Music Industry Discussion

Part of that paradigm shift (to EDM-"DJs") is $$$ - they can hire a DH to do this for $100 a night ($150 if the DJ provides the sound system). A band is going to cost them a minimum of $200, but maybe $400 or more (if the band's lucky!)
And the primary focus is the target audience. 20-somethings with money for drinking - many are still living with their parents - and they don't care about the music, just the scene. It's no different anywhere else.

That would all depend on where you are playing. If you are playing somewhere that doesn't have the music act as the main focus then you are always going to be background music. If you are a classic rock band that isn't playing where classic rock fans go then that could be the problem as well.

I know for a fact that crowds are into the shows my band plays. Put on a killer show and the fans will let you know through their loud cheers and constant pats on the back after the show.