Tired!!!

[bassist_25]

I think it was August 2005 or 2006. Rolling Stone Magazine gave State College honorable mention in best music scenes across America.

That's pretty darn cool. Proud to be a part of that in some small part.

That is very cool!

See, the "scene" doesn't suck as bad as some people like to make it out to be. It seems that I've been designated as Rockpage's resident philosopher, waxing wisdom about the larger ontological problems of Central Pa's musicians and music lovers. LMAO I don't know what Descartes would say about our music scene, but I do know that music has been one of the toughest and most rewarding things that I've ever done.

It can be frustrating finding the right musicians, but when you do, there's nothing greater in the world. Even if you look at national bands, chances are they didn't end up with the cats that they started with. Sometimes you'll get a U2 who may have all of the original members, but that's an exception to the rule. Even Ringo wasn't The Beatles's first drummer.

I'm an advocate of doing what makes you happy. Just remember that everyone else isn't always going to share your vision. Supply doesn't usually create its own demand. If you want to play esoteric music that isn't made for the mainstream, then I support you fully; but understand that you're probably not going to be packing the clubs week in and week out. As Future President Sanchez said, what makes one person happy may not have the same effect on the next person. Posessed is doing what he wants to do, and that's awesome. Personally, I wouldn't be happy in that situation, because while I do like walking out of a studio with an album, I have to play live. It's the one and only thing that I've ever been addicted to in life. I'm an introvert, but maybe I'm an attention whore underneath.

It's real easy to blame other people if you don't succeed, whether it's flakey musicians or an indifferent public. Those are hurdles, but I wouldn't call them barricades. It's simple: You either fire the flakey musicians or don't deal with them in the first place. Then you find a market that will be receptive to your music and use it to your advantage. If someone truly believes that a scene is holding them back, then the old adage of not letting the door hit cha where the good Lord split cha applies. Maybe you'll fail; maybe you'll succeed. But I gaurantee that one thing that Sartre, Hume, Plato, and Rand would all agree on is that sitting around and bitching never accomplished anything...unless it's old folks who are members of a home owner's association. Then I guess that bitching does get things accomplished.

Anyways, I need to go work on my doctoral dissertation: If One Farts in the Woods and Nobody is Around, Does it make a Smell?

[Rich]

Thank You... Well put and takin'...

[Killjingle]

Im not into "this area; scene sucks" posts and rants. I think its disrespectful to even utter words like that for the chance that an outsider (lets call him "fan") should ever stumble across these postings. To many ppl put too much time and effort into their craft for stupid posts like this. I apologize if u take offense to me calling this topic stupid; but Im tired of hearing ppl mutter these words.

Why as a casual "fan" should I go out to any bar if all I ever read is that the local scene sucks. Its not just here on rockpage, its just about everywhere. A scene is about loyalty, respect, and genuine excitement about all things musical. I once got angry at Fat Vinny cuz Folkfest wont entertain the possibility of having a harder band, yet instead I should have just been happy that they have some kind of music and not a DJ. I can network well enough at Folkfest and pick out the metalheads and hand them flyers and free CD's. They will come to a show if they like what I am selling them on.

I see u retracted some statements of your original post; therefore I feel like u are prob a good dude just frustrated like a lot of other ppl.

The hardest part of being a musician is the uncertainty if you will ever get to do what you love to do: for a living or for the rest of your life. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Kudos to anyone who takes the time write a tune on a Fisher Price piano to the Maestro of the orchestra...

I think Possessed's new project has serious promise...

[lonewolf]

I think it was August 2005 or 2006. Rolling Stone Magazine gave State College honorable mention in best music scenes across America.

That's pretty darn cool. Proud to be a part of that in some small part.

That is very cool!

Yes, except that its a members only club comprised of 6 bands, 6 solo acts and a magician.

[Possessed]

Thanks for the props Killjingle!
I'm looking forward to the new Embalmed release as well. I always thought you guys were killer!
I think you make a good point as well. I agree too many people bitch about the scene and yes it is frustrating sometimes but, instead of bitching when you are unhappy, just do something about it. Whatever you do most likely won't put you in a worse situation than you may be in now.
It's better to make a change than to complain. Not like anyone will listen to my rants anyway.
Up the Irons!

