After a little investigating...

[NYCguy1]

I don't know how many of you remember my last post, but I'm the new guy around here from New York City, home of some GREAT music. After living here for awhile, I've come to few conclusions about the music scene. I had my hopes very high after my first show in Ebensburg seeing a band called Third Standard that the scene was strong. It was made stronger after seeing a few other bands such as Blind Johnny Death and the Marauders, 3 musicially-inventive and talented bands which promote their original music heavily at shows. But now I've seen many more bands at many more venues and I've noticed something. Original music is not highlighted often enough and communities are extremely unsupportive of live music. DJs are getting huge crowds and talented musicians get empty dance floors. Original music is set aside into the shadows for bands with eccentric cover-song gimics or playing the same damn song that every other band plays. I've never heard so many versions of the same cover song, most of which don't do the original any justice. I guess what I'm getting at here, is that I'm looking for bands to really suppport, those who stand in the small crowd, aside from what is expected but with those who dare to flex their creative muscles in the form of original music. I'm not talking about 3-6 originals in a show, I'm talking AT LEAST 1 whole set worth. There is nothing wrong with a cover bar band, but there are just too many around all getting hte same results - no audience. Too many times in the past 3 months have I seen empty bars for live music. So who out there promotes original music at their show or what bars cater to such a band? For those who care, I'm interested and I apologize to those I have offended. I'm using this discussion board to broaden my weekend expeditions.

[Jim Price]

NYCguy1, keep monitoring the threads here on Rockpage, a number of original area bands are being talked about, and shows being promoted.

For starters, let me point you to the showcase for original bands that tornandfrayed is putting together, the "One Voice Musical Showcase," which starts on Saturday night, Nov. 5 at the Castle Pub's "Dungeon" in Ebensburg. This is the first show of the series, and more are coming together. This link has more info:

http://www.rockpage.net/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=7703

Also (shameless plug here), check out the "Backyard Rocker" on Q94 every Sunday night from 8 to 10, I regularly showcase original area bands and artists.

There are quite a few bands in this area that proudly showcase quality original music: The Grimm, Felix & the Hurricanes, The Nightcrawlers, The Flame Sky, Opposition, Infused, Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys, Inversion, Dragon Fire, Choking Faith, and many more. Check out the "Bands" page here on Rockpage, and you can research these and many other talented original bands.

Covers have always been big in this region, and a lot of bands incorporate original tunes and covers together in order to survive on the area bar circuit; a lot of venues won't book bands doing just their own originals. But bands doing quality original music are out there and playing, and original band shows do take place; just keep an eye on the "Show Schedule" and "Upcoming Shows" forum here on Rockpage for more info. Hopefully if the "One Voice Musical Showcase" is successful, it will open the door for more regular opportunities for quality original acts in this area to showcase their creations.

[rocker x]

There are quite a few bands in this area that proudly showcase quality original music: The Grimm, Felix & the Hurricanes, The Nightcrawlers, The Flame Sky, Opposition, Infused, Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys, Inversion, Dragon Fire, Choking Faith, and many more.

Thanks! JP

This area has never been that supportive for original music as far as an

audience goes, as we seem to have a culture problem here. But the small

following of fans that do appreciate original creativity are some of the

most loyal and generous people around! I can say for certain that on

Oct. 29th there will be one hell of a good show! at Peter C's

[tornandfrayed]

Come to Aldo's Friday Night , October 21st and see three Bands doing all original sets, that's right, no covers!

House of Cain
One Gun Salute
Speacial Guest

Show up and introduce yourself to me and I will buy you a draft!

[NYCguy1]

Thanks for the heads up Jim. I will keep my head up for the original scene. I listen to the backyard rocker weekly then go watch the bands and rarely see the music being played. I obviously have not been to enough shows with a diverse array of musicians. I will give the other bands you listed some support and show up to shows nearby. AWESOME idea to have a local original showcase. Is it to be played at different locations all the time or is Aldo's a frequent? I apologize if anyone was offended as it was not my intention, however, I'm looking for a taste of home here in PA

[nightcrawler_steve]

Here we go again with the "original scene" here in Central PA and the cover vs. original bands. I've kept out of the other posts on this sometimes "sore" subject because I don't enjoy controversy, but I'm gonna throw my 2 cents in because we all know what that's worth.

NYCguy....

Great post and honest opinions/observations....no offense taken here. Please don't you, the cover or original bands be offended by what my opinions/observations are.

That said - ha ha - *deep breath* Central PA is in no way shape or form comparable to NYC. I've played in the Village a few times and I cut my teeth in the DC/Baltimore circuit. All those places support "original" music for various reasons - demographics, radio airplay, population size, etc.. I doubt you, NYCguy, really expected this area to be comparable to your "home". And you seem like a reasonable intelligent person. I'd love to have someone like yourself be a fan of our band.

The market dictates what kind of music is going to be played in general. In this area, cover bands rule because thats what the "majority" of folks want hear and more than likely why DJs do so well. Yep a lot of these cover bands play the same tired old songs, with exceptions of course, becasue thats what folks want to hear. If you are an original band only, then can you can expect to not play very often or for a large crowd. The clubowners want "asses in the seats" and thats their bottom line. Can't blame them - thats their livelyhood. Ita a vicious cycle and funny game to play.

