Spellbound, it almost sounds like you want a handicap. I've heard many good bands that do both, and a lot of the time I'd ask their soundguy "Hey, was that an original?", because they were so good that I couldn't tell. Good music will stand on it's own no matter what.
With a panel of QUALIFIED judges instead of a popular vote by the crowd, it shouldn't matter.
You have to remember also that cover songs are going to be judged much harder than originals. If a judge knows the words to the song and the singer forgets them or messes up, that's a black mark. In an original song, who would know?
A Rockpage Jam Fest? (Title changed as the event changes)
I've been involved in a few "Battle of the Bands" events over the years. I agree that judges are probably the best way to go to determine a winner. And a panel of judges is better than just one. (I have no desire to have the bullseye on my back after one of these things.)
Judging can be based on a variety of things, including stage presence, musicianship, tightness, overall presentation and more. I'd shy away from judging musical content itself, since it's like judging apples vx. oranges; everybody has their own musical tastes and preferences, judges included.
I agree with RobtheDrummer - the results of the battle itself are ultimately not that important (unless the winner is getting inked to a record deal or something extremely big like that) - the battle itself makes a good draw for people to attend and see live music. For the musicians involved, it should be about networking and being able to showcase their music - original or cover - in front of an audience containing new people who have never seen you before. The "winner" gets the prizes, but everybody stands to win new fans and following out of it. Most people probably won't remember the results of the battle after a few months anyway.
Judging can be based on a variety of things, including stage presence, musicianship, tightness, overall presentation and more. I'd shy away from judging musical content itself, since it's like judging apples vx. oranges; everybody has their own musical tastes and preferences, judges included.
I agree with RobtheDrummer - the results of the battle itself are ultimately not that important (unless the winner is getting inked to a record deal or something extremely big like that) - the battle itself makes a good draw for people to attend and see live music. For the musicians involved, it should be about networking and being able to showcase their music - original or cover - in front of an audience containing new people who have never seen you before. The "winner" gets the prizes, but everybody stands to win new fans and following out of it. Most people probably won't remember the results of the battle after a few months anyway.
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bassist_25
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I just have to echo what Rob's saying here. Going into a Battle of the Bands with the intentions of winning is pretty much the same thing as going to church just to get drunk off of the communion wine: You're going into it for all of the wrong reasons, and you're going to wind up disappointed anyways.RobTheDrummer wrote:I think a battle of the bands should be a fun experience for all and not so much of a competition. It can be competetive in nature, but you should use it to meet others and have a good time doing so. Should just hand out those scoring card things to the audience and have them throw 10's up for ya! It's hard to judge a battle of the bands, unless you go by genre, experience, etc...Just have fun with the idea!
If you're going into a BOTB with the intentions of networking with other musicians, meeting some new fans, impressing some new club owners, and selling some merch, then it's going to be worthwhile experience. Winning a BOTB, especially a small local BOTB, should really be the last thing on anyone's mind. I really like Chad's policy of not playing a BOTB unless it's involved with charity.
Quote of the CenturyRon wrote:Good music will stand on it's own no matter what.
"He's the electric horseman, you better back off!" - old sKool making a reference to the culturally relevant 1979 film.
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RobTheDrummer
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If the interest is there among you bands for a charity event, we can do that. Every band participating will get to nominate/vote on the benefiting charity. If I can get sponsor prizes, the judging will give those away....but if you go the charity route, I will hit the sponsors up not for equipment but monetary donation to go towards the advertising, soundman, and any remainer to the charity......This is truly a rockpage event. I'm just hosting and organizing it. I've done a lot of charitible things before and love to do it so I'm personally gamed for it.
Yeah, I don't think it would be fair to JP to have him as a "judge." his nature as a journalist and as a person is not to judge. Why force the guy who helps us the most to JUDGE us? Plus, in the history of BOTB's worldwide, there has never, EVER been someone who didn't feel slighted, who didn't also happen to WIN. Its human nature to rationalize not placing well, by blaming someone else, or gear, or timeslot, or something other than yourself. Plus, people are too competitive. There are bass-fishing competitions. As if the goddamn fish aren't enough of a challenge.