[bassist4life2004]

I think that crying over this thread is pointless. Do what you love doing, play your music, or get off the stage and play in your garage. Dont disrespect the people that come out and drop 5 dollars at the door of the bar by sitting here complaining about how bad the scene sucks. Ive played on the "scene" if even for a short time, and believe me, from my perspective, it doesnt suck. Im having fun because im expressing myself, and doing what I love doing in front of people who appreciate it, all the people who dont come, that go see dj's that dont appreciate what i do arent a part of my "scene" and therefore, i dont care about them. I care about the people who follow my band, come out to see us play wherever we are, and even if there are a lot or a few, i appreciate every single one that comes out. They are my scene, people who like my band are my scene, and they dont suck.

Shit or get off the pot, its your choice.

[mjb]

It seems that I've been designated as Rockpage's resident philosopher[/quote]

by who?

[BDR]

by who?

Actually, it's, "by whom."

r:>)

[Rich]

Seriously... I meant NO disrespect to anyone, nor there fans. I respect ANY musician or any "performer" that goes out on stage in from of people and does there thing. It takes "balls". (And there fans for sticking behind them.) Like I said before, I guess "scene" was the wrong word to use.

I guess I should have asked was, do you think there is more or less respect and loyalty among musicians and "band mates" that play with each other in there area. Becasue I see NONE where I'm from.... Or is there people out there who just like to play and "entertain" just for the factor. And actually like to see people have fun with what you are presenting to them. (Not so much for the $$$, power, drugs, beer, bitches, fame and furtune or whatever else you can think of... )

But I have got my "answers" and there will be some changes in how I handle things from now on. And I thank you all for your opinions. There are more than just 2 sides to every story, ya know.

Onto something different for me.... Find some differnet players. (Out of "my" area.) Maybe it will be different this time, with a better attitude...

Thank You!!!!

[BDR]

Find some differnet players. (Out of "my" area.) Maybe it will be different this time, with a better attitude...

Thank You!!!!

All the members of our project (now in year 5) live about 1 1/2 hours away from each other. Prior to that, projects I'd gotten involved with that included people "local" to me kind of fell apart for one reason or another. Point being, we "shopped" for the right people and that bascially meant looking outside of the immediate area.

IMHO, it's really hard and unique to find the right mixture of people to build something "successful" and long lasting, working within a small geographic radius. That's not to say it couldn't and doesn't work — there're plenty of "locals" I'm sure I'd dig working with if I weren't already involved with bad daZe — but, the way I figure it, you're limiting your options by condensing your search area to X-square miles.

r:>)

[Rich]

In my "area" there "used" to be many... But I guess I see first hand, over the last few years. There is no more... I would have like to have kept it "local". Just because it would be easier for everyone and it would "PR" well. But I guess those days are in the past. And it took this "post" and the comments (help) from others to realize that...

On to greener pastures, I hope!!!

[nightcrawler_steve]

I think it was August 2005 or 2006. Rolling Stone Magazine gave State College honorable mention in best music scenes across America.

That's pretty darn cool. Proud to be a part of that in some small part.

That is very cool!

Yes, except that its a members only club comprised of 6 bands, 6 solo acts and a magician.

Oh and don't forget the one legged midget who plays the upright base from a bar stool every Wednesday at noon.

I'll admit the State College "scene" is very unique and can be difficult to get your foot in the door. It's very competitive. However, your statement is flat out wrong. No disrespect.

Did you pay your members dues? *sarcasm*

[SpellboundByMetal]

damn. This thread is full of so much crap, crying, BS advice, and "My band is awesome". I could make specific examples and point out the utter fucking stupidness of it all, but im not going to. I refuse to single anyone out.

Anyway, bands can get frustrating. It happens. Things work for awhile and then all the sudden dont. When you get a bunch of guys that A- Dont really know eachother OR B- arent really into the same style, things can be extra stressful.
Being related to or best friends with the guys in the band makes it EASY to keep it together and working well. Starting from scratch is different. Cant really compare the two.
There are so many different factors that determine the all around health of the band. Personally, I think its WRONG to attack the poster because he is frustrated and feels like he is hitting a brick wall. Not to mentioning tooting your own horn about how well your project is doing. WTF does that matter to him how well YOU are doing? The Crusader routine is fake.

