Beside the Syracuse University campus rests an array of dirty and spontaneous underground nightlife hosted by its students. People from all over the upstate region come to the university neighborhood, packing the basements of rental student housing all to listen to their favorite small bands play their songs in an environment like no other. 

“Under the Salt City” is a look into these hidden concerts that rest beneath the prestigious university that sits on Syracuse’s hillside. These concerts play a vital role in not only shaping the identity of the nightlife culture near campus but also the identities of the people who attend. This project shows off the energy and intimacy of this underground scene, shining a light on the dark genres and the sense of belonging that it creates among its fans.