What I think about music in Central PA

[Drums_with_1_arm]

It really gets me how this website is! you got guitarist looking for a band or people to jam with that wants to play 70's and 80's music and just hang out with people doing nothing serious. Then right under that post or a few down, you got a group of people that play all the 70's and 80's songs and gather at a friends house that are looking for a guitarist.

Then you got a established band looking for a drummer that plays out 5-6 times a month and needs a drummer bad in 2 weeks. wouldnt you know it that a few post down, theres a excellant drummer with 20 years experience that can play anything and looking to jump in a working band.

also, it seems this website is 1 big group of friends that if your not in that group, then they want nothing to do with you and try to push you out! even certain newspapers and radio stations seem to favor certain bands. I understand everybody deserves a chance and they do but after awhile if nothing is happening, I would move on to the next. Alot of cover bands get coverage but where are they gonna go? thats why they're a cover band, they dont want to! It just amazes me that Central PA is as big as it is and no original bands have come out of here and made it big!!! THERE IS ALOT OF TALENT IN THIS AREA!!! So much that it amazes me!!!

We got fuel, bloodhound gang, poison, and some others from PA but NO CENTRAL PA bands! Whats up with that? Many small town bands have made it big so how come in such a big area no bands have gotten anywhere? Is it the bands, which I doubt, not wanting to get big? Or is it the publicity is being put on bands that not ever gonna get anywhere? Or is it all this combined and not enough publicity? Or maybe its even all the talent is being used on covers and if they were an original band they would make it! I just don't understand how Central PA is 1/3 and middle of the state and cant produce some big time bands with ALL this GREAT talent!!!! (easy on me i'm a female, I know this is a male dominent website lol) I just want to know

[RobTheDrummer]

Looks like No Surrender is back!!!

[Drums_with_1_arm]

lol whats that supposed to mean? I'm just curious! I would love to hear some locals every other hour on the radio other then just 1 night a week on 104.9 or 101.5. wouldnt it be nice to hear a few local bands as much as you hear nickelback or lady gaga? I mean seriously, wouldnt you be happy to hear a altoona or mount union or state college band as much as you hear anyone else? it could even also pave the way for other great local bands if just 1 made it!

[felix'apprentice]

It really gets me how this website is! you got guitarist looking for a band or people to jam with that wants to play 70's and 80's music and just hang out with people doing nothing serious. Then right under that post or a few down, you got a group of people that play all the 70's and 80's songs and gather at a friends house that are looking for a guitarist.

theres a lot of different factors you need to look at. the people lookin for a guitar player may be in bedford and that guitar player who wants the same might be in dubois. that might not always be the case, but im just saying.

as far as talent goes, i agree theres a lot of talent around here. like im sure there is everwhere. if the band wants it bad enough, they will go after it. most are happy to play on the weekends. its all preference.

about the exposure, you have to give Jim Price and the Pa Musician tons of credit. Look what they do for us musicians, sure it may not be mainstream media, but its exposure.

and sure their are little cliques around here. thats everywhere. but i've gotten a lot of help on rockpage. met tons of awesome people and its helped me network with a lot of amazing musicians.

- kayla.

[Drums_with_1_arm]

ok thank you! It's starting to clear up for me. I'm not in a band or ever was. But like I said, I know there's alot of talent and I was wondering why in such a big area, noone has made it, That's all

[onegunguitar]

ok thank you! It's starting to clear up for me. I'm not in a band or ever was. But like I said, I know there's alot of talent and I was wondering why in such a big area, noone has made it, That's all

We're(well,not all of us)too busy arguing over politics.Hahahaha!!!

[lonewolf]

lol whats that supposed to mean?

You are new here, so you don't know about the Legend Of No Surrender. No Surrender was a troll here several years back. Her (?) trademark was

LA_ZE_RZ and EN_ER_GY

and said many of the same things as you only more and worse.

Personally, I liked your post...this little "scene" needs shaken up once in awhile...but then, I'm an onery sob.

[Dragan Kalasa]

We're(well,not all of us)too busy arguing over politics.Hahahaha!!!