If "FANS" are so damn turned off by frustrated musicians thinking the "scene" sucks, then Fuck the "fans".
Most of the "Fans" people think they have are fucking family and friends. Those arent fans, people!!!!!!!!! People that would be at the bar anyway, ARENT FANS EITHER. Thats another thing, everyone thinks they have fans, when really no one does. Theyd be at the bar even if a DJ was there!
There is no respect and loyalty in the scene. NO ONE makes time to catch other band's shows. Excuses are made and "its too far". Everyone is only worried about their own projects and its so clear. Ive only been to 3 or 4 shows in the past month and a half, but thats way more than before. It was all OTHER BAND'S shows. I try to support other bands besides words on a screen. You want a STRONGER scene? MUSICIANS start seeing other bands shows. Every band is against eachother it seems, except in the words on RP of course.
US MUSICIANS make the music. We are the Willy Wonka's of the Ears, haha. You gotta find what works for you, and NOT to follow the formula of another band.
If you wanna be successful right off the bat, start playing popular covers. Allready Successful music = a good chance of being successful. Unfortunately, the locals only really wanna hear whats playing on the radio. Original music is too hard to comprehend it seems for the avg person here. Its a shame, and thats one reason the "FANS" arent really there. anyway, if ive cleared anything up, great. If ive pissed someone off, great. It was not my intention for either. I just thought id give my point of view since the barrel allready had a bunch of puke and shit in it.

[Rich]

Thanks "Spellbound"... Point takin' And you are right about "band's being against each other." (It's moronic and stupid.) I know there are few out there that work with each other... But usually they don't... I've seen it way to many times.. I myself personally like to help and be helped. I think it's great for everyone. And builds a good relationship between bands. And that's what it's all about.

Thank You....

[Banned]

damn. This thread is full of so much crap, crying, BS advice, and "My band is awesome". I could make specific examples and point out the utter fucking stupidness of it all, but im not going to. I refuse to single anyone out.

Anyway, bands can get frustrating. It happens. Things work for awhile and then all the sudden dont. When you get a bunch of guys that A- Dont really know eachother OR B- arent really into the same style, things can be extra stressful.
Being related to or best friends with the guys in the band makes it EASY to keep it together and working well. Starting from scratch is different. Cant really compare the two.
There are so many different factors that determine the all around health of the band. Personally, I think its WRONG to attack the poster because he is frustrated and feels like he is hitting a brick wall. Not to mentioning tooting your own horn about how well your project is doing. WTF does that matter to him how well YOU are doing? The Crusader routine is fake.

If "FANS" are so damn turned off by frustrated musicians thinking the "scene" sucks, then Fuck the "fans".
Most of the "Fans" people think they have are fucking family and friends. Those arent fans, people!!!!!!!!! People that would be at the bar anyway, ARENT FANS EITHER. Thats another thing, everyone thinks they have fans, when really no one does. Theyd be at the bar even if a DJ was there!
There is no respect and loyalty in the scene. NO ONE makes time to catch other band's shows. Excuses are made and "its too far". Everyone is only worried about their own projects and its so clear. Ive only been to 3 or 4 shows in the past month and a half, but thats way more than before. It was all OTHER BAND'S shows. I try to support other bands besides words on a screen. You want a STRONGER scene? MUSICIANS start seeing other bands shows. Every band is against eachother it seems, except in the words on RP of course.
US MUSICIANS make the music. We are the Willy Wonka's of the Ears, haha. You gotta find what works for you, and NOT to follow the formula of another band.
If you wanna be successful right off the bat, start playing popular covers. Allready Successful music = a good chance of being successful. Unfortunately, the locals only really wanna hear whats playing on the radio. Original music is too hard to comprehend it seems for the avg person here. Its a shame, and thats one reason the "FANS" arent really there. anyway, if ive cleared anything up, great. If ive pissed someone off, great. It was not my intention for either. I just thought id give my point of view since the barrel allready had a bunch of puke and shit in it.

Very well said lot of good points in here

[BDR]

I think when someone posts a topic like this, obviously frustrated with his current situation, that it's a plea for advice, opinion, whatever, whether it would apply directly to his situation or not. That’s the point where others begin to offer all the "crap, crying, BS advice, 'my band is awesome'" and other forms of "utter fucking stupidness."

Rich has said more than once, "I thank you all for your opinions," or something to that effect, so I'd guess he was indeed looking for input and I'm sure he's taken to heart at least some of what’s been posted that does apply to him.

Is everything posted in this thread useful to him? I doubt it, but that's kind of the purpose of a "discussion board;" to "discuss" a topic and each person take from it what he or she wants, then disregard the rest of the "puke" and "$hit."

Is there respect in the scene among musicians? I'll strongly disagree with above posts and say there is plenty of respect. Funny thing about respect though — it’s earned.