My then-band won the biggest one I was ever in, and groups of ringers from outside the area complained. Then we went to the Northeast finals and got the shelacking of a lifetime. My band blamed me... I broke my leg AT the competition, and we had to do it with me in a cast, on a barstool. A year later nobody cared who won, but still blamed me that we didn't. We lost because we weren't as good as the winning bands' performances.
Incidentally, within 3 yrs, none of the Northeast finalist acts existed. No stars were born. The national winner is likely flipping burgers as well. BOTB's are great for publicity and ego-boosts, but little more.
Anyhow, I'll support the BOTB, and even help if needed, but want everyone to know that it's not all shirts and girggles, and somebody will get pissed off. Have fun, but you were warned.----->JMS
My then-band won the biggest one I was ever in, and groups of ringers from outside the area complained. Then we went to the Northeast finals and got the shelacking of a lifetime. My band blamed me... I broke my leg AT the competition, and we had to do it with me in a cast, on a barstool. A year later nobody cared who won, but still blamed me that we didn't. We lost because we weren't as good as the winning bands' performances.
Incidentally, within 3 yrs, none of the Northeast finalist acts existed. No stars were born. The national winner is likely flipping burgers as well. BOTB's are great for publicity and ego-boosts, but little more.
Anyhow, I'll support the BOTB, and even help if needed, but want everyone to know that it's not all shirts and girggles, and somebody will get pissed off. Have fun, but you were warned.----->JMS
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SavageHeart
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Killjingle
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If you're going into a BOTB with the intentions of networking with other musicians, meeting some new fans, impressing some new club owners, and selling some merch, then it's going to be worthwhile experience. Winning a BOTB, especially a small local BOTB, should really be the last thing on anyone's mind. I really like Chad's policy of not playing a BOTB unless it's involved with charity.
I think it keeps the whole event about a cause, and can keep some of the ultra-competitiveness out of it. It also makes the bands that didnt "win" winners! But what I want to give to may not be the same as your charity; thats why I suggested "of the band's choosing; in the name of the event"
Just so I dont sound pompous, all charities are definitely worthwhile, but I bet we all have someone in our life that has been touched or diagnosed with some terrible disease or misfortune. I think if we are who we pretend to be, we will find that in the event a large amount of cash is earned, its feels fucking great to give a little back, especially around the Holiday season.
Ask Viva La Pelt had good it felt last Xmas, I think it was one of the best feelings ever giving to the local food pantry.
Everyone wants to go to heaven but noone wants to die
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ChaosRisingRice
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Why not run it like the Hoedown that starts this Friday. It is a great place, and the bands and fans can get as loud and crazy as they want. Make it a charitable event and by the way, maybe have some voting for the BOTB.SavageHeart wrote:I definitely think you could get more than $5 for two days of music. Maybe you could do $5 for one day $8 for two or something like that to encourage people to come both days. I know I'd be there, covers or originals...
Judges can be anyone not in one of the bands being voted on.
Sounds like fun, although a lot of other bars will have to hire a DJ those nights if all the Rockpage bands are there!
I'd volunteer to judge, as I'm bandless and pretty much unrecognizable in street clothes. It'd be more fun if the judges got to bust on the performers a la American Idol or Rock Star, although all in good fun of course.
I'd volunteer to judge, as I'm bandless and pretty much unrecognizable in street clothes. It'd be more fun if the judges got to bust on the performers a la American Idol or Rock Star, although all in good fun of course.
Ok, I love the way that this event is revolving based on your input...as I've said, this is your event folks...I'm just organizing it and setting some rules (but not many).
This will be a Jam Fest and not a battle. However, I'm still seeking some prizes donated to help you guys out..maybe some equipment, etc. We'll figure out how to deal with those later....maybe a raffle or just a random drawing of all individuals participating.
This will be a fundraising event for a said charity. I want us to decide here on Rockpage who will be the one to benefit for this event. Its easier to promote it to the public and the sponsors if we have one beneficiary. Over the next two weeks, I will take any suggestions that people have and build a list. We will then have everyone vote on one. Voting will be done via email or PM to me. I do not feel that we need to do that publicly. When making nominations, please feel free to give any background information on the cause.
