United States

Again......it's business.

(and I didn't even mention "PRODUCT")


Have a business plan.

This is "show-BUSINESS", "show-BUSINESS", and without the business there's no SHOW.

Interesting Thoughts and comments here on the valley of the Sun. I see it's been a couple years since anyone posted on gigs here in Phx. I've been a relo from Chicago to Phoenix & here 8 years. Haven't played out too much but thinking of it now to make a few bucks, use the talent and have fun. The Casino's keep growing here, and I'd think there are opportunities in there for sit in musicians. What do you think? I agree genre's gotta fit the the Audience's needs & wants and Classic Rock is not always it. Gotta mix it, or lock in to the location's sweet spot. So what do you think is Phoenix' sweet spot for music genre?

Rock On!

Ok, clearly the economy is messed up there but some of my friends have been doing quite well for gigging and such.

Check out Cave Creek where they have live music just about every night of the week. My favorite is C4 (Cave Creek Coffee Company) where they have a music listening area so the talking people can go in the other room and the listening people can enjoy. Win hearts at open mic and you might get a booking.

Look around... there are a bunch of success stories, especially for country oriented bands but I've seen folks doing classical, blues, band, solo, open mic, rock, pretty much any kind of music in the Phoenix area from classical to metal.

Go to the shows, find the places that host the kinds of music you play, meet people at open mics and associations, get your name on a list for fill-in or opening. Do the work, have enough talent and you will get the gigs.

I have since moved to Seattle and the market here is by my estimation tighter. No money and forget the solo gig except for the farmer's markets...

Good luck!

I think that there has been a glut of mediocre music coming from mediocre bands since about the time mp3.com started.

If you want to see crowds of people enjoying music, go to a karaoke bar where every patron is a star.

I also find that the best music scene(s) are in the east, but they aren't standard rock. Asheville NC is a surprising gem. Austin TX has to be the best place for putting a band together but you won't find many places that pay because 800 bands are beating the doors down to find a venue. Ohio just plain rocks...they love it live there.

I attribute it to the very staunch DUI enforcement and subsequent penalties that are in place here. Take a look around you when you're driving home from a gig. Last night on the loop 101 I saw three cars pulled over and a total of 6 or 7 police cars during the 15 minute stretch I took. I also saw car pulled over not far from the 101 as I made my way home.

Of course....this is the same section of highway I drive three or four nights a week where some YO-YO going the wrong way on 101 crashed into a police car.



If you're not terrified to drink (even just a little) and drive in this town....you are stupid.

bingo... that has to be part of it.


I do a lot of driving and there has been a very noticeable increase in late-night police activity since the economy crashed in 2008. We're practically in a police state already. They are looking for any reason to pull people over and search them.

Why take that risk when you can find music, sports, movies, entertainment, whatever on cable/satelite TV in the comfort of your own home much cheaper?

Not to mention beer is cheaper that way too

I attribute it to the very staunch DUI enforcement and subsequent penalties that are in place here. Take a look around you when you're driving home from a gig. Last night on the loop 101 I saw three cars pulled over and a total of 6 or 7 police cars during the 15 minute stretch I took. I also saw car pulled over not far from the 101 as I made my way home.

Of course....this is the same section of highway I drive three or four nights a week where some YO-YO going the wrong way on 101 crashed into a police car.



If you're not terrified to drink (even just a little) and drive in this town....you are stupid.

bingo... that has to be part of it.


I do a lot of driving and there has been a very noticeable increase in late-night police activity since the economy crashed in 2008. We're practically in a police state already. They are looking for any reason to pull people over and search them.

Why take that risk when you can find music, sports, movies, entertainment, whatever on cable/satelite TV in the comfort of your own home much cheaper?

Not to mention beer is cheaper that way too

This is why I am diligent about practicing my Cartwheels and back-flips... (For the Alchohol tests).. I alwaysd start with a fifth of jack and top it with some Tequila shots... I love the part where , When I'm doing the cartwheel I put a bic to my lips and blow fire LOL!

...I believe that music has suffered the same fate and pollution as the other arts. To be blunt much has lost it's soul and even more has never ever had any soul. I dabble in many of the Arts and painting is one ...if I had to pull out the hair from my cat to make brushes with which to paint then I would and I feel the same regarding all other aspects of my creative life. It is a struggle and I admire any who participate in it seriously and who devote themselves to their Art no matter where they are. I wish you all the best in your searches and various endeavours. Do not be discouraged, take heart as there are many of you and do not falter in your personal creeds. Ta

Vamp

I agree on one part - we have to do it. I write songs because I must and play for the same reason. It is currently causing me a lot of grief at home but there is nothing for it but to do it.

However, I disagree about the music. Perhaps it sucks in Phoenix, don't know since I 'm not there. BUt overall I think music is in the most magical state since the sixties.

New forms popping up, Argentina, Russia, Poland, Germany and Japan - all sorts of interesting music and many successful ventures into existing forms.

cheers
Talbot

...and Perspective Mike. I recognize your point and do admit that it is most impressive to witness and hear what is being done in spite of such great adversity. If one is truly an Artist then I believe it is more about "the struggle" than "the journey". But I feel that one of the most important factors ... that of real appreciation and comprehension by the G.P. has been steadily declining for quite some time. Money has been killing the soul of Art everywhere and "commercial" has replaced "feeling".

The point is utterly arguable I admit and I hope it becomes negated by "magic". I truly do. I thank you for pointing this out and know perhaps I could be wrong. Ta

Spent a week at the Hyatt in Scottsdale, they have a large outdoor bar/stage and seating with interesting bands, not classic rock just acoustic /electric guitars, vocal groups, one drummer had a cool setup and played standing up while singing...

true, you gotta go to tempe if you want to see some pretty good local bands. If youre into metal check out these guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2iOGReB ... ure=relmfu