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Joined: Jan 2001
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This is a quote from our drummer, John Marnie: "I always have this idea in the back of my head that if bands in the same area could get together and support each other at gigs, then we could up the attendance and get a repeat gig. Good way to support each other!
As I have tried this with several bands in our area, NONE of them, (friends in the bands too), has taken us up on the offer, or for us to be added. They all seem to want to take it all, I guess. But as John Marnie points out, there would be a bigger audience, from which could crossover to help the other bands out. Not loosing fans, as we see it, but joining forces to create a powerhouse concert feel to a gig, instead of the usual two or three sets. (Yawn).
As we put on a concert of sorts, I think it would be cool for bands in the same area to present that type of atmosphere at the usual clubs and bars. If us and another band got known for that, I bet the word would spread more than us doing the usual by ourselves. Could even jam with some of the members joining in and vice versa with their show,,(if all wants that of course).
Just like here, or anywhere else, (human nature I guess), and with bands, it seems not everybody is willing to be in this together. Goes with the odds of what some will or won't do, I guess. But you'd think there would be some bands that want the joining up for a more powerful night, at least!
Bands are like solo acts I guess, unless forced by labels to have other bands play. ????
Do band members here have any experience with this?
I don't mean where each band gets five songs. I mean where they share the whole night. Two bands,,,concert style. Just about non stop.
John
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I've seen collaborations on Youtube with two or three national acts. I always liked the idea of bands being in a supportive type of "family" togetherness, instead of the soap opera, my band can kick your band's ass, cut-throat environment. It would seem to me, that local bands, if they pooled together, could create a pay rate, among other things, that would force club owners to be more fair about paying their live entertainment. Almost like a union, I guess.
A friend of mine moved from Cincinnati (where it's pretty cutthroat) to North Carolina, and couldn't believe the difference in the band scene! She said that bands not only supported eachother, but regularly networked and filled in for eachother no problem, most of them already knowing eachother's original music. I just thought that was so awesome!
I would think that unity and collaboration would get a much more positive result than bands acting like junior high school, backstabbing, going against eachother, and undermining one another. In the big picture, it makes no sense at all.
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Great insight to this topic, Polly!
Being this area is near two big cities, Philly and NYC, the competition might be thought of as fierce. While really, being in the same boat, we can all help one another play out more, and as you mention, maybe make more money doing so. Could stir up the interest in getting out some to hear a concert, (of sorts), and not have to pay the huge fees of the signed acts. (Sorry signed acts). But us little fish like to party too!
Thanks Polly!
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Most musicians seem to view other musicians as "the competition." The real competition though is television, movies, video games, and the internet. One way to combat the competition is to join together and create a scene. Look at areas like Seattle or Athens, Ga. They have (or had) a vibrant local music scene, and once a band in the area hit the big time, it only created more opportunities for other bands from the area to succeed. However most musicians don't seem to see past their own egos, so they miss the big picture.
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We generally do not have the us V them attitude here. Most bands know each other and are pals. We play jams and open mics together we swap members and lend/borrow gear...we "dep" (temporarily replace a member who is sick or on holiday) regularily...and we all work for similar pay. Sometimes two or more bands will play the same gig doing alternating spots. Fall outs and feuds do happen but that is the exeption rather than the rule. We have the same enemies...drunk punters and bad agents so stick together. You never know when you might have to join another band or have someone join you. It is a hard enough life without making it any harder by squabbling or cutting each others throats.
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Joined: May 2008
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Same here! We've done quite a few shows where our band would open for a band from another town and vice versa. That's great for everyone involved!
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There is a community of musicians in my area that are supportive and cooperative in doing shows, substituting on instruments sometimes, joining in to sing harmonies, etc. I often sit in on guitar with others and will have others sit in with me.
