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Manchester based original indie band Random White:
https://www.facebook.com/RandomWhite
https://twitter.com/randomwhite1
Manchester based original indie band Random White:
https://www.facebook.com/RandomWhite
https://twitter.com/randomwhite1
Good point about quality - whether covers or originals if a venue/pub only puts on good bands the reputation means people are more likely to pop in and check out a band - the local pubs that try having bands and don't invest in quality soon stop due to empty rooms. I get that it's hard but if you are willing to invest knowing it will take a few months to pick up then there is more of a chance.
There are more bands and promoters - technology means it's a lot easier to have a go so the market is oversubscribed with people that don't have to work at getting going - I'm all for encouraging people but done in the right way - otherwise promoters know bands are likely to bring friends and it stops being about actually being good, despite the best intentions.
The other thing we've noticed is the change in how younger people socialise (for whatever reason - cost of beer, smoking ban, lifestyles etc) but more people seem to have a drink at home and go out later - maybe most of the night. This doesn't fit in with the gigs in the same way a night out did in the 70's and 80's. In the late 80's on a free night, we might check out a band and then go to a club but as much as people would enjoy a band that doesn't fit for as many people.
It's about the money in the toll at the end of the evening that keeps them open.
Promoter is an often used word these days but most of them do little but expect a band to bring their mates to the venue to buy beers/tickets. I try avoid these guys.
Last year a local band put a night on at a venue, put a few acts on (us included) promoted it properly and turned a profit-we got a few quid for it-it was a good night for everyone concerned. I'm gonna do the same in the new year at the same venue and if it works do it a few times a year.
Manchester based original indie band Random White:
https://www.facebook.com/RandomWhite
https://twitter.com/randomwhite1
Yeah basically that's what they do-the bad ones anyway. Good ones will do a bit more or have an established night with regular punters who turn up.
Manchester based original indie band Random White:
https://www.facebook.com/RandomWhite
https://twitter.com/randomwhite1
Maybe I'm biased, but I don't want an originals band to play covers. I want them to be original, to have some soul and balls. That's the trick... have soul and have balls... even if you do wear your influences on your sleeve.
Playing covers might be a short-cut in the short-term.. but in the long term, I am unconvinced. But maybe that's because the only covers I've heard have been awful terrible. Played a gig once where they covered Lateralus by Tool. You'd think that would have my ears perking up and I'd remember the name of the band. But they didn't, and I don't... and they fucking sucked. I knew it from the first three notes. Completely out of time, hadn't spent any time to dial in the delay to sound like the original song, and ultimately left me pissed off and angry at them for even daring to try it.
lol. I'm an asshole. But yes, that's the spectrum of emotions I went through.
I've wanted to do some covers, but like... metal versions of Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada tunes. I've had a few pints so fuck it... we're all REALLY good musicians. But playing covers wouldn't help us... trust.
My YouTube Channel
My YouTube Channel
I completely understand originals bands not wanting to do covers. However, listening to a long period of unfamiliar music is asking a lot of some audiences and something familiar as a thank you for coming doesn't seem a bad idea.
A bar in Manchester has a great open mic night on a Tuesday and is always rammed-like a Friday night-with people coming because of the acts that get put on. There's a waiting list to play, and they don't just let any old shite on-which after a year or so has resulted in it being busy I guess.
Unfortunately it's acoustic acts only, but if you could get a venue and promoter willing to be selective and give it some time, I think that you could get a similar thing going with a 'plugged' evening-maybe a once a month thing rather than weekly. I reckon you'd need a quality 'house band' that were throwing some covers in to get people coming back though.
Manchester based original indie band Random White:
https://www.facebook.com/RandomWhite
https://twitter.com/randomwhite1