Why I Think: Most LOCAL BANDS Fail
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- Опубліковано 3 тра 2024
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twiiter: @thecoverkiller
Local bands are the groundwork to greatness. At least that's what every local band HOPES. Truth be told, a large percentile of local bands are destined to fail, and not just because of the way the music business is in 2014. Rather, self-implosion and a lacking of discipline is the cause of the failure. This video isn't meant to dissuade anybody from seeking their dreams and joining or forming a local band. Rather, this should serve moreso as a warning regarding the pitfalls that exist. Not every band that starts out is destined to sell out arenas and crack the top 20 charts, hell, or even get a record deal at all. If you recognize this from the beginning, your experience can be more centered on making original and creative music, and driving the band as a brand and an experience. It can make the experience more of a fun form of self-expression, that may one day yield much greater results. But nothing worth doing comes easily, and the work put in to create this dream comes with many forks in the road, and will require endless amounts of tenacity.
Have a local band experience? Are you in a local band? Talk about your experiences in the comments below. Help your fellow musicians. Are you in a band that has a deal, or have you released material? Plug your work, or network. Lets help the collective community thrive and hopefully avoid the various pitfalls associated with building your dream of music.
To break all of this down - the #1 reason bands fail is this: Poor Planning by not thinking of your band as a business. It's also the reason most regular businesses fail.
Bands and musicians assume things will "just happen". Read the biographies of any successful band and you will find they had a plan. Then they had a manager who had a plan.
Internal band member problems occur because the founding members chose new people for the wrong reasons. Personality is the #1 factor bands need to nail first - ability can come second. Some of the greatest bands in music history don't have the greatest musicians but the chemistry between members was there. That chemistry may change over time because of the pressures and spoils of fame but they got there because the initial chemistry was there.
Luck is overrated. The people with plans MAKE their own luck. Luck is just another word for "opportunity meets preparation".
Kevin Richards Rock the Stage NYC and a plan for recording to save money in the studio and don't record anything until you have enough money to make a quality demo. Also get as many gigs as you can
Will Taylor Not really. A quality demo is an overrated myth. Many bands got signed or at least recognized by labels with very cheaply made demos. Before a band should even think about recording they need to have quality songs. Quality songs overcome any kind of quality in a demo. It's the songs not the sound of the demo.
Gigs are fine - but is the band rehearsed? Did they plan out their set list? what will the say between songs? do they engage the audience or just stand there? It's not about quantity but quality when it comes to live gigs.
Kevin Richards Rock the Stage NYC Yes, I forgot to mention quality of the songs i completley agree, but because so many more people have available recording software and recording is getting cheaper, there are more bands recording stuff because it is easier and therefore, there are more bands to "compete" with, therefore you should make sure your band have a quality recording as well as good songs of course to give them an edge . and also maybe not as important with demos, but with albums, a lot more bands seem to be recording crap audio quality albums because of the easy availablilty of software and this is bad as it is often what they get judged on. and i also agree with you on the preperation for gigs ( I suppose my reply was a bit short Lol). I still think getting as many gigs as you can is good not on a business side perhaps, but to me as a musician, i would say more live performances make you a better musician and therefore makes your band better as musicians and performers. but it is important to have good image as well as good stage persona and crowd interaction, otherwise there is not much point in having loads of gigs.
Will Taylor - Agreed, Once you have "the show" rehearsed and ready and you have a "game plan" for gigs, then try to book as many as you can to get "stage legs". Nothing gels a band more than playing live, because its all one take and pressure is on. But you gotta have a freaking plan.
If you're trying to sell a download album, then yes quality matters. But more than quality, the songs have to be there. A great song will shine through a crappy recording. Listen to Metallica's earliest demos. Junk quality. But the songs and the band personality were there. That's what's important.