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I've reached out numerous times, in person too. Maybe it's my breath! Although the other groups say, "Yeah, that would be great, I'll keep that in mind,,,,every time I made another mention for a specific upcoming gig, it wasn't accepted, and sometimes, not even answered to say "No Thanks". This area IS VERY competitive and most times just too fast paced in all areas, being we're close to two BIG cities and towns. (Industrial for the most part). Rat race, etc. It's not that the people in those bands are not nice people, for in every other way, they sure are. It's just when it comes to bands, the biggest thing bands did together here were to compete in MANY "battle of the bands". That goes back to 1966! Not sure with cover bands only, how they handle gigs. I'm talking about original bands, (who might or might not play some covers). Where's the love man???!!! (Time for my Listerine).
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Helping Hand
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Hey, I agreed for my band to open for my ex-husband's band...how amicable is THAT? At least I won't be standing in front of him, he used to throw his drum sticks at me when he was mad at me! Once I took my mic and threw it at him in retaliation. Now that I look back on it, I wish I'd have been in the audience for that one...seeing hubby and wife feud on stage! LOL It's a shame that egos get in the way. I firmly believe that musicians with the least egos go the farthest. I believe PEOPLE with the least egos are the happiest. Ya gotta be humble, man, and realize that even if you have a gift, a higher power gave it to you. We really ARE all in this together...and the more we help eachother out, the easier and better it is. You should never burn bridges either, or discount someone that you meet. You never know who it is you're talking to. Some dirty looking bum might actually be one of the best musicians on the planet with lots of pull. Most really creative people don't pay a whole lot of attention to how they look. I wish clubs here booked two or three bands in one night, but most of them don't. I love playing with another band. I love when two bands get onstage and jam out, figuring out the music as they go. There's nothing I love more than harmonizing unrehearsed with other singers. It's challenging and fun, and the audience is so much more appreciative of the effort. The funnest part is the after show party...that's when the friendly competition of "my band can out-party your band" comes into play!
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Well Polly, I see how supportive you are with Bob C and I know he is the type of guy who would reciprocate so good for you guys!
John, what helps to develop the cooperative elements among musicians is to have a common place or places where they can come together regularly. The are some clubs that most of us visit often and while all of us spend time in the city we have a neighborhood where there are a number of clubs in close proximity so we get to know each other easily. There is a street in Forest Park, Illinois which is in our neighborhood that has several clubs. Forest Park, I believe, has more bars and pubs and restaurants per capita than any other town in America! It is their only industry. This helps to attract a number of musicians. Plus we are 20 minutes from the loop in downtown Chicago, and Chicago has a ton of clubs.
Last edited by Jack Swain; 02/26/09 11:44 PM.
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I think it's a great idea, and I'd like to see it happen here on the coast. Two precursors I think one needs to have are (1) other bands and (2) a reason for them to want to work together. I may have found the latter--talked about the idea of a benefit concert in the latest issue of the blog--but performing-musician-wise, this area's been pretty desolate for a while. I'd like to coax more musicians out of the woodwork (I think that's where they're hiding).
Joe
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I firmly believe that musicians with the least egos go the farthest. Paul McCartney Art Garfunkle Gene Simmons Jerry Lee Lewis Chuck Berry Jim Morrison Barbra Streisand Etc. They, and others all went about as far as it gets! Probably about a 50/50 split, going by human nature. Although, most have to have a great ego, and just maybe hide it out of respect to others. I enjoyed your posts! Good points,,,,except for that one sentence!
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Helping Hand
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I firmly believe that musicians with the least egos go the farthest. Paul McCartney Art Garfunkle Gene Simmons Jerry Lee Lewis Chuck Berry Jim Morrison Barbra Streisand Etc. They, and others all went about as far as it gets! Probably about a 50/50 split, going by human nature. Although, most have to have a great ego, and just maybe hide it out of respect to others. I enjoyed your posts! Good points,,,,except for that one sentence! Maybe there's a difference between having the knowledge and confidence that you indeed have a talent, and of being egotistical? The former being an attitude of appreciation for one's own attributes, and the latter being a condescending attitude of pompous arrogance and entitlement. It's hard to work and play well with others when your head is up your own arse.
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wOW! All your raps are great! Got me goin' now.
OK. EVERYBODY IN THE PHILADELPHIA METROPOLITAN AREA. SIGN UP HERE! Whether you are a cover or original band, we NEED to BAND together to support each others GIGS and show those club owners we can pack the joints and make them lots of money so they can pay us more money. HA! THAT'S THE TICKET.
