OK, so I guess this is what I do now here, complain about things people are sharing on Facebook too much. My Facebook friend Phil shared this just now, and while I agree with the sentiment in theory, only because so many bands bitch about how "no one supports the scene, maaan," then peace the fuck out as soon as their set is over, often times unloading right in the grills of the next band up, I'm not sure I can endorse this particular strain of whinging wholeheartedly.
Here's an idea to consider: if you've got such a shitty draw that the audience gets noticeably smaller when the 4-8 other dudes in the other bands leave the room, then maybe you should rethink that whole 'being in a band' thing, because it seems like no one wants to see you.
I remember this same thing being an issue back in my days toughing it out on a Tuesday night at the No Hope Lounge playing third out of seven on a bill with the Shitburgers, and while it was occasionally a bummer to see Bobby Bandnuts unload his beater kit into his Toyota hatchback while I was 'pouring my guts out' on stage, I wouldn't want to spend a single extra second inside a local rock club watching the dregs of the 'local scene' fart through their sad pantomime of aspirational creativity a second longer than the barest minimum required by human decency either.
Lets take a look at to see what the kids in the trenches have to say about this important issue so we can get a more balanced assessment of the 'state of the scene.'
Oh, weird, what a surprise, there's a parasite huckster parachuting into a local music related thread trying to sell his jerkoff service for losers that no one with a modicum of talent would ever fall for right at the top.
Would you like to have one of your songs included with a music pack that will be advertised with TV commercials? COntact me:
Good point here below, but you know what else is disheartening? The bands in the cargo shorts, dad jeans and 'show shirts' clanging across the shit-crusted sound system with their Ramones-influenced boner rock set.
as a fan, it is very disappointing to see bands do this. We understand packing up or loading out or whatever, but when you leave, and take your fans with you, that is disheartening.
Playing a role in the local theater groups' production of 'Bike Messengers Imagination Experience' is more important than your actual job.
My favorite is "I have to work in the morning". So do most metal musicians. Support the scene, hang out. It's not going to be the end of the world if you're tired. -Sean
LOL at people who still say 'signed.' That's what old people used to say back when I wasn't even old yet to refer to a successful band.
my favorite is "oh those guys suck, i can't stand to listen to them so I'm leaving" really, cuz you're playing Arco Arena, right? You're signed and awesome. Support the people who have the balls to get up there and rock like no ones watching.
At least at the comedy shows the laughs are usually intentional though.
Same happens in comedy.
Successful bands don't eat, fatty. Food is not for closers.
I've only left once after playing, and that was to get some food cos I was fucking starving. I was absolutely gutted that I missed the band playing after me (I practically ran back to catch them moving all their gear off stage) and it pisses me off to no end when bands think it's alright to do this. Spot on Condescending Wonka!
Everyone knows that buying a ticket to a show is a contract that stipulates you are here to falsely prop up the misguided egos of all of the people involved, not just your one friend from work who's been bugging you to 'check out his concert' for weeks.
I think this message should go to the bands followers as well. You shouldnt come to the show just to see your band play then leave (even tho your band is sticking around).
Who knows, I could be wrong here though, and I do get where these guys are coming from in a way. That's why I always make sure to read every single blog post written by every single blogger in my local/regional blogging community from start to finish. It's just the right thing to do. These people work hard to entertain you.
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Loading out early is disrespectful, but yeah, if you're at O'Brien's on a Tuesday and the only other people that are there are the other bands, I guess don't be mad, bro? I dunno.
Supporting the scene is important to the people who are in the scene, but obligation rock doesn't help anyone either. It's a fine line. I mean, what's the famous thing, there were like, 15 people at the first Sex Pistols show, and they all went on to form bands or some nostalgic shit like that?
I don't ever want to feel. Like I do right now.
I can consistently rely on you to validate my decision to quit everything.
Also am I supposed to comment here, or on your post where you rehash this on Facebook, or one the one that it tells me that you liked this on Facebook?
It's not a "scene" thing, it's just a matter of showing respect to people you are working with. If you are not working with the people on your bill, then that's a shitty bill and I don't know why you're bothering to be part of it.
@Richard: I think that anecdote was about the Velvet Underground, but they were good, so not sure it applies here.
@Nate: All I ever wanted. Also, harnessing the synergy of social media is a big part of making it in the local blogging scene.
@Michael: Tailored bills are preferable, sure.
i've never been in a band so i have nothing of value to add. except this:
if you stare at the ptsotl wolf long enough, more things appear. like the word that each letter stands for inside the letter.
I NEVER NOTICED THAT EITHER TIL NOW WTF? JOHN BROOKHOUSE IS A GENIUS.
yup, if I book a show and the band leaves before the end, I won't work with them again and I probably won't be recommending them to anyone else either. If some members have to leave and can do it in a quiet and respectful way and there is a representative or two left, I'd let it slide. hanging around is your opportunity to make new friends and "network" etc....
So you put them on the bill to guilt them into watching your own set?
barest minimum required by human decency = 3 songs into the set of the band playing after the band playing after you.
I think you're wrong on this one O'Neill. Bands hanging around to hear other bands isn't just about stroking egos. It's about a sense of community and solidarity - and also about influencing each other.
YES. no. yes/no. no, if I take a risk on a band it's because I want to get to know them better and if we all have a grand time, I'll ask them to do more stuff, and/or recommend them to others when they are looking for cool bands that are easy to work with.
It's possible I may be exaggerating a bit for 'comedic' effect. I think it's cool if bands are 'in it together' and help eachother out, for sure. Who knows why the other band is leaving though, it could be they have to get on the road, or do something more important, like find drugs and pussy.
If I never joined a band I never would have found any drugs OR pussy. And look at me now!
Btw this was better on facebook
more like support the MEAN amiright?
I'm in a band who's been together for not so long and some of our shows are sparsely attended. I would never get butthurt over someone not watching my set. Sophia, that is judgmental and petty. The music is there for you if you want it, take in as much as you'd like, go to the other room to talk to people or get a vietnamese sandwich down the street. If its quality, word will spread.
Indeed. If you live in a good sized city like Boston and you are good, people will know about it. That said, just because you're playing your first few shows for small audiences doesn't mean it's instantly time to quit. Tough it out for as long as you can. Once it stops being fun anymore, then you stop. LIFE LESSON
vietnamese sandwiches are on the list I think
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