Is "going to other bands' shows" indicative of "respect?" Sure, it can be, but, most gigging musicians simply can't do it most of the time because they're "gigging" at the same times (I know, it’s an excuse ... ). At this point, we're not playing Saturday night, which means unless we book something last minute I'll be catching a Camino Sky show Saturday night, but it's inaccurate to suggest that musicians who don't physically support other bands by attending gigs don't respect other bands. I'd guess the majority of musicians take the chance to see other bands when they're not otherwise obligated. And BTW, I happen to be a "fan" of a number of Rockpage bands, both original and cover.

Are there bands that are “against each other?” I bet there are, no doubt, but I really don’t believe that it’s a universal trend, not from my experience, anyway. Most fellow players in this region are super cool with each other and work together a lot, as evidenced by the many charitable events staged throughout the region, all year long, involving scores of local bands.

I think if anything turns “fans” off, it’s negativity, especially when it’s directed towards them. One thing I’ve noticed lately, at any given time when I sign on to this site, there are always 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 “guests.” Those who think this is a musicians’ exclusive site are kidding themselves. React to that fact the way it serves you best. If “fuck the fans” is your mantra, expect the result that attitude produces.

US MUSICIANS make the music. We are the Willy Wonka's of the Ears, haha. You gotta find what works for you, and NOT to follow the formula of another band.

This is about the only thing I agree with in your post. The thing is, sometimes, what works for you is a blend of thoughts and ideas from people who have had similar experiences. I've learned a ton from others in this biz and I know I have a load more to learn and I'll keep learning.

As always, my posts are for anyone’s consideration. Take what you want to heart and flush the rest of the “$hit” and “puke.”

r:>)

[SpellboundByMetal]

Ok, thats cool Rob, you dont agree whatever. anyway.

The thing you DO agree with really has NOTHING to do with you. It was more aimed towards people/bands that WRITE their OWN music. Willy Wonka CREATED stuff, he didnt just deliver someone else's candybar in a different package.

[Rich]

Yes, I was looking for "input" with this. I wanted to find out if anyone else was having troubles. And "input" is what I got. Which was great!!! And yes, some was nutty, some was just wrong "in my opinion" and some was just out right funny... But it was the opinion of all... Which was cool...

And once agian I thank you all... Believe it or not.. It has helped...

[YankeeRose]

Keith, to say there are no REAL fans of any Bands in the area (Whether cover or original Music of all Genres.), is totally ridiculous. Actually, by your own words you describe YOURSELF as a REAL fan!

[lonewolf]

That is very cool!

Yes, except that its a members only club comprised of 6 bands, 6 solo acts and a magician.

Oh and don't forget the one legged midget who plays the upright base from a bar stool every Wednesday at noon.

I'll admit the State College "scene" is very unique and can be difficult to get your foot in the door. It's very competitive. However, your statement is flat out wrong. No disrespect.

Did you pay your members dues? *sarcasm*

That's hilarious Steve...my 1st preview had "6 bands, 4 solos, 2 magicians and a midget", but for whatever reason, I changed it.

While it may be a little rigid, my statement is not flat out wrong...I used to be a member of that club for years, and yes, I spent years paying dues there too (did my share of open mike nights). And yes, I was Solo Act #3 and played in Club A every Monday, Club B every Wednesday, Club X every Thursday and sometimes filled in for Solo Act #1 @ Club 210 on Sunday. I do admit that there are a few exceptions and things get shuffled up a bit in the summer, but by the end of September, 80% of the schedules are cast in concrete.

All you have to do is look at a weekly chart of who's playing where and you will find 80% of same names at the same places on a given night. I don't even think the Seedy T (centre daily times) even bothers to change the printing plate more than once a semester. The Brewery still has their February calendar up (its probably still accurate, except for Saturday). This schedule example is the rule, not the exception:

http://thebreweryinc.com/schedule/schedule.html

[BDR]

Ok, thats cool Rob, you dont agree whatever. anyway.

The thing you DO agree with really has NOTHING to do with you. It was more aimed towards people/bands that WRITE their OWN music. Willy Wonka CREATED stuff, he didnt just deliver someone else's candybar in a different package.

That's right, I forgot, you write music that no one hears and that makes you superior to those of us who have chosen to do something different.

You gotta find what works for you, and NOT to follow the formula of another band.

Hmmmmm ...

