I don't think that invalidates any of my points. If you want to be in a band or be a promoter I'm not sure there's ever been a harder time. So while there may be no shortage of musicians out there doing it for the love of it, just getting enough traction just to break even, or not lose a significant amount is a struggle.
Even the established mercury nominated Nadine Shah
turned down Glastonbury last year owing to the cost, so I think my point stands and asking 'Are you sure' is a pretty relevant tip for any artist/promoter to ask themselves before putting their life and soul into it. Whether in it for the money or simply want to get out there and not go broke.
I don’t think it’s bleak for bands. That’s the bit I was responding to.
Bands are making music, getting audiences, playing, releasing, promoting, cross pollinating, laughing, having a grand old time. And they’re building audiences. Part of the problem is that audiences are more discerning and more demanding than they used to be, more music literate.
As for the “are you sure….?” I get what you mean but for my money I’d rather have not great bands filling out the bill so the venue can stay open. We need the bill fillers to keep the whole thing moving along. And in my experience and observation, there are plenty of bands who I think are only fair-to-middling, who are popular. Bring it on.
Deadletter and Lighthaus are both bands I don’t much like but you’ll be seeing them play your town pretty soon.
The Gash are gash imo but they’re going to be making waves in a minute. Automotion are boring ( or they were, I’m hearing that they’re better now) but they’re already playing Europe.
For every Deadletter, there needs to be two other bands on the bill who are never gonna make it, but they make the right noises and shapes onstage, they’ve turned up, plugged in and they bring their pals into the room, and it’s live music ffs so bring it the fuck on.
As
editor says, they’re not interested in making shit tonnes of money they just want a living wage so they can keep playing. The current model doesn’t support or allow that. I think we’re in a time of change, hopefully something different will emerge.
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From a punter to support acts - do yourself a favour and when you close your act TELL US CLEARLY WHO YOU ARE.
It's extraordinary how many bands think it's not cool / too awkward to do so. Remember that the punters might not know and who knows might buy your music if they do.
A lot of them are just shy or inexperienced or forget. They kick themselves when they get off and realise they missed the chance to say their name. They’re learning road craft and stage craft. Saying their own name falls down the list when they’re trying to get everything else right.
I agree though, they do need to do it more. It needs to be higher up the priority list.
