Cover bands that develop a local following

[anonpostguy]

Just looking for input and experiences regarding local cover bands that always draw a crowd. What sets them apart? What draws the crowd? There are lots of great cover bands out there but lots of them don't have a "loyal following". Other bands out there always seem to attract a buzz (and they are not necessarily great musicians). One band I knew had a crazy following. They had house gigs at 5 places in the city and every night would be packed with line ups out the door to get in. They were ok musically but not great. They were decent entertainers but not great. They played Top 40, Classic covers like most of the other bands. The only thing that really set them apart was about 4 or 5 import covers from the UK (i.e. Proclaimers - 500 Miles before anyone on this side of the pond knew who the Proclaimers were). I can't believe that 4 or 5 songs can generate this kind of buzz. So what is it then?

 

Any insight on how bands have developed a following would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance,

Anonpostguy

[JBJ]

the one band here I know who do that and to the point where they're known citywide is because unlike most cover "bands" these guys are actually a band as opposed to some guys playing along to backing tracks...

 

they're al good musicians but I've seen much better guys doing the backing track things but it all goes back to the fact that they're a band, a gang, a unit...

 

the singer is a good front man but nothing astounding and they do the usual cover stuff most bands do here cept with some country because their lead singer has a hard on for that but to be honest that puts more people off than it turns on.

 

if you're a full band, play tunes people know and like and are semi decent then people will go to see you once word gets around.

 

when we started doing covers we were going to record some drum and keyboard tracks so we had the two guitars but thought it'd work out much better if we just did a 3 piece with drums guitar and bass and to be honest I think it's the right idea.

[50calexplorer]

I don't know about being sucessful but here are some things to do to make sure no one comes and sees you again.

 

 

1. don't move on stage, stand there and look at your hands.

 

2.Don't dress the part. Your stained up white pocket T will befine.

 

3. Don't try to involve the crowd at all.

 

4. Get a singer that needs lyric sheets on stage.

 

5. If possible try to get a drummer that doesn't play well with the bassist.

 

6. When you leave the stage try to avoid all contact with said audience, if contact cannot be avoided act like a prima donna and a dick.

 

7. Tell all members with amps that they should turn up past the PA

 

 

 

[fastplant]

I was in a cover band for a while that drew pretty consistantly. Some things we learned. The show needs to be just as visually impressive as the music is. You need to cater to your audience. If you're playing a dance club, play dance music, etc. You also need to learn the newest of the new songs constantly. And you need to force the audience to participate. Once they feel like part of the show, they'll always come back.

[B Money]

I can tell you right now how to attract a following. It's easy. I can garuntee this will work. How do I know? Because it's been working for my band for 3 years now.

 

It all boils down to a very simple formula:

 

Make the women happy, and the guys will be happy too. Ok. So, what makes women happy? Dancing! They want to hear music they like and can dance to, simple as that. Keep cranking out the danceable music, look half way decent on stage, and best of all, get them involved in the music. Let 'em dance on stage, give 'em the mic to warble their way through a chorus of "Love Shack", whatever works.

Guys don't give a flying fanny fart what music you play, if the bar is packed with good looking women dancing and having fun.

 

So does this mean you have to wimp out and play some dance-club {censored} for the rest of your career? Hell NO! We play all kinds of good rock music, just make sure it has a good beat and is not too obscure and your golden. You'd be suprised what you can get away with once the booze starts to settle in. Not to mention, we play some real shlock but we always rock it out and the crowds love it.

 

Just follow my simple plan and you'll develop a following. I promise

[Jimi Ray Halen]

I agree with B Money. That's the formula.

 

The only other successful local cover band that I know of that doesn't use this formula has the best guitarist in town and a great frontman who is a blast to watch. They do mostly classic rock but they sound better than the record.

[BndGrl]

There are two cover bands in our area that consistently pack every show they play. I've seen people wait in a 90 minute line just to get in the door...for a freaking cover band.

 

Here are the things that I think make those two bands successful, some of these are repeats from above.

 

1. Good or at least decent musicians who are versatile enough to play different genres of music. The bands I'm referring to play everything from country to pop to hip hop to metal.

 

2. They play the music.

 

3. You have to play the newest songs you hear on the radio as well as all the same old typical coverband songs.

 

4. Good looking front men who make every woman in the audience feel like he's singing only to them without pissing off all the guys in the audience...it's a thin line. Unfortunately this is not just a business of talent.

 

5. Interact with the crowd off stage too. Everyone wants to feel like it matters to you that they are there.

It's been my experience that alot of people will follow a marginally talented cover band if they actually like the people in the band.

 

6. Be flexible on stage. If you see your crowd is digging the hip hop stuff over the heavy stuff then you might have to "call an audible" and switch your set list up a little bit.

