clockworkengine

Let's talk about something. How many of you (and I'm talking to the musicians) are still hoping and working to get that record deal or professional bill-paying music gig?
It seems to be the "in" thing right now to talk like a record deal doesn't matter, or to be into music just for fun. But how much fun can one have when there are two or three venues and drama abounds? And, considering that, at what point does it become impractical or even irresponsible to persue music with any real vigor when there is nothing to gain financially? This question only applies to those who have elected music as their primary career.
We've got to start doing more than just playing the scene. We've got to pool our resources. Bands should start touring together. Look at Recovery Period. Those boys work harder than any band on this coast. They get little respect around here because... you guessed it... they're never here! And why is that? Because there is nothing here. They go where the action is... and that is everywhere else. What if we started a system in which we begin organizing tours for our bands. It starts when one musician decides to take action and reach out to others. Each member of each band could pitch in specific amounts for travel expenses. We could travel in uhaul convoys. We could play anywhere, everywhere in the country. Yes, it costs money. But when bands pool their finances (and by that I'm talking of course on a tour-to-tour basis), money problems start to fall away like so much bark on a dead tree.

Another situation: bands competing. We're always competing our bands against each other. That's fine. I love competition. But what are we wasting time competing against each other for? CPR fest? Of course I'd love to play it, but I'm not that worried about it. Why? Because CPR Fest is a regional event with national acts (of continuously decreasing quality). And as a regional event, it's nature is to have only a regional outreach. And what's in this region? Once again, nothing. I love Joshua Sun and most other bands that have played it in the past, but honestly CPR fest got them nowhere last time and will likely get them nowhere this time. "Well, Ronald, the national acts might be traveling with A&R reps from their labels!" No, they're not. Don't delude yourself. Businessmen working for multimillion dollar companies travel first class air, not sweaty masculine tour bus lines.

The bottom line is, it's time for change. Most bands here are content with having a myspace page and playing in front of the same 30 people every other weekend. But it's not that simple anymore. The times have changed. If you don't agree, then that's fine. But I personally want to go somewhere with my music without having to uproot across the country permanently. We can do it. All we have to do is think. Think of ways to make our situation better. The spotlight on the coast brought on by the success of 3 Doors Down is gone now. We've got to reach out to the rest of the world. Who is with me? Let's hear everyones ideas on making it better.

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Censor this, bitch.