oct. 15
- Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
- Venue: KEMBA Live!
- Bio: A former member of Hype House, Warren’s hit “Ordinary” topped the Billboard Hot 100.
- More Info: See Alex Warren
Dream Theater
- Date: Oct. 18
- Time: 8 p.m.
- Venue: Palace Theatre
- Bio: As part of the “big three” of progressive metal, Dream Theater has influenced numerous bands.
- More Info: See Dream Theater
Marc Cohn and Shawn Colvin
- Date: Oct. 18
- Time: 8 p.m.
- Venue: McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Road, New Albany
- Tickets: $49.72 to $91.31 (capa.com)
Jon Batiste
- Date: Oct. 22
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Venue: Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St.
- Bio: A jazz piano prodigy, Batiste blends multiple genres into his performances.
- More Info: See Jon Batiste
Playboy Carti with Ken Carson
- Date: Oct. 28
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Venue: Nationwide Arena
- More Info: See Playboi Carti with Ken Carson
Insane Clown Posse
- Date: Oct. 30
- Time: Doors open at 6 p.m.
- Venue: KEMBA Live!
- Bio: Known for their unique style, Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope are returning for another performance.
- More Info: See Insane Clown Posse
Walker Hayes
- Date: Oct. 30
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Venue: Mershon Auditorium
- More Info: See Walker Hayes
Stray Cats
- Date: Oct. 31
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Venue: Mershon Auditorium
- More Info: See Stray Cats