[GOSG]

 

Originally posted by 50calexplorer I don't know about being sucessful but here are some things to do to make sure no one comes and sees you again. 1. don't move on stage, stand there and look at your hands. 2.Don't dress the part. Your stained up white pocket T will befine. 3. Don't try to involve the crowd at all. 4. Get a singer that needs lyric sheets on stage. 5. If possible try to get a drummer that doesn't play well with the bassist. 6. When you leave the stage try to avoid all contact with said audience, if contact cannot be avoided act like a prima donna and a dick. 7. Tell all members with amps that they should turn up past the PA

 

 

Great Question, but 50calexplorer's "Advice" Priceless!

 

So "50cal" you must have started your "Consulting Service" around 1987...am I right? LOL!

[STD]

play chick music ......

[Edward]

 

Originally posted by JBJ the one band here I know who do that and to the point where they're known citywide is because unlike most cover "bands" these guys are actually a band as opposed to some guys playing along to backing tracks... they're al good musicians but I've seen much better guys doing the backing track things but it all goes back to the fact that they're a band, a gang, a unit... the singer is a good front man but nothing astounding and they do the usual cover stuff most bands do here cept with some country because their lead singer has a hard on for that but to be honest that puts more people off than it turns on. if you're a full band, play tunes people know and like and are semi decent then people will go to see you once word gets around. when we started doing covers we were going to record some drum and keyboard tracks so we had the two guitars but thought it'd work out much better if we just did a 3 piece with drums guitar and bass and to be honest I think it's the right idea.

 

 

Agree entirely. There's something special about a "real" band.... it also has a rarity value here in the UK now due to licensing laws - a lot of venues will only take on the two-guys with backing tracks because it's much cheaper to get a license for "up to 2" performers than it is to be a place where a full band can play.

[Hollow body]

Good question.

 

In addition to the above, I'd say it's crucial to play with conviction -- to put the songs across like they matter to you. A mediocre band playing from the heart will always seem better than strutting hotshots. Audiences seldom give a {censored} about musicianship; they care how the band looks and sounds.

[BndGrl]

 

Originally posted by Hollow body Audiences seldom give a {censored} about musicianship; they care how the band looks and sounds.

 

 

+1

[fastplant]

 

Originally posted by Hollow body Audiences seldom give a {censored} about musicianship; they care how the band looks and sounds.

 

 

I agree as well. I know a few bands around here that are awful musically, but draw pretty well. It's about the show, not the musicianship. Although, if you have the show AND the musicianship, then you're set.

[Jimi Ray Halen]

 

Originally posted by Hollow body Good question. In addition to the above, I'd say it's crucial to play with conviction -- to put the songs across like they matter to you. A mediocre band playing from the heart will always seem better than strutting hotshots. Audiences seldom give a {censored} about musicianship; they care how the band looks and sounds.

 

 

I agree but how the band sounds is directly related to the musicianship level. Which would you rather hear (and you have to choose one) Someone enthusiastically wailing away at an E chord for 3 minutes or someone enthuiastically playing Eruption note-for-note?

[BndGrl]

Originally posted by Jimi Ray Halen I agree but how the band sounds is directly related to the musicianship level. Which would you rather hear (and you have to choose one) Someone enthusiastically wailing away at an E chord for 3 minutes or someone enthuiastically playing Eruption note-for-note?

 

Depends on what they look like

[Jimi Ray Halen]

Originally posted by BndGrl Depends on what they look like

 

Doesn't confidence and stage presence count for anything? It seems that an average looking guy who can really play and commands the stage can become better looking if he plays his ass off and smiles at the girls. Especially if he knows how to speak to people. I've seen it happen.

 

Not to me.

 

But I don't care 'cause I have a beautiful wife. I'm glad some women take pity on us poor ugly guys.

 

It's very rare to find super talent and super good looks in the same person. Let alone an entire group.

 

But what do I know? I mean, I like female singers and of course it helps if they're attractive. But I won't leave if she's not. As long as I like her voice. But then I ain't looking for anything nowadays.

[FlogRock]

Originally posted by B Money I can tell you right now how to attract a following. It's easy. I can garuntee this will work. How do I know? Because it's been working for my band for 3 years now. It all boils down to a very simple formula: Make the women happy, and the guys will be happy too. Ok. So, what makes women happy? Dancing! They want to hear music they like and can dance to, simple as that. Keep cranking out the danceable music, look half way decent on stage, and best of all, get them involved in the music. Let 'em dance on stage, give 'em the mic to warble their way through a chorus of "Love Shack", whatever works. Guys don't give a flying fanny fart what music you play, if the bar is packed with good looking women dancing and having fun. So does this mean you have to wimp out and play some dance-club {censored} for the rest of your career? Hell NO! We play all kinds of good rock music, just make sure it has a good beat and is not too obscure and your golden. You'd be suprised what you can get away with once the booze starts to settle in. Not to mention, we play some real shlock but we always rock it out and the crowds love it. Just follow my simple plan and you'll develop a following. I promise

 

That sounds like a good plan.

But what songs do you suggest? I'm looking for new songs for my pop/rock band with male singer, especially newer songs...

Do you have a setlist?

[BndGrl]

Originally posted by Jimi Ray Halen Doesn't confidence and stage presence count for anything?

 

Absolutely it does!! It's means everything!

 

It's very rare to find super talent and super good looks in the same person. Let alone an entire group.