FYI, I have written, I write currently with this project and I will continue to write. Only difference is I don't walk around demanding that people listen to and accept my original creations just because I made them.

Just becaue you write something doesn't mean it's good.

What a ƒü©king surprise. Mr. Ryen has turned this thread into a covers vs. originals thing. Just can't make it through a day here without attacking, can you? Sad.

This is the "respect" thing you're talking about.

r:>)

[Klamachpin]

Not to get all philosophical or anything (that's Paul's job), but is there really a "scene" at all? Or just hundreds of individual stories?

No, there is no "scene" around here. It's just every band on a mission to survive which is basically a tooth & nail struggle on a daily (or weekend) basis. Again, as I've mentioned in another post, it all comes down to peoples priorities. How important is the band to you? Where does it fall on your personal totem pole of life? If it's towards the bottom of the totem pole, then don't expect much from it. This isn't fucking rocket science. What you put into it, you get out of it - just like most anything else. What's really fustrating to me is being in a band with people who your priorities don't match. Sooner or later, probably sooner, problems will develop & game over. Then there's the x-factor of each individuals circumstances in life to consider. Okay, just find people who want what you want out of the whole deal & hit the grindstone as hard as you can or die trying! Of course, this may have to be attempted over & over again.

[nightcrawler_steve]

Yes, except that its a members only club comprised of 6 bands, 6 solo acts and a magician.

Oh and don't forget the one legged midget who plays the upright base from a bar stool every Wednesday at noon.

I'll admit the State College "scene" is very unique and can be difficult to get your foot in the door. It's very competitive. However, your statement is flat out wrong. No disrespect.

Did you pay your members dues? *sarcasm*

That's hilarious Steve...my 1st preview had "6 bands, 4 solos, 2 magicians and a midget", but for whatever reason, I changed it.

While it may be a little rigid, my statement is not flat out wrong...I used to be a member of that club for years, and yes, I spent years paying dues there too (did my share of open mike nights). And yes, I was Solo Act #3 and played in Club A every Monday, Club B every Wednesday, Club X every Thursday and sometimes filled in for Solo Act #1 @ Club 210 on Sunday. I do admit that there are a few exceptions and things get shuffled up a bit in the summer, but by the end of September, 80% of the schedules are cast in concrete.

All you have to do is look at a weekly chart of who's playing where and you will find 80% of same names at the same places on a given night. I don't even think the Seedy T (centre daily times) even bothers to change the printing plate more than once a semester. The Brewery still has their February calendar up (its probably still accurate, except for Saturday). This schedule example is the rule, not the exception:

http://thebreweryinc.com/schedule/schedule.html

Those darn midgets!!!! I get what you are saying Lonewolf, and I was bustin your stones a little....again no disrespect intended. There is enough of that on here as we all know. I am quite certain you have paid your dues.

I did decide to reply to this thread because, for once in a blue moon, there was actually a topic on RP that I'm involved with or pertains to me personaly....."The Scene in Central PA"

I understand Rich's frustration. Sorry if I steered the topic off course by merely stating that a well known reputable publication such as Rolling Stone Magazine recognized the area as a thriving music scene as relevant to the topic. It seems to me RP is made up of several scenes: Altoona, Johnstown, State College, etc.. I am more intimately involved with the State College scene. I live here and I play here for the most part. So I feel fairly comfortable speaking about it. I guess in all fairness I could be accused of also being on the inside looking out. Our band is one who is on the Seedy T (love that one - ha ha) grid weekly. Our band is also a part of the scene...this is not a boast, just a fact. We've worked hard to establish ourselves here. Anyway, I digress.

Point being, that while yes Lonewolf, I have to agree there is "stable" of bands who play the same clubs on a weekly basis there is also a lot more going on here maybe you are not aware of. There is plenty of new blood and bands come and go.....even some in the "stable". There is a brewing sub-scene here in State. Dragon Chasers, SoZo's, LuLu's and a few others often have out of town and local bands playing original music. The Darkhorse has "Roustabout" made up almost entirely of out of town bands or touring bands. Zeno's does as well. These are some examples. Also, Cloverleaf, a Penn State band made headway last year I think as doing well in the MTVu contest and do well here in town also. The strictly cover bands definitely have the market on a hand full of popular downtown clubs. But, in all fairness, thats what the market demands and thats what makes money for the club owners, so more power to them. There are bands like Lowjack, Lemonsoul, The HiFi's, King Cotton Rounders, Rustlanders and a bunch more who are relative newcomers that with persistence have created their own nitch and managed to find a way into the scene. All of the latter bands mentioned play an ecclectic mix of covers and originals. I'm very hesitant to even mention, "cover or orginal" bands because that is NOT what this thread is about or what I am trying to debate. I mention it only to describe the diversity this scene has to offer fans of music. Don't even get me started on the whole "fans" debate. Such narrow and naive little minds abound on this board sometime.

