Making It Better: A Serious Topic For Serious Local Supporters and Musicians

clockworkengine · 06-11-2007, 08:05 AM

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.

clockworkengine · 06-11-2007, 08:43 AM

All that is absolutely true, but how do you feel about touring in particular?
PS: Isn't it time for a new quote in your sig, man?

The Wayniac · 06-11-2007, 09:00 AM

an article in Bass player magazine covered this. (March 2007).

Randy Jackson (American Idol judge, former Journey bassist, and studio musician) talked about being from Baton Rouge, and how the Gulf Coast music scene wasn't happening. (sometime in the 70's) and he moved to Nashville to be "near the industry". Because that's what you have to do to make it.

Trying to become super famous/rich playing music in our area of the gulf coast is a waste of time. Kinda like hoping you're going to win the lottery, but you have never bought a ticket.

Any serious musicians with good original music should consider relocating. Or at least doing the southeast club circuit like the Uglistick are doing.

frankie harmon · 06-11-2007, 09:02 AM

hey ron,I have to agree with you thats why we trying to team with analog missionary for some faraway and some local shows.Call it what you will but bands of the same fashion have to stick together especially if they are in a genre that doesnt get much airplay(Prog).The venues have to change not the bands,very few clubs want you to play original music and that why you only here about us every so often.In most big cities they will run you out of town for playing covers,but not here.That is why we are shooting for getting out of here and going to altlanta or austin.I love the fire to get the local scene moving and to make ie a better place for live music,but the fact reamains is that most people only like music as background noise and that is a sad fact.

Razz · 06-11-2007, 09:45 AM

I wouldn't exactly say that the fans are the reason the scene sucks. I coudln't play a musical instrument if my life depended on it. But I love live music. A lot of people don't go the bar every weekend. I used to, but that was when it was just me and it didn't cost me but a few beers and the cover. Now I have to get a sitter, cover for two, drinks for two (and Lance and I can certainly put them away!) So we only come out for the big things these days. That's the way a lot of folks are. People are as social as they were. seems as if it's getting better, but that's been my assessment since I got back last year.

Also, how many bars actually book bands these days? How popular are those bars? Are people going to the bar for the band or for the bar? Do the bars help with advertising? I know Thunder's do. And The Celtic.

The bands have to make it exciting and fun for the people to come to them. You have to sell the crowd.

This is all coming from a 'fan' point of view...But I have a feeling my two cents don't mean anything here.

Razz · 06-11-2007, 11:05 AM

OH NO KIDDING! It shoudln't cost my little Neon almost 40 bucks to fill it up!

clockworkengine · 06-11-2007, 03:17 PM

If you get three bands with four members each and collect $200 from each member (anyone can raise $200) That's like $2400. Add that to the show proceeds for a five or six day tour and you've got way more than enough to cover food, gas, and equipment transport. And if you want to save even more money then bands could also share equipment.

There are plenty of ways to make it work. It's completely doable (just like Spert). Sure you might not make much money, but you'll make contacts. After a few tours we'll know what venues rock and which ones don't. After a year of coastal band touring during which we share information of every kind regarding the tour and venues, the coast in general will have a rapport with the rest of the music world. We'll know what cities to hit and what cities not to hit. We'll make friends. We'll set up tour avenues, all of which can be carefully mapped for success. We'll work together. It is a real possibility. I'm not afraid of losing a little bit of money and going on the road for my music. Let's all do the same.

PITBOSS · 06-11-2007, 07:00 PM

Sounds like a good idea clockwork, I mean whenever I see a flyer showing out of state bands, I usually think to myself these guys must be pretty good since they're out touring and all, that can only help draw a crowd.