You're a hypocrite, blah, blah, conservative, blah blah, liberal, blah, taxes, blah, blah, socialist, blah, blah, blah, name calling, blah, blah, revenues, blah, blah glenn beck, blah, blah nancy pelosi, blah, blah, China, blah, oil, blah, afghanistan, blah, free speech, blah, blah, blah, blah, and oh yeah I play music but venues won't pay us enough because...blah, blah, blah, unemployment, blah, blah interest rates, blah, blah depression, blah, blah George Bush, blah Clinton, blah, blah gas prices, blah, blah, blah, Christianity, blah, blah, blah, PLCB, blah, blah.

If I was a newcomer to this page I would definitely would have to assume the worst too, and look elsewhere.

[banderson]

One thing I don't think a lot of people realize about "making it big" is the dedication, time, and luck that factors into it.

Seems like many pro musicians started playing their instrument when they were under ten years old and simply "NEVER" stopped. Then you got to add the extreme "LUCK" of the right players getting together. And you wont see many huge bands making it big while only rehearsing twice a month or something.

Plus it seems like all record companies want to do anymore is sign the next person that will make a bazillion dollars....And that doesn't even mean they have to be talented. For example..."William Hung". Today's music industry is a blooper. I think i kinda contradicted myself in that whole spiel...oh well

[gibson980]

I can see where your coming from... the problem with this area is 95% of the people going out to see bands are stuck in the fucking 1980's.... If you don't play Gn'R, Bon Jovi, Journey, AC/Fucking/DC your going to have trouble. Most people I run into that go see bands are a little "out-dated" needless to say.

Perfect example... Vs. the Earth was from here... booked to Baltimore, recently got signed; it can be done. The people in the Altoona region are stuck in the 1970's/1980's as far as seeing cover bands. Don't give a damn about originals. The more up to date areas such as State College want to go to the "night clubs" to shake their ass to Gaga and T pain and hope to score some booty. Simple as that...

It is a shame but you have to look at the people. Its Budweiser, cowboy killers, no teeth, and screaming slayer or sweet home Alabama.

If you were an Agent looking to sign a band, would you come to Altoona? No ma'am..... Its Harrisburg, Philly, Scranton, or Wilkes-Barre

[nakedtwister]

To some, music is very important to them, but not the most important thing to them. When you have a family, you have to make a choice as to what is most important. I think you can figure the rest out. I personally feel that Central Pa. is one of the hottest spots is the country to find talent. I know a few on here that have chosen family over " being a pro ", and I don't think they regret it a bit. My hats of to them, the true pros. B

[Drums_with_1_arm]

I TOTALLY agree with all of you except the part bout no surrender. lol. I'm not trying to stir things up at all! I just wish some of the local bands would get recognized on a united states level! They well deserve it!

My boyfriend has the Naildriver (just got last week), Ganister, Sound Of Silence, and Limb By Limb CD and they are ALL Excellant!!! He never stops listening to the local band cd's he got! I don't really like the death metal but even Limb By Limb has tremendous talent! All 4 of these bands, I feel; are more talented then alot of the music thats on the radio! That new song bout wearin the shades cause you think your cooler then me, come on man!!! these 4 bands have atleast 1 song better then that!

I'm not singling out those guys from other area bands, there just the only 4 cd's he has. I have seen other area bands and they are almost ALL very good!

Why not write an original like a 80's type song and turn it into a more modern 80's song. Back then it was ALL bout a good time. Sex, Drugs, & Rock N' Roll! Now they turned it into killing people or smashing somebodys face and all kinds of stuff. Bring back the real good time fun Rock N' Roll!!

[KeithReynolds]

Its easy to get signed apparently. Write some songs that sounds like another popular band, wear chick jeans and get really awesome girl hairstyles. DONE.

In all seriousness, "getting signed" isnt what it used to be. Before, if you werent signed, not many people heard your music. Now with the internets, its possible for everyone to hear your music and possible for you to do all your own distribution and selling. Which is MUCH MORE profitable than giving 300 other people a cut of the cd money. You can book tours online, sell merch, and music...everything a record company does. Only better and it goes in your own pocket.

The prob with record companies, is most only sign what they think is marketable. So trendy looking "dudes" playing music that sounds like every other band on the radio is what they are looking for. Whereas a bunch of ugly assholes that play different sounding music and have real talent will be overlooked for sure. Its pathetic.
Record companies are dying and its a good thing. Do it yourself!