I guess what I'm getting at here, is that I'm looking for bands to really suppport, those who stand in the small crowd, aside from what is expected but with those who dare to flex their creative muscles in the form of original music. I'm not talking about 3-6 originals in a show, I'm talking AT LEAST 1 whole set worth.

Ouch! That one hurt and cut to the bone for me and why I decided to add my thoughts. I love your passion and desire for original music and it would be terrific if you were in the majority! Hell yeah! Unfortunately, you're the minority.

Our band, The Nightcrawlers walk both sides of the original-cover fence, we do both. The reason we mix is this: We would rather play a few times a week for hundreds of people hearing our originals, than play once a month for a crowd of 50. It isn't hard to understand this philosophy if you do the math. My hats off to bands who do not compromise and play all original all the time. Im just guessing they dont play nearly as often or reach nearly as many people. We play all original shows if we open for nationals or are showcasing. Were blessed here in State College, because since we've been playing and GROWING a following doing mix, our original tunes often time get the best responce. We HAVE to do a mix if we are to play a full 3 set night or get bookings on a regular basis. Doing one set of all originals can alienate the majority of the crowd, whereas if you spoon feed them 3-4 songs a set its more palatable for them. The end result is you played all of your original material through the course of the night. A total win/win in my book. We've sold I think somewhere around 600 or more of our CDs at shows since May 05. Multiply that by the folks who then copy them and share with friends and BAM! Youre reaching thousands - we encourage copying by the way - ha ha! Another thing about original music is the "quality" of it. Just because its "original" doesnt mean its quality. That's all Im gonna say about that

Now for the cover bands. Man its just what folks around here want to see. The majority of people just want to go out and be entertained, get their drink on, dance, get laid and socialize. Some even like requesting Zepplin and obscure Dire Strait songs And for those who rip on cover bands, ask yourself this question. Would you rather get paid playing music and doing something you love than working at some crappy job? There is a good living to be made doing covers. Those who do the weekend thing....damn what a great time that is for that musician - perhaps better than being a couch potato. Those that do it just as a hobby - good for you. Original bands should climb down off their high frigin horses and just respect any musician who is doing what they enjoy.

OK NYCguy....here comes the shameless plug. Come see The Nightcrawlers. I think there are a few people who might say it would be worth your time.

http://rockpage.net/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=7737

I personally invite you to check us out before hand on our websites and sample some of our original tunes.

http://www.myspace.com/thenightcrawlersband

http://www.the-nightcrawlers.com

Send me an email and I'll put you on the guestlist and give you a CD. Hope to see you and forgive me for this long rant. Again - hope not to offend anyone.

[AtoMikEnRtiA]

NYC Guy - send me a message and I'll get you some information on getting your hands on an Eyes of Anguish CD when they come out this weekend - E.o.A is an ALL Original, ALL Intensity band that is always looking for more support - just like every band in this area, whether it be original or cover.

I think you'll see a lot of good original bands do post on here and advertise - but you are right.. the majority of bands in this "scene" if you will - are cover bands - and steve hit the nail on the head - it's a vicious cycle and unfortunatley original bands, are forced out of the area - trust me, last week I found myself and my boys, Eyes of Anguish in Pittsburgh. We do "home shows" in Du Bois - we're going between Pittsburgh, and DuBois for now until this winter when we have dates in Reading, Harrisburg, and our upcoming date at CBGB in NYC in November - but Steve was right - bar owners only look at the money cuz they have too - it sucks, yeah, but its business - and in a capitalistic world.. the almighty dollar owns all..

[Mikey Wax]

Show up and introduce yourself to me and I will buy you a draft!

I already know you. Does this mean that I don't get a free beer?

[ZappasXWife]

Show up and introduce yourself to me and I will buy you a draft!

I will, thanks! How generous you are considering I don't know you! I like Guinness, hope they have that. Or what I really like is Guinness & Bass mixed, you know, a real Black n Tan. They're a little pricier, but hey...its free!

[YankeeRose]

Come to Aldo's Friday Night , October 21st and see three Bands doing all original sets, that's right, no covers!


Show up and introduce yourself to me and I will buy you a draft!

A FREE beer, REALLY? Guiness IS good, but so is Black and Tan.

[tornandfrayed]

Well if you were already my firends then I would buy you a beer,Hell yeah, if you guys/gals want a free beer then I will do that. Just one though.... And you have to come up and ask for me by "Torn & Frayed"

Even you Mikey! But I think you need Jager!

PS notice the word "draft" in the original post...

[Imgrimm01]

Last Grimm show , 2 hours , 2 full sets , number of covers...... 0 ....... more than 100 people through the door ! Is this an every show occurance? No of coarse not but if you give people a reason to come see your originals and PROMOTE there is a small original scene here, and more importantly if the venue is empty do we like it ? NO ... BUT we play our hearts out anyway, you see were all older and we did the "play what the people want thing " and at some point you sorta realize "If I keep playing what the people want instead of what I want to play , I will never be happy" so we figure to hell with it, we as the grimm dabbled in some cover music but we don't really enjoy it much ,so although we know several covers we rarely pull em out. I guess the main thing is as a musician play what makes you happy wether it be covers or originals.

[Banned]

Right on Bobby! I was there that night and it rocked.

Looking forward to the Halloween night at Peter C's, wity you and The Flame Sky, who do play some covers, could also pull off a night of total original music.