Hi, my name is Matthias Hombauer and I am a music photographer. Even though Vienna seems tiny compared to Paris, London or Berlin the music scene here is pretty good. If you are planning a trip to Vienna or you are an exchange student who just arrived here, read on and explore the best clubs and concert venues for indie/alternative music.

Let´s start with some of my favourite concert venues:

Arena  
The former slaughterhouse is a place where a lot of indie bands are playing. With 3 indoor stages and one open air stage they have the capacity for an audience which range from 50 to 3000 people. The big hall is the main spot for bands like dEUS, Mayer Hawthorne, Melvins, Adam Green, Naked and famous and many more. They have already a great line up for summer 2012 including Bon Iver, M83, Sigur Ros and Patti Smith. There are also a lot of Punk and Hardcore bands playing there. Little side note: Morrissey refused to play in the Arena, because of the history of the building (hint: “meat is murder“). Ticket prices range from 15 – 50 Euros.
How to get there: take the U3 to Erdberg. It´s a 5 min walk to the Arena which is an old brick house with graffiti all over, so you can’t miss it.

WUK
The WUK (an old locomotive factory) is located in the heart of the 9th district. They offer a  concert hall as well as a theatre, cafe and rehearsal rooms. The music program is versatile and I took pics of bands like Portugal. The man, Fink and Iron & Wine to name some. It has a nice foyer where you can have a drink before the concerts start and offer moderate prices for the tickets (15 – 35 Euro)
How to get there: take the U6 to Waehringerstrasse and walk down the street for 3 min.

Fink

Gasometer
The Gasometer consists of four old gas tanks which were revitalised and are used nowadays as apartments and entertainment centre. In one of the tanks is a big concert hall for 5000 people. In this location bands like Feist, Thievery Corporation, White Stripes or Goldfrapp are performing. To be honest the venue doesn’t have the charm of the Arena and the WUK. A big hall for big concerts. Unfortunately, not more. Ticket prizes ranges from 35 – 60 Euro.
How to get there: take the U3 to Gasometer and follow the crowd of people that get out of the underground.

Stadthalle
If you want to go to see the big acts like Manu Chao and Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Stadthalle is the place to be. With a capacity for 10 000 people it’s the biggest indoor concert venue in Vienna, but also the most expensive one. Ticket prizes ranges from 50 – 100 Euro.
How to get there: U6 Burgasse, 3min walk from there

Zola Jesus

Some other small clubs where you can satisfy your indie music needs:

Flex
Cool club for concerts and party all night at one of the danube canals. Hint: “London calling“ every Wednesday

Chelsea
Awesome location. It´s in the Guertelboegen and the train is driving directly above you. The have also special football nights if Chelsea is playing.

B72
Similar location as the Chelsea. Great view for concerts from the top floor.

Fluc + Fluc Wanne
This venue is located near the famous fun fair “Prater“. Here you can also watch a lot of electronic bands like TEED and Caribou.

I hope this short article will successfully guide you through the indie music scene in Vienna . If you have any questions don’t hesitate to drop me a line.

Visit Matthias Hombauer’s website here.
Follow Matthias on Twitter here.

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