Providence, RI

Providence has a very strong local independent music scene, known especially for its contributions to the genre of noise rock, most notably the groups Lightning Bolt, Black Dice (who later re-located to New York City) and Arab on Radar.

Other indie rock and alternative artists from the city include Les Savy Fav, Dicky Barrett (vocalist for ska group Mighty Mighty Bosstones), ZOX, The Low Anthem, Downtown Boys, and Deer Tick.

Federal Hill, Providence RI

Providence’s historic Federal Hill has been called the “Heartbeat of Providence” and begins at Atwells Avenue. There, you can listen to church bells while walking on cobblestone paths, shop at food markets and boutiques, or dine in some of the finest restaurants in the country.

You’ll also find bakeries and coffee shops, professional services, and live music outdoors in the square.

Federal Hill spreads beyond Atwells Avenue to Broadway, a street with wonderful architecture, restaurants and local merchants, all the way to Westminster and Cranston Streets.

A place dedicated to the Italian immigrants who gathered here as a community, Federal Hill remains a place of charm, warmth and hospitality to all who visit.

College Hill area of Providence RI

Rhode Island School of Design has been the alma mater of many popular musicians. Three members of the Talking Heads met at the college, but did not form the band until they moved to New York City

Notable musicians who graduated Providence’s Brown University include Wendy Carlos, Lisa Loeb, Mary Chapin Carpenter, OK Go singer, Damian Kulash, Duncan Sheik, ZOX, and Will Oldham, who dropped out after one semester.

Newport, RI

Newport has a much smaller scene, with Throwing Muses being its most successful rock band. The group formed in 1981 and recorded and toured until their hiatus in 2003. The band’s lead guitarist and secondary songwriter, Tanya Donnelly also formed Belly, best known for their hit “Feed the Tree”, which went to #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart in 1994. Donnelly was also briefly guitarist for The Breeders.

The singing family The Cowsills, who had Top 40 hits from 1967 to 1969 also are from Newport

Since 2000, Newport has cultivated a small ska punk scene, headed by the Sublime cover group Badfish and the punk band Big World.

Rest of the state

Other well known Rhode Island musical artists from elsewhere in the state include John Cafferty, Blu Cantrell (who had a #2 Hot 100 hit with “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)” in 2001), Combustible Edison, Sage Francis, Monty Are I, Draco and the Malfoys and Billy Gillman. The pop music producer and songwriter Dr. Luke was born in Westerly.