Anyway, I am mostly referring to the State College scene. It is a unique one. Perhaps a new thread is in order for it....I dunno. I don't care to argue about other scenes, because I'm not as involved with them and can't discuss them from an educated point of view or personal experience.

Day-ummmnn, I haven't ranted on RP in forever.....that felt great!!

~Steve

[VENTGtr]

Oh and don't forget the one legged midget who plays the upright base
from a bar stool every Wednesday at noon.

*

THAT guys is incredible! I heard he was having an arm amputated just
for a new challenge.


I do think State College can have a tendency to stagnate a bit with the
vertical booking situation, but I also don't think the college students who
frequent places see it that way because they are transient. New
batch every year. New 21s every week.

I also think it's an attribute of the bands that do play the same places
for extended lengths (Like several years) every week who can keep
things "fresh". For themselves more than anyone else.

I can tell you that every time you see Plush, it's a great show no matter
if it's at their regular show at The Darkhorse or your weird uncle's barn
party.

Les Paul played (Maybe still does) every week at the Iridium Jazz Club
and I doubt anyone's going to complain about his show.

I know a lot of the "State" guys and have a lot of respect for them and
what they do. At the same time I have a lot of respect for those that go
the route we do and like to play a bunch of different places in a wide area.

That's not easy but it's fun. I would like to play in State a bit, and we're
in talks again with a coupl'a places about doing so, but the idea of showing
up the same night of the week at the same places, seeing the same people who may be there for us, or just because that's
the place they go doesn't interest me (Don't mean the last part as a shot
to anyone, just saying).

If we're at the same place in consecutive months it seems like too much
(Clearly Nomads in a previous life). Sure, we could focus on a couple of
bigger places and make more money and know we're going to have a
bigger crowd consistently, but there's also somethign to be said for playing
the small, out-of-the way places and seeing faces from that show who
knows hom many miles away a coupl'a weeks later.

Depends on what you want do and how you want to do it.

Would also add that I'm pretty sure that Rich's original meaning in the post
was that it's a serious hassle to find people who are dedicated enough to
do this (Regardless of your booking system). They've been through a ton
of people and anyone who's done the big joy-of-joy replacement find
in the last few years knows that it's not like used to be when if someone
said they were interested it was for longer than when a practice session
might conflict with seeing the "Gilmour Girls" series finale.

Can get aggrevating to be sure. Good luck in the newbie search Rich.

[ToonaRockGuy]

There is no respect and loyalty in the scene. NO ONE makes time to catch other band's shows. Excuses are made and "its too far". Everyone is only worried about their own projects and its so clear. Ive only been to 3 or 4 shows in the past month and a half, but thats way more than before. It was all OTHER BAND'S shows. I try to support other bands besides words on a screen. You want a STRONGER scene? MUSICIANS start seeing other bands shows. Every band is against each other it seems, except in the words on RP of course.

Keith, dammit, WTF? Using me as an example here: Just because I'm not out when Scream is not playing doesn't mean that I don't support local music or "the scene". I simply have other priorities in my life. My family, my kids, my career, keeping my mortgage paid, etc. Life changes when you become a father, my friend, and if you're out "supporting the scene" all the time, you're not supporting your family, and that's not being a real man.

Sure, my little "cover band" plays only 1 or 2 times a month, but you know what? I have fun doing it, I get to play with some of the best musicians that I've ever played with, and I get my "stage jones" out of the way. Oh, and I play to a packed house full of "fans", and I'm paid well for it. I probably know a TON more musicians in this region than you do or ever will, and every single one of them knows that I support them. I may not be out every weekend, but I email and PM encouragement and check in to see how things are going.

There was no call at all for the covers vs. originals bullshit again. It's over, it's done with. Knock it the hell off. It's tired and played out. Covers are all good, and originals are all good. Nobody wants to jump back in to that argument again. You (the originals' side) won't win, I (the covers' side) won't win, we all lose. (Wow, originals vs. covers...I feel like we're remaking West Side Story here...) So just stop. For the love of all that's Holy, just stop.