Madison

Madison's university culture and house show circuit make it a regular tour stop for Chicago and Milwaukee bands throughout the 1990s, with venues like O'Cayz Corral hosting essential performances. The city produces Smart Went Crazy and other bands that intersect with emo's experimental edges in the mid-1990s. Madison's position between Milwaukee and Minneapolis creates a natural touring corridor that facilitates the scene's geographic spread.

Scenes

Artists from Madison

• Rainer Maria

  Rainer Maria, a trio out of Madison, Wisconsin, hit their stride in the late 1990s, folding math rock precision into emotionally direct songwriting.