 

Very true! Of all the bands I know, I've only encountered this with one band and I certainly appreciate that rarity. That's why they can't beat away with a stick...no matter how hard they try!

 

But I won't leave if she's not. As long as I like her voice.

But you're a musician and musicians have a different standard than your ordinary bar fly.

[squealie]

Originally posted by B Money I can tell you right now how to attract a following. It's easy. I can garuntee this will work. How do I know? Because it's been working for my band for 3 years now. It all boils down to a very simple formula: Make the women happy, and the guys will be happy too. Ok. So, what makes women happy? Dancing! They want to hear music they like and can dance to, simple as that. Keep cranking out the danceable music, look half way decent on stage, and best of all, get them involved in the music. Let 'em dance on stage, give 'em the mic to warble their way through a chorus of "Love Shack", whatever works. Guys don't give a flying fanny fart what music you play, if the bar is packed with good looking women dancing and having fun. So does this mean you have to wimp out and play some dance-club {censored} for the rest of your career? Hell NO! We play all kinds of good rock music, just make sure it has a good beat and is not too obscure and your golden. You'd be suprised what you can get away with once the booze starts to settle in. Not to mention, we play some real shlock but we always rock it out and the crowds love it. Just follow my simple plan and you'll develop a following. I promise

 

yup.

[Ripping Rudy]

I am big and ugly... But, I rip on the guitar, dance, sing my {censored}ing ass off AND smile at the girls. I was put on earth for two reasons: To impregnate beautiful young girls and to raise hell. I try and do this at each gig. You can't miss with this formula.

[B Money]

Since it has been requested, here's our latest set list of certified golden hits that can't miss:

 

SET 1:

1985 - Bowling For Soup

The Middle -

Summer of 69 - Bryan Adams

American Idiot - Greenday

Stacie's Mom -

Santaria - Sublime

Twist and Shout - The Beatles

This Love - Maroon 5

I Don't Wanna Be - Gavin Degraw

The Anthem - Good Charlotte

Sexual Healing - Marvin Gaye

I Want You to Want Me - Cheap Trick

Are You Gonna be My Girl - Jet

Friends in Low Places - Garth Brooks

Rebel Yell - Billy Idol

 

SET 2:

All The Small Things - Blink 182

867-5309 (Jenny) - Tommy Tutone

Girl All The Bad Guys Want - Bowling for Soup

Lump - Presidents of the United States of America

Song #2 - Blur

Beverly Hills - Weezer

All Star - Smashmouth

I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor (?)

Somebody Told Me - The Killers

Brick House - The Commodores

Play That Funky Music - ??

Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield

What I Got - Sublime

Gin n' Juice/Humpty Dance/Baby Got Back Medley

Love Shack - The B-52's

 

SET 3:

My Own Worst Enemy - Lit

Vertigo - U2

Buddy Holly - Weezer

Almost - Bowling For Soup

Holiday - Greenday

Bitch - Meredith Brookes

Rock Show - Blink 182

Damn It - Blink 182

Blister in the Sun - Violent Fems (?)

Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond

Possum Kingdom - The Toadies

Come Out 'n Play - The Offspring

TNT - AC/DC

Fight For Your Right - The Beastie Boys

Purple Rain - Prince & the Revolution

 

the key to going over big with this material is to really lay into it. We rock out on stage, do a lot of banter and schtick, really ham it up big time. It's vitally important to engage the audience, make them feel as if they are part of the fun, not just watching it.

You can see we do a pretty wide variety of songs, but it all works together for the most part.

One thing I've learned; Chicks love chick songs.

example: Bitch by Meridith Brookes. I Will Survive. Just A Girl by No Doubt is another one that always went over well with the ladies.

[FlogRock]

Originally posted by B Money Since it has been requested, here's our latest set list of certified golden hits that can't miss: ...

Thanks.

My band plays similar songs, also a couple from that list. I think I will take some more songs from your list and suggest them to my band.

[ned911]

Interesting. On the way to work this morning NPR was doing a special on the singing of Sweet Caroline at Fenway during the 8th inning. Basically the whole place sings along - the music producer for Fenway stated "it's just a great song to sing along with" which got me thinking about adding it to our set list.

 

B Money - saw you were doing Sweet Caroline. Are you doing it straight or rocking it? Do you guys have a female singer? keys?

[BndGrl]

 

Originally posted by B Money Bitch by Meridith Brookes.

 

 

You know what else I've noticed, drunk people love to cuss. Anytime you can play a song where they can yell out a cuss word loudly they usually love!

[fastplant]

 

Originally posted by ned911 Interesting. On the way to work this morning NPR was doing a special on the singing of Sweet Caroline at Fenway during the 8th inning. Basically the whole place sings along - the music producer for Fenway stated "it's just a great song to sing along with" which got me thinking about adding it to our set list. B Money - saw you were doing Sweet Caroline. Are you doing it straight or rocking it? Do you guys have a female singer? keys?

 

 

Sweet Caroline used to go over big for us, but eventually people got sick of it. It's not fun to play if no one is singing along.