This event is to showcase everyone. Every style. Please continue to let me know if your band is interested. Right now, its mostly originals that have contacted me. And to be honest, mostly metal. We need others to step up too as our audience will want a variety.
Please keep posting your suggestions. You all have been so great to work with so far on this effort. Thank you!
This will be a Jam Fest and not a battle. However, I'm still seeking some prizes donated to help you guys out..maybe some equipment, etc. We'll figure out how to deal with those later....maybe a raffle or just a random drawing of all individuals participating.
This will be a fundraising event for a said charity. I want us to decide here on Rockpage who will be the one to benefit for this event. Its easier to promote it to the public and the sponsors if we have one beneficiary. Over the next two weeks, I will take any suggestions that people have and build a list. We will then have everyone vote on one. Voting will be done via email or PM to me. I do not feel that we need to do that publicly. When making nominations, please feel free to give any background information on the cause.
This event is to showcase everyone. Every style. Please continue to let me know if your band is interested. Right now, its mostly originals that have contacted me. And to be honest, mostly metal. We need others to step up too as our audience will want a variety.
Please keep posting your suggestions. You all have been so great to work with so far on this effort. Thank you!
Surge 106.9 on board
Got word from the DJs at Surge 106.9 that they are interested in helping us out....more details to follow.
I really like this idea, and I agree that looking at it as a contest is prolly missing the point.
Two concerns and ideas regarding these. The date is a bit close to New Years so it can
either help/hurt the turnout. Also, that it's just after the other holidays and many people might
be strapped for cash might hurt turnout as well.
Granted, it might help but some consideration may want to be made to decide.
However, if it were, say, a week or 2 earlier the money raised could go to Toys for Tots a/o
The Salvation Army.
A) I think these are worthy causes, as do most people, and it might even help turnout, not to
mention that iit would put a good light on the local "scenes".
B) I've been part of organizing multiple band shows and I'd suggest some discussion for the "Cover" band portion as to the song choice. If a few bands end up doing
the same tune/tunes, it can really look...well, stupid.
Having everyone submit setlists early on and working these out in advance of show day
(Either nix the duplicates altogether so there are no issues/ill feelings or put them in a hat, a duel, anything).
Just some thoughts. But I think it's a great idea and would be a blast.
DaveP.
Two concerns and ideas regarding these. The date is a bit close to New Years so it can
either help/hurt the turnout. Also, that it's just after the other holidays and many people might
be strapped for cash might hurt turnout as well.
Granted, it might help but some consideration may want to be made to decide.
However, if it were, say, a week or 2 earlier the money raised could go to Toys for Tots a/o
The Salvation Army.
A) I think these are worthy causes, as do most people, and it might even help turnout, not to
mention that iit would put a good light on the local "scenes".
B) I've been part of organizing multiple band shows and I'd suggest some discussion for the "Cover" band portion as to the song choice. If a few bands end up doing
the same tune/tunes, it can really look...well, stupid.
Having everyone submit setlists early on and working these out in advance of show day
(Either nix the duplicates altogether so there are no issues/ill feelings or put them in a hat, a duel, anything).
Just some thoughts. But I think it's a great idea and would be a blast.
DaveP.
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DirtySanchez
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Dave, toys for tots could only benefit if we do it way early in December.
Those dates were picked for the main reason....availability of The Alley Popper. Yeah, ok. I'm a little greedy on this....If I'm doing the planning, I want it to be at my place. And, I really don't think that people would be any more strapped to pay $5 a night or $8 the weekend to come out to this event. Most bars are not having events on Friday and Saturday because New Years Eve is Sunday and they will be paying major bucks out for bands that night. My goal is to do a New Year's type theme with this....I just think that folks will be up to partying all weekend as most of them will have off until Tuesday. I'm also considering an advance ticket sale type of thing....dunno
Anyway....I like the input on the cover bands....I'm sure we can work things out among the group as we know who will be playing.
Those dates were picked for the main reason....availability of The Alley Popper. Yeah, ok. I'm a little greedy on this....If I'm doing the planning, I want it to be at my place. And, I really don't think that people would be any more strapped to pay $5 a night or $8 the weekend to come out to this event. Most bars are not having events on Friday and Saturday because New Years Eve is Sunday and they will be paying major bucks out for bands that night. My goal is to do a New Year's type theme with this....I just think that folks will be up to partying all weekend as most of them will have off until Tuesday. I'm also considering an advance ticket sale type of thing....dunno
Anyway....I like the input on the cover bands....I'm sure we can work things out among the group as we know who will be playing.