I'm kinda like Razz when it comes to music (even though I still have my bass) i'm no musician, but a devoted fan, but since I've gotten a little older, and no longer single, it's hard to make it out anymore. When I do, it's usually the cell block in Mobile. I've been to Thunder's a couple times, and find the cover charge over the top, and it's either no one there, or it's so packed you can't move or get a beer. I think what would help the scene the most would be a venue that was dedicated to the scene. I make it out to a show once a month or so, I'd rather not go to Mobile, but they've always got something going on there.

clockworkengine · 06-11-2007, 07:34 PM

They already had that, pitboss. The Catastrophe was perfect and was dedicated to the music scene. Now it's practically derelict because there is simply no local interest. And that's why we all need to start working together, traveling, handing out cds, constructing national mailing lists... everything.

The Wayniac · 06-11-2007, 10:39 PM

One thing I notice when driving into Miss. gulf coast area is that the towns are small. Pascagoula,Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Gulfport all added together really dont add up to a major american city. Of course hurricanes don't help, seems like it even ran a few folks off, understandably.
Mobile isn't much larger, usually something going on, but still small potatoes.
Compared to a major city with a real scene, If any of you ever visit a city like Nashville, Atlanta, or Austin, Tx. you will immediately see the differences.
I know some of you know what I mean, and im not trying to be negative here, but we live "off the beaten path".
Best thing a band can do on the Gulf Coast is like you said in the first post, have a myspace page with songs on it, and play local clubs every other weekend for the same 30 people, ~ there really isn't anything wrong with doing that, because, for this area, thats pretty good.

06-11-2007, 08:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
clockworkengine Band Member Band Whore Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Henry, CO Age: 25 Posts: 391 Rep Power: 44	Making It Better: A Serious Topic For Serious Local Supporters and Musicians 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. __________________ www.myspace.com/clockworkengine Don't you give me that "Don't you give me that look again" look again. Last edited by clockworkengine; 06-11-2007 at 08:08 AM.

06-11-2007, 08:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
clockworkengine Band Member Band Whore Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Henry, CO Age: 25 Posts: 391 Rep Power: 44	All that is absolutely true, but how do you feel about touring in particular? PS: Isn't it time for a new quote in your sig, man? __________________ www.myspace.com/clockworkengine Don't you give me that "Don't you give me that look again" look again.

06-11-2007, 03:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
clockworkengine Band Member Band Whore Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Henry, CO Age: 25 Posts: 391 Rep Power: 44	If you get three bands with four members each and collect $200 from each member (anyone can raise $200) That's like $2400. Add that to the show proceeds for a five or six day tour and you've got way more than enough to cover food, gas, and equipment transport. And if you want to save even more money then bands could also share equipment. There are plenty of ways to make it work. It's completely doable (just like Spert). Sure you might not make much money, but you'll make contacts. After a few tours we'll know what venues rock and which ones don't. After a year of coastal band touring during which we share information of every kind regarding the tour and venues, the coast in general will have a rapport with the rest of the music world. We'll know what cities to hit and what cities not to hit. We'll make friends. We'll set up tour avenues, all of which can be carefully mapped for success. We'll work together. It is a real possibility. I'm not afraid of losing a little bit of money and going on the road for my music. Let's all do the same. __________________ www.myspace.com/clockworkengine Don't you give me that "Don't you give me that look again" look again.

06-11-2007, 07:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
clockworkengine Band Member Band Whore Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Henry, CO Age: 25 Posts: 391 Rep Power: 44	They already had that, pitboss. The Catastrophe was perfect and was dedicated to the music scene. Now it's practically derelict because there is simply no local interest. And that's why we all need to start working together, traveling, handing out cds, constructing national mailing lists... everything. __________________ www.myspace.com/clockworkengine Don't you give me that "Don't you give me that look again" look again.