+Kevin Richards Rock the Stage NYC I agree with a lot of what you said. I think song writing is very important. No matter what you have to be able to write good songs. I think too many bands these days are too worried about being "heavy" than actually writing a good hook, or chorus. You can be extremely heavy and still write good songs, bands seem to forget that. A good chorus in a song is everything. Also you have to have someone in the band with a good business mind. Metallica had Lars, Iron Maiden had Steve Harris. Steve Harris had a vision with Iron Maiden right from day one. Every cent they made in the early years was re-invested back into making the show better. In the formative years of a band your live show is really important. You want to have people tell their friends they need to see you live. You need to gain a fallowing. A lot of bands have been signed simply from studio guys witnessing an audience's reaction to a band live, whether the studio reps like the music or not. You have to be a great live band. I think a lot of underground bands fail because they don't pick the right band name. Branding is important. I believe the easier you make your bands name to remember the better. Some bands names are over long, and can be so negative that although they draw attention to you, they also may limit your fan base. The biggest metal bands in history had easy to remember names eg. Metallica, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Megadeth, Black Sabbath. Keep your name simple, catchy, easy to remember and easy to read. I can't read half of the Black Metal/ Death Metal logos out there(and I love Black Metal and Death Metal). I would avoid names that are too negative. Know your audience, and have a vision.
EGO.
Bad singers.
Bad drummers.
Bad players.
Bad image/marketing (including none)
Bad timing.
Bad songs or lack or originality.
Fear of success.
Impatience.
Bad luck.
Bad work ethic.
Wrong city/area.
+Darrylizer1 fear of sucess is normal. sucess turns into sellouts. the more sucess you have, the less relateability hence less human.
No money.
I remember the first time I played with my "band" in front of a reasonable group...
6th or 7th grade, in the school auditorium with a bassist and a "singer."
We went up on stage after the teacher said that they were having a special event.
The bassist and I had practiced a ton on this 3 riff song, but the "singer" decided that he would improvise the lyrics on stage. We tried to convince him to come to the practices but he never came. When we got on stage we started playing and the singer looked at us like we were crazy, he started mumbling into the mic... It was the most embarassing thing that has ever happened to me. In front of the whole school playing a shitty song with a dumbass who couldn't get over himself. Hahahaha
I think most bands have gone through something similar, hope that bassist stayed around though.
Ziltoid TheOmniscient No, he wanted to have another guitarist in the band. So he let a guy in without asking me. They both left me because the guitarist convinced the bassist that I was some kind of evil. ...
Bob Jones 2 guitarists is always better than just 1.
Owen Wright Not when the second guitarist has a serious problem with the band's founder. The problem wasn't that he was the second guitarist, the problem was that he hated me.
Owen Wright No, I have arms and legs and everything!
Pop pisses me off so much, nowadays anyone can get famous in pop but I have to work my ass off to even get someone to consider hearing my band or my solo work
***** I disagree. There is good pop. Its just an overwhelming majority are fakes.
Coverkiller has great points, but the biggest reason as to why allot of bands fail is plain and simply lack of CREATIVITY/ INNOVATION, too many bands sound the same, whenever one band makes it big there are at least 10000 that follow that tries to jump on their bandwagon.
Seriously how many BMTH/ PWD clones do you have in your local scene ? I have far to many too count.
Also you made an interesting point towards the end of the video, in which I think you could have elaborated "TALENT" the toughest pill to swallow is that many of our local bands, wether they're friends of ours or not...simply just aren't that good, I can name far more shitty bands than I can name good ones, and that's mainly due to local bands.
Exactly. It's not even just the BMTH/PWD clones, but also other bands in more traditional metal genres like thrash, doom, death, black metal etc. that also fall victim to this. Instead of merely trying to emulate the sound of another band/subgenre, there should be more artists trying to form a more unique sound. If you sound like a shitty copy of something else, I have no reason to listen to you, but if you do something unique, then I'll be a lot more likely to remember you because you'll have something to offer me than I can't get anywhere else. When you think about it, that's why pretty much every legendary band is still remembered today--because they tried something different.
A great example is this: In my area, there have been a lot of bands that have followed the grapevine products like metalcore/deathcore/etc. Twice throughout the past decade have I latched on to bands for being different. One was more thrash oriented, but with modern feel, and the other had a black metal feel with non-growling vocals (and a revolving door of members.) Both had good sound (the second band had a drum kit that reminded me of late-era Death, I could hear the percussion lines of To Forgive is to Suffer or Scavenger of Human Sorrow in literally every song they did, without them covering the tunes or even REFERENCING Death at all, it was the first thought that clicked with me about them) but neither of them were the signed act. Instead, it went to a nu-metal style band with a horrid fanbase and attitude that they were the biggest band on Earth. They never released anything. Nothing. Period. Thats what I mean about being different. Each trend-following band that's gotten "signed" over here has never recorded anything meaningful. No demos that i've seen, only choice songs here and there. I'd love to be able to hand things out for folks, but there's nothing. Its depressing.