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I do a solo gig and I like to bring in friends to do what they do. I consider it mentoring. What I do is; book the gig; schedule everyone; set up the equipment; keep it rollin; pay everyone, then pack up and go home. Obviously, a simplified version.
I've been booking 2 hour gigs that usually have the first hour split between a couple of different folks. I get people who are talented and enjoy playing, but who don't normally play out. For them its a plug'n'play scenario. No pressure.
I personally feel that these folks need to be heard. Plus they compliment my style of playing. Gives folks a well rounded performance.
There are some guys around who will share a gig here and there, so I try to reciprocate. One dude set me up with a sweet gig because he said that I was the only guy who didn't try to steal his gigs.
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John, I wholly agree with this premise and have put it into practice in the past with good success. Gives potential for a larger audience and twice the fun. Hope to schedule a couple of them again this summer.
By the same token, I'll be seeing Elton & Billy this summer as they once again join forces for a continuation of their highly successful tour collaboration.
Jeff
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In regards to Polly's post, I think here in Cincy we're all VERY supportive of each other. There ARE a few cut-throats that give our scene a bad name, but they inevitably fall by the wayside. The old addage of hang together or hang separately. Polly has been patronizing my shows lately,{luv ya!} and I would do the same for her if I didn't gig every damn night! P.S, You HAVE to have a strong ego not to get squashed in this biz, some of us just manage it{our egos} better than others!
Last edited by Bob Cushing; 03/03/09 11:39 PM.
bc
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I think a lot of my opinion had to do with what I experienced on the old CincyMusic boards. There was a lot of name-calling and bands putting down other bands. It was awful! I knew of one band that got mad at another one for stealing their drummer, and called all the clubs that band was booked at and tried to cancel the dates!
There ARE good guys, Bob, you're one, Bad Habit, Dallas Moore, Sonny Moorman, Flatline...yeah, there are some bands that support eachother and work together. Cherry Shine (ever seen 'em?) are some of the hands down nicest guys I've ever met. Then there are some weird, pompous ones (I won't name 'em cause that's rude) but I'm sure you're aware of them.
You would be more qualified to speak on this than I would, I'm just voicing what I've experienced. I also only came back on the scene 2 years ago after a hiatus and a lot has changed.
Used to be, you could walk in, have a drink with the club owner, and BOOM! Your band was booked. Now it's a professional demo packet, schedule a time to meet up, get reamed on the price the first time in, owner expects new band to bring in a gazillion people, clubs are booked a year in advance, there are 3 new bands a week competing for spots that veteran bands are also competing for. The smoking ban put about 50% of the live music venues out of business, that and predator cops tailing people home as they leave the place. Not what it used to be.
But that's also what I was saying about bands working together, I don't know of many places booking more than one band a night, other than that Dirty Jack's where 5 original bands get up one at a time and do a few songs. It used to be that clubs had at least 2 bands, usually in seperate areas, playing simultaneously.
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Polly, I wouldn't put any stock in "Cincymusic" {good riddance!} Those were a small clique of hipper-than-thou jackasses with little to offer the actual music scene. You're much better of hanging out here. I just went there for the entertainment value, and occasional self promotion. I DO agree with you that we are in the perfect storm...DUI laws, smoking bans, the sour economy, competition from other sources {the internet, DVD's ect,} changing musical trends {Hip-Hop DJ's and Karaoke hosts get WAY more work than us musicians nowadays!} We're in a climate where only the strong survive {and I'm pretty damn STRONG!} Although I never take one minute of this for granted, I know this could all be over tomorrow, and it helps me keep my edge! I feel so fortunate that I established myself long ago, because I couldn't IMAGINE trying to break into the scene as a "newbie" now.
Last edited by Bob Cushing; 03/04/09 05:27 AM.
bc
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You just need to go on Craigs list in the city you live in or are close to and click on musicians. There seems to always be a "cat fight" or someone dissing other musicians or band for whatever reason. Hey, who needs the Soaps?
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"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
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