RhythmMan wrote:I played last night at a new restaurant in Guilford. I had one singer with me, and a bass player.
I gave the owner a huge break on our asking price, so he’d do good. They'd only been open for 5 days; no customers yet.
I insisted that we play soft enough so customers could talk.
Bands that play loud - drive customers out the door.
When we started, the place was 1/4 full.
So - ok - it’s a new restaurant, short notice, and no advertising. This was their first Saturday.
45 minutes later, every chair was filled - standing room only. Anyone who stopped in - stayed.
So, ok; good.
I stayed an hour after the show (last night), to see what happened.
A hour after we'd finished performing, the crowd had drifted away - there was only about 8-10 people left.
We packed the house for the restaurant's first Saturday, and they are very happy. Now he wants us back. I told him we’d do it once a month; I want to keep the material fresh.
.
Now, here’s a point:
We play ONLY original material. No one had ever heard any of the songs.
But we packed the house, playing originals.
The next time someone tells you that you HAVE to play cover songs to make any money, remember this story.
You do not need to play cover songs to make money in this business - unless you want to.
Thank You so much Allen!
I've been saying this for year's but everyone's so worried about "pleasing others" that they just wind up juke box's playing with little or no feel. That gets old Quick for the band AND the audience!
www.myspace.com/blunderingeye
www.myspace.com/445175001
http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/6039/
"It is what it is"