[metal_junky]

It just amazes me that Central PA is as big as it is and no original bands have come out of here and made it big!!!

Emilys ToyBox.. Their first band that got them started "Blaz-On"... All started right here in Central PA. Now they travel the states (mainly east coast) and have put out several CD's.

Fact is the bands that REALLY want to go big will find a way to do it and some are all talk and some just want to be a local "Household name".

[Jim Price]

A lot of good points are being made here.

I agree with Keith...Getting signed isn't what it used to be. And the definition of "making it" varies from artist to artist, band to band, and even genre to genre.

The old music industry paradigm of "getting signed," getting tunes played on the radio and then selling millions of CD's is becoming obsolete because people aren't buying CD's with all the downloadable media out there.

Artists and their music are changing from being the "products" to being the "brand name" for selling songs and merchandise, online and through gigging and touring.

Depending on the genre and goals, several bands and artists from our area are "making it" in their own ways...Felix & the Hurricanes getting to the finals of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, On The Run getting on the Pittsburgh leg of the Warped Tour a few weeks back, Zupe & Nichols getting their compositions considered for Grammy nominations, Candlelight Red landing the opening slot for Kiss' July 29 Pittsburgh concert, Acalasia landing an opening slot for Hansen in Columbus next month, and Gerry Stanek getting a novelty song about Sarah Palin played on regional radio and recognized by television/radio talk show host Sean Hannity...These are all victories that can gain these performers some national exposure and might help open doors to bigger and better things later on. All of these situations probably increased visits to these artists' websites and other online presences, may have helped sell more of their CD's and other merchandise, and might have generated interest from the industry and new fans.

I also agree that it takes a lot of dedication and determination to make it to a national level. Vs. the Earth and Halestorm both made it to the majors, but it took both of them a decade of hard work and generating opportunities, and it didn't happen overnight. Both kept knocking on doors, networking, learning about the music industry and sweating the little details to move forward. Very few bands ever advance to the national arena because of personnel issues, families, money issues, and other aspects of life. The ones who do "make it" usually have to be 100% dedicated to it, sacrifice other aspects of their lives, and keep their eyes 100% focused on the end prize. They have to want it.

[onegunguitar]

I TOTALLY agree with all of you except the part bout no surrender. lol. I'm not trying to stir things up at all! I just wish some of the local bands would get recognized on a united states level! They well deserve it!

My boyfriend has the Naildriver (just got last week), Ganister, Sound Of Silence, and Limb By Limb CD and they are ALL Excellant!!! He never stops listening to the local band cd's he got! I don't really like the death metal but even Limb By Limb has tremendous talent! All 4 of these bands, I feel; are more talented then alot of the music thats on the radio! That new song bout wearin the shades cause you think your cooler then me, come on man!!! these 4 bands have atleast 1 song better then that!

I'm not singling out those guys from other area bands, there just the only 4 cd's he has. I have seen other area bands and they are almost ALL very good!

Why not write an original like a 80's type song and turn it into a more modern 80's song. Back then it was ALL bout a good time. Sex, Drugs, & Rock N' Roll! Now they turned it into killing people or smashing somebodys face and all kinds of stuff. Bring back the real good time fun Rock N' Roll!!

Glad you guys dig the NailDriver demo!!!!!

[Drums_with_1_arm]

Once again I agree with everyone! I can imagine how much dedication it takes and how long it takes as I know it don't happen overnight. I guess alot of music that is on the radio has probally been herd at 1 point by the right person at the right time. I think some of the ones that have made it just cause of that reason. there is so many bands and music out there on a national level that no wonder things have kinda in a way went out of control. I know some local talent has succeded with bigger things but it sure would be nice to hear locals at any given time on the radio or even cool to watch a video from a band right here in our very own backyard.

Sold out shows from ohio to new jersey and I dont mean the hardware bars. I'm talking the bryce jordan center, giant center or hershey park stadium and places like that. I did want to bring in Chris Woodward while i'm at it as he has been doing well the last few years. I guess I may just be thinken that all it takes is for 1 original to be herd by the right person at the right time and it amazes me that with all this talent, it hasnt happened yet. I guess bret michaels did leave for hollywood before they really got noticed. It's just a shame that it is what it is! I think if one those record labels sent a scout to good ol central PA he or she would not go back with a empty briefcase lol

[bassist4life2004]

My boyfriend has the Naildriver (just got last week), Ganister, Sound Of Silence, and Limb By Limb CD and they are ALL Excellant!!!

