Backstage With the Band

[Kramerguy]

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Actionsquid wrote:

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jimiv wrote:

I'm betting not a lot of "original' bands that  "made it" didn't first start on stage with covers in their set list as they worked on their performace and instrument chops playing live.

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In my experience- with rock/pop in the 2000s at least- of having seen a decent number of bands go from smaller local/regional acts to national/international success, actually, aside from the odd one thrown in, they didn't do many covers at all.

I like doing some covers, and I think you learn a lot as a musician doing them, but I'm just saying... from what I've experienced that's not really the way it works.

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My understanding is that into the 80's it was common practice for bands to cut their teeth on covers and rise up in their regional markets before they started slipping in originals and gaining A&R interest.  That wholly changed in the 90's from what I witnessed, as "chops" in grunge didn't need to amount to much, and 3-chord songs became not only common, but the preferred songwriting goal.

Since then, yeah, nobody who wants to do originals should do covers.. it sends the wrong signal about the band.

I've always argued that doing covers has helped me write original material immensely, but I also write mostly prog rock, not something a 1-year acoustic guitar student can do.  3-chord melodies?  Right up his alley.

[Mutha Goose]

I mentioned this earlier in the thread. We're playing at this club tonight. I went to set up the PA system earlier and this was plastered all over the building:

[jcpatte2]

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Mutha Goose wrote:

I mentioned this earlier in the thread. We're playing at this club tonight. I went to set up the PA system earlier and this was plastered all over the building:

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Wouldn't it make so much more sense to spin it in an positive manner, ala "catch this awesome band for only $5" or something along those lines.

But he insists on negativity..... blah blah blah

[RoadRanger]

What a douche. Bad enough he's dissin' yous guys but he obviously has no business owning a club as he has zero skills in promoting it.

[StratGuy22]

Does the $5 cover go to the band, or to him because the band costs more?

Next time maybe tell him you aren't interested, because you don't like his attitude. The cheaper bands that make him less money seems to be a better fit. If he wants to he a C or D class venue, he can get what he pays for.

You'll be at the A or B list rooms, where the know the value of a band.

There's a venue here that wants us to play, but they only offer 50% of our normal rate. They will pay our "special event" (halloween/NYE) rate though for Halloween, so I think we will be booked there for this Halloween.

[Mutha Goose]

LOL... It's not all that bad. But the funny thing is, we we're booked to play there the night of the last big blizzard (2 weeks ago). That show had to be cancelled. The club bumped another band to get us in. Obviously we're good for his business. All he had to do is say, "$5 cover tonight", Nothing else needed to be said.

RR: You are completely right... douche move!

[StratGuy22]

Yup. $5/cover is all that's needed.

[TIMKEYS]

Its not the best wording, but its better to be the band that he has to charge a cover to hire. I would guess in his mind he is thinking he hired a special band. They cost more. If you are filling the place just shut up and play. Its not broke dont fix it.