Lisa,
"I'm a little greedy on this....If I'm doing the planning, I want it to be at my place. "
Not greedy at all. Makes perfect sense and A.P. has a better setup for it than most places.
My thoughts on people being strapped actually wasn't the cover so much as how much people
may be willing/able to spend on drinks and such.
However, your point about other places not having events does make sense.
"My goal is to do a New Year's type theme with this"
Does this mean there's goin' to be some 600lb. guy waddling around dressed in a diaper
(That New Year's baby).
Duel? Did I hear duel? Pistols, sabers or witty repartee (Please say sabers, please say sabers, please say sabers...BLAST!)?
"I'm a little greedy on this....If I'm doing the planning, I want it to be at my place. "
Not greedy at all. Makes perfect sense and A.P. has a better setup for it than most places.
My thoughts on people being strapped actually wasn't the cover so much as how much people
may be willing/able to spend on drinks and such.
However, your point about other places not having events does make sense.
"My goal is to do a New Year's type theme with this"
Does this mean there's goin' to be some 600lb. guy waddling around dressed in a diaper
(That New Year's baby).
Duel? Did I hear duel? Pistols, sabers or witty repartee (Please say sabers, please say sabers, please say sabers...BLAST!)?
Are you volunteering to wear the diaper?VENTGtr wrote:Lisa,
"I'm a little greedy on this....If I'm doing the planning, I want it to be at my place. "
Not greedy at all. Makes perfect sense and A.P. has a better setup for it than most places.
My thoughts on people being strapped actually wasn't the cover so much as how much people
may be willing/able to spend on drinks and such.
However, your point about other places not having events does make sense.
"My goal is to do a New Year's type theme with this"
Does this mean there's goin' to be some 600lb. guy waddling around dressed in a diaper
(That New Year's baby).
Duel? Did I hear duel? Pistols, sabers or witty repartee (Please say sabers, please say sabers, please say sabers...BLAST!)?
Am glad to se you guys changed the name and outcome of this project...Hats off to HOC for suggesting a GREAT cause too...I read this post the first few days and didnt want to chime in with points that would start a "flame war"....But Jim Price summed up my feelings to a tee!.....We all have different style and tastes...as do judges...so to find any ONE winner would not do justice to "all the people" that came in 2nd.....Everyone is great in one way or the other and a band that won at one contest might not do so with the same line up,different day,different judges..."apples to oranges" as Jim said...
I use to compete in "Jimmy Dean Country Showdowns"...came in second twice and went on to state finals...we could place 2nd in one area...and a judge would call and ask us to compete at Hershey because they liked us more than the other judges...its a wierd concept...I always never liked "Battle of the Bands" because 90% of the time thats exactly what it was : 1 winner and 9 bands that HATE ya!....Seems we all could get togeather under no pressure and put out one great show...but call it a contest and I know alot of enemys are made...maybe not face to face but behind the scenes..Like I said not to flame on anything but just my opinion...and I know what they are!..(the ol like a-holes ,everyone got em...some stink more than others!....).....
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I agree with Trucula, et al, on a Battle of the Bands scenario. Think just a real get together
for a good cause for a couple of days is tré cooler. Also, it allows bands who do predominantly covers to throw in some original stuff and vice versa.
Either way, it's cool to see something like this progressing on here.
Clearly I don't have much to do at work today.
for a good cause for a couple of days is tré cooler. Also, it allows bands who do predominantly covers to throw in some original stuff and vice versa.
Either way, it's cool to see something like this progressing on here.
Clearly I don't have much to do at work today.
DaveP.
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."
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generationgap
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Word........brokenstrings wrote:Sorry spellbound, but the nightcrawlers have no problem writing their own music. Check out the tune African Echo. Thats not your run of the mill local band song. I believe that if the Night Crawlers did the show, everyone with an open mind towards music would have to give them credit.
Your never too young or too old to Rock n Roll