Home > Albemarle Sounds > Archives > 2007 > November > 09 > Entry
Creating a local buzz
I’ve noticed that since we started the music page in The Daily Advance a week ago, I have been getting emails about bands that I never knew existed. It was as if they magically appeared out of nowhere. Well, that’s good for me - that gives me more resources for the music page, but it also makes me wonder: Where have these bands been? I see some of them periodically at festivals (the Potato Fest, Harbor Nights, etc), but it seems that I see mostly the same bands playing the same venues fairly consistently. I’m not saying that’s bad - at least I know that musicians are getting gigs, making money and growing a fan base. But it tells me that a lot of bands either, A: Aren’t trying to get gigs, or B: Clubs are turning them down. It may even be C: Not enough clubs for all the bands. In my own experience, though, I know that it can be hard for an unknown band, especially one that plays all original music, to get a gig anywhere without a track record, or at least a CD. It’s like trying to get a job - no experience, no job; no job, no experience, and on and on it goes.So, I make a plea to the local clubs - give some bands a break, even if you have to pay them a little something. At least you know, if nothing else, their friends and family will show up, and that can sometimes turn out to be quite a good crowd. How about an open mic night? I also make the plea to local bands and soloists - Don’t be afraid to assert yourself and let club owners know you’re around. Go to the clubs and tell them who you are, record a tape of your music (preferably a CD), and write yourself a biography telling them what you’ve done and where you’ve been. And club goers, support your local music. Bands that make the big time will remember those who supported them in the beginning. Together we can create a buzz.
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