Go get laid Dude!!!!!! Lol. Let me ask you something......Besides the Skin Flute have you ever played an Instrument with any talent??? Fuckin Idiot!!!!!!
Kristie, you clearly haven't contributed anything to society, if you're they type of person to insult someone based on their sex life. All you've done is proved that you are an incompetent moron.
+Kristie James Why would you attack someone for sharing their views &/or experiences, & who is trying to promote intellectual discussions on topics that interest him? If you have a different perspective then why don't you articulate your opinion rather than devolve into a schoolyard bully, name calling & belittling those who have different viewpoints? Are you insecure in your abilities to intellectualize your argument & make valid points, & so instead it's easier for you to be condescending to those of a different mindset? Or do you just judge people & pick them out to try & feel better about yourself? I'm asking bcuz I don't know you & what little I do know of him is that he is interested in music, all aspects of it, & he is interested in creating a forum for intellectual discussions about his interests, which is what the comment section is for BTW, to share ideas & opinions, not to play schoolyard bully & pick on people you've never met. We have the technology to talk to ppl 10,000 miles away & learn about others' cultures & mindsets, but ppl like you use it to spread hate instead...amazing! As if the concept of someone thinking differently from you is completely unacceptable. In his videos he's sharing his opinions & you can easily make your own videos & do the same. Opinion is not fact & everyone comes to their own conclusions on matters. At least he's trying to create a forum for discussion! You're just spreading hate! You don't even make an opinion about the subject of local bands or present any points for discussion. He does play instruments, as do I, & as do a majority of others who watch his videos. If you don't like the videos then don't watch them & stick with what you do like, it's that easy! If everyone just ignored what they didn't like or had no interest in there'd be a lot less hate & therefore less drama, meaning more time to rock out rather than worrying about what everyone else is doing & picking on them for not being like you (in the general sense). He's doing what he likes, pursuing his interests. Are you?
+coverkillernation well metal core is popular right now many metal bands are not revivalist. when comes to pop punk. the bands make it because there lack of it on radio. metal core band make there music because they want money.
+coverkillernation Yup!! Our scene in Indianapolis is supersaturated with cover bands and whatever is trendy this week. We are struggling to get our music heard as we play original music that is very not trendy. Loved this video. If your looking for something different to review : check us out here actofconfusion.bandcamp.com/
Wow, this is exactly what needs to be said. I ponder on the music business a lot and I've always wanted to start a band. But there's more to it then just a dream. I can't believe how insightful and real this is, thanks!
I just released my first EP on bandcamp & soundcloud yesterday. It's going to be free to download until next Friday. It is a pain to get noticed, no matter what genre. I live around Grand Rapids, Michigan & only one local metal band gets promoted, that being Wayland, the hiphop scene is slowly picking up steam. Great video like always.
Reading these comments has shown me that my area isn't unique in its lacking of creativity, which is a shame. I should add (in non-video form, which, hey, you plan these things then think of others later) that creativity doesn't always come from the first band you're in, and its difficult to really be forward thinking without playing around with a lot of different sounds with your bandmates.
I think most local acts veer toward the buzzworthy genres because they think that'll drive their initial fanbase, and give them a better chance at getting further on their musical journey. As a fan, to me, it makes the marginally decent doom, death, black, prog or thrash band look all the more appealing, and I want to talk with them more, and give them constructive critique. Maybe their vocals need a little polish (moreso with hitting their marks and having it work with the music, instead of forcing unnatural notes which sour the composition,) maybe the guitarwork is a bit sloppy and just needs some more tailoring (a fix with experience and dedication) or maybe the compositions just need a bit more to em, to remove a generic feel. But right away, for being DIFFERENT than the others, they are noticeable to me. This isn't to say that a metalcore/deathcore band cannot ever impress me, however, it WOULD take a lot more for these groups based on the frequency that are out there. Its easier to shine when you're one of a few stars in the sky, as opposed to when you're surrounded by others like you.
"it WOULD take a lot more