Tmoney64 wrote:Shredd6 wrote:You know, for the longest time Las Vegas has been a terrible local music scene. But lately, I'm being more and more surprised by the bands I'm seeing pop up here. There are a lot of creative bands starting to emerge. And crowds are showing up in bigger numbers than I can remember. It's a really cool time to be in Vegas right now. Not too far from Phoenix man.
You're right dude, I have heard of Vegas getting better and better. I take a trip up about once a year for the last few but I may have to get my butt up there more, maybe even to play. As far as you other guys saying people treat music like a wall paper or something that's just "going on" or something, you're totally right. I've had some long conversations with my friend in Nashville, prior to my recent trip out there, about some the of negative effects on music, or at least how people perceive it. We seem convinced that people have almost become desensitized to the charm of seeing a live band due to things like mySpace, Facebook, youtube, and the like. We may be talking out of our asses but I do feel they've had more negative effects than they've had positive effects in the world of music. Maybe some other thoughts on the subject from more experienced players who have been in the game longer than I have?
Well.. It's my opinion, but I would say that crowds have become desensitized to certain genres. A mediocre Rock, Heavy Metal, or Metal/Screamo band can be hell on a crowd. Kids are more tolerant, but the venues that are all ages are few and far between. There seems to be more bars today than all ages places. And by the time a crowd has turned 21+, they're sick of being screamed at all night.
My personal observation caused me to decide to try something different. Even though I was fairly good at Hard-rock, it was really hard to find reliable players in that genre, and with that came mediocrity no matter how hard I personally practiced.
If you really want to enjoy a certain level of success here in Vegas or possibly Phoenix. Sidestep Rock altogether. It's too hard to find a descent singer. The bands that are cleaning house over here are either Alternative, Ska, or Reggae. You can play shows ANYWHERE with those genres. Nobody's screaming at you at ungodly decibels, and you won't find a whole lot of self indulgent 5-minute guitar solos.
Lead guitar players are a dime a dozen. So where do you find a case where it isn't?? Reggae. In a Rock or Heavy Metal setting, they're everywhere. If you're good at guitar solos, start contacting Reggae bands in your area. Whether they might be looking or not, they're starting to come around to the idea of having a pimp soloist. Reggae music has a close loyal following. They show up, and they pay for it. As a lead guitar player, you will stand out above most who are in the Hard Rock sector.
I know it sounds crazy.. It did to me too when I decided to go that route. But I happen to know that there are a lot of Hawaiians in AZ, which is mainly reggae music. It's the most loyal fan base around, and Hawaiian singers are generally REALLY good. In San Diego and Southern Cal, Reggae is big, and the genre is gaining a lot of ground here in LV, Arizona, and Utah. So imagine a mini tour. It's a tight circle where you can do weekend tours. One weekend in LV, the next in SD or beach areas where loyal local fans frequently show up.
Also, if your Reggae band starts getting known as the best (or one of the best) Reggae bands in town, you now get hooked up with the biggest national Reggae and Ska acts that come through your area. There's a band in Bakersfield that is literally the best Reggae band in town (if not the only one) and they get EVERY single national gig that comes through. Steven Marley, Eek A Mouse, Tribal Seeds, Katchafiya, you name it.. These bands sell out local venues easily. Your resume fills up fast in that case.
If you are really serious about finding some success in your area in the west, I would suggest opening your mind to a different genre. Unless you are really lucky at finding a great rock singer and competent band, you will go through this struggle for a long time. I know by being in this music scene as well as Southern California for a long time. I only wish I had come to this conclusion a long time ago. The rest of the guys in my band are in their early 20's, and we're pulling usually $400-$600 a night average. I was never able to do that with any local Hard-Core band I was in, in the past.
I still listen to Hard-Core music. I still love it. I still have my guitar heroes that I admire. But I am now putting myself in a position to set myself apart from the guys who I know are still playing that Genre. It's a better way to stand out by far, and I'm making a LOT more money.
Here are 2 bands that we played with earlier this Year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoON3jwU ... p_TZUH-4wc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDZOHSLo ... Ctz7CmDmU0
Hear that groove?? Crowds LOVE that steady groove. And bar owners love it when the crowd loves it.
As far as the whole youtube. facebook,myspace thing.. I'm not sure I agree with that a whole lot. Good music is just good music. If you provide it, crowds will still respond. You just have to give them a legitimate reason to get into it.