06-11-2007, 09:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
The Wayniac Moderator Band Whore Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Mobile Posts: 842 Rep Power: 42	an article in Bass player magazine covered this. (March 2007). Randy Jackson (American Idol judge, former Journey bassist, and studio musician) talked about being from Baton Rouge, and how the Gulf Coast music scene wasn't happening. (sometime in the 70's) and he moved to Nashville to be "near the industry". Because that's what you have to do to make it. Trying to become super famous/rich playing music in our area of the gulf coast is a waste of time. Kinda like hoping you're going to win the lottery, but you have never bought a ticket. Any serious musicians with good original music should consider relocating. Or at least doing the southeast club circuit like the Uglistick are doing.

06-11-2007, 09:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
frankie harmon Fawkin' Newbie Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 31 Posts: 25 Rep Power: 0	hey ron,I have to agree with you thats why we trying to team with analog missionary for some faraway and some local shows.Call it what you will but bands of the same fashion have to stick together especially if they are in a genre that doesnt get much airplay(Prog).The venues have to change not the bands,very few clubs want you to play original music and that why you only here about us every so often.In most big cities they will run you out of town for playing covers,but not here.That is why we are shooting for getting out of here and going to altlanta or austin.I love the fire to get the local scene moving and to make ie a better place for live music,but the fact reamains is that most people only like music as background noise and that is a sad fact.

06-11-2007, 09:45 AM	#5 (permalink)
Razz Productive GCB Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Age: 29 Posts: 1,118 Rep Power: 45	I wouldn't exactly say that the fans are the reason the scene sucks. I coudln't play a musical instrument if my life depended on it. But I love live music. A lot of people don't go the bar every weekend. I used to, but that was when it was just me and it didn't cost me but a few beers and the cover. Now I have to get a sitter, cover for two, drinks for two (and Lance and I can certainly put them away!) So we only come out for the big things these days. That's the way a lot of folks are. People are as social as they were. seems as if it's getting better, but that's been my assessment since I got back last year. Also, how many bars actually book bands these days? How popular are those bars? Are people going to the bar for the band or for the bar? Do the bars help with advertising? I know Thunder's do. And The Celtic. The bands have to make it exciting and fun for the people to come to them. You have to sell the crowd. This is all coming from a 'fan' point of view...But I have a feeling my two cents don't mean anything here.

06-11-2007, 11:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
Razz Productive GCB Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Age: 29 Posts: 1,118 Rep Power: 45	OH NO KIDDING! It shoudln't cost my little Neon almost 40 bucks to fill it up!

06-11-2007, 07:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
PITBOSS Band Whore Join Date: May 2005 Location: Grand Bay Age: 33 Posts: 282 Rep Power: 38	Sounds like a good idea clockwork, I mean whenever I see a flyer showing out of state bands, I usually think to myself these guys must be pretty good since they're out touring and all, that can only help draw a crowd. I'm kinda like Razz when it comes to music (even though I still have my bass) i'm no musician, but a devoted fan, but since I've gotten a little older, and no longer single, it's hard to make it out anymore. When I do, it's usually the cell block in Mobile. I've been to Thunder's a couple times, and find the cover charge over the top, and it's either no one there, or it's so packed you can't move or get a beer. I think what would help the scene the most would be a venue that was dedicated to the scene. I make it out to a show once a month or so, I'd rather not go to Mobile, but they've always got something going on there.

06-11-2007, 10:39 PM	#10 (permalink)
The Wayniac Moderator Band Whore Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Mobile Posts: 842 Rep Power: 42	One thing I notice when driving into Miss. gulf coast area is that the towns are small. Pascagoula,Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Gulfport all added together really dont add up to a major american city. Of course hurricanes don't help, seems like it even ran a few folks off, understandably. Mobile isn't much larger, usually something going on, but still small potatoes. Compared to a major city with a real scene, If any of you ever visit a city like Nashville, Atlanta, or Austin, Tx. you will immediately see the differences. I know some of you know what I mean, and im not trying to be negative here, but we live "off the beaten path". Best thing a band can do on the Gulf Coast is like you said in the first post, have a myspace page with songs on it, and play local clubs every other weekend for the same 30 people, ~ there really isn't anything wrong with doing that, because, for this area, thats pretty good.