We (Ganister) have a cd? I'll be damned. Shows you how much I get informed of...lol. jk

Thank you for the kind words, and yes, Naildriver and SOS rock. Never got a chance to hear Limb By Limb though, have to check them out.

[Drums_with_1_arm]

lol shows how much I know. I guess if it's not full-length it's not considered a cd. But seriously you and the others do ROCK!!! I havent listened to a regular cd in a really long time. He put the 4 of you guys bands and made a full-length cd for hisself so he didn't have to keep changing it lol

[KeithReynolds]

Ken- its prob the demo recorded last year. ...and its on a cd...it IS a cd.

[Drums_with_1_arm]

lol yea he got it when you guys played at roadhouse on 747 last year or begining of this year

[bassist4life2004]

Ken- its prob the demo recorded last year. ...and its on a cd...it IS a cd.

haha, yea, i know.

[whitedevilone]

I TOTALLY agree with all of you except the part bout no surrender. lol. I'm not trying to stir things up at all! I just wish some of the local bands would get recognized on a united states level! They well deserve it!

My boyfriend has the Naildriver (just got last week), Ganister, Sound Of Silence, and Limb By Limb CD and they are ALL Excellant!!! He never stops listening to the local band cd's he got! I don't really like the death metal but even Limb By Limb has tremendous talent! All 4 of these bands, I feel; are more talented then alot of the music thats on the radio! That new song bout wearin the shades cause you think your cooler then me, come on man!!! these 4 bands have atleast 1 song better then that!

I'm not singling out those guys from other area bands, there just the only 4 cd's he has. I have seen other area bands and they are almost ALL very good!

Why not write an original like a 80's type song and turn it into a more modern 80's song. Back then it was ALL bout a good time. Sex, Drugs, & Rock N' Roll! Now they turned it into killing people or smashing somebodys face and all kinds of stuff. Bring back the real good time fun Rock N' Roll!!

Glad you guys dig the NailDriver demo!!!!!

Hell Yeah Drums!!Horns to you and your man!Thanks

[songsmith]

I have the Naildriver sampler, too. It's in my truck CD player right now... I play it on the way to work, to get the blood pumping, good stuff from some of the most talented guys in the area. I can't wait to hear what they do next.

As for success, I'm pretty happy with where I am, and the band is. We play regularly, with top national acts in our genre, though we aren't at their level. I can write a song, and my band will at least listen to it with an ear towards using it. The audience seems to pay attention (to a point I'm not used to... I'm used to bar crowds ignoring the band) and likes us. I don't really hope for a major-label deal, because I'd rather not get screwed. My career isn't in the stratosphere by any means, but I still have lots of fun, and still learn something every show. Success!--->JMS

[joltinjeff]

I have the Naildriver sampler, too. It's in my truck CD player right now... I play it on the way to work, to get the blood pumping, good stuff from some of the most talented guys in the area. I can't wait to hear what they do next.

As for success, I'm pretty happy with where I am, and the band is. We play regularly, with top national acts in our genre, though we aren't at their level. I can write a song, and my band will at least listen to it with an ear towards using it. The audience seems to pay attention (to a point I'm not used to... I'm used to bar crowds ignoring the band) and likes us. I don't really hope for a major-label deal, because I'd rather not get screwed. My career isn't in the stratosphere by any means, but I still have lots of fun, and still learn something every show. Success!--->JMS

Im with Johnny on this one. Years ago before I had a wife, kids, bills and all the other fun stuff that I have I would have never given it a second thought. But, it wasnt in the cards for me then....
Currently I am working on putting another project together and right now seem to have the right people in place just trying to get a time to get together and discuss some things. I digress.
Making it BIG can mean a lot of different things. Making it big in this area means that you are playing almost every weekend and the bars are crowded and a good following. A lot of bands right now have that. Some are satisfied with that and you know what when this new project gets that far then I am happy. Being in a band to me is more about being able to go out on stage sing my ass off for people and let them enjoy themselves and to help them and maybe me forget about the bullshit that life has been dealing all of us lately.