Whores and Money. . . the thoughts of one promoter
Musicians have their music to allow them to vent. . .I mean express themselves. What does a promoter or a promoter want-to-be have? And often there is a lot of anger in their self expression, granted not always. Megadeath and much of metal love to talk of death, and destruction, granted they are not always angry when they do it. Half of Eminem’s songs are rants against his wife, other rappers, and his mom.
I do not know what tools a promoter has to endure such crap, and no doubt we have our own frustrations – wives, venue owners, musicians on occasion, and just life in general. Granted booking of shows and perhaps that is the ultimate remedy, but one also does need to look at what one is doing, and one’s thoughts and feelings on the subject. So I write it down – Dear diary. . . and with the blog, perhaps for public consumption-all five or six visitors!
This, however, is not what I intended-I digress. The above perhaps is a preface. The actual intent of this little piece is to talk about whores and money or what I would do to see a little success. The title does dramatize and exaggerate, but that is what a title or headline is for. No in the end all I point to here is the idea of hooking up a cover or tribute band with an original band.
That is it? Whores and Money translates to teaming cover bands with original bands?
For this promoter it does. I am working such deals for a one or two bands right now and do ponder such things. The basic idea makes sense. Get a Cover or tribute band that is going to do one good set and (hopefully a good draw), and have the original unknown band start the evening. One has to start somewhere. They warm up for the bigger act, just like anywhere else.
On top of that you have the entertainment value. The audience knows, and enjoys the cover or tribute act, whether it is a Springsteen tribute, a U2 Tribute or a Kiss show. People know what to expect. They know they are going to have a good time. Friday or Saturday night, you go out for a few beers, maybe a few shots, hang out and just take in some good music. Nothing wrong with this picture and most important-the audience came out!
On top of this, they do get exposed to the original act. They check out and hear something new, and might just open up to this new band doing new songs that they never heard before. They might just actually listen and dig these tunes and arrangements that they never knew existed before the band started playing their instruments.
And then once the original act is done-the Tribute act takes the stage. What eaxaclty is wrong with them? They had to rehearse and master the music, the voice, the style, the persona of the acts they are doing. Likewise they had to give up a bit too. They cannot show up at rehearsal with an idea for a new song unless that idea came of Bruce’s or Kiss’ CD or album. They have paid their dues. And nothing wrong with this. There are lots of musicians who just love playing and do not desire the creative or composing element. They enjoy performing live or playing classics or artists they have focused on.
So what is the problem. . . Stay tuned and I will see if I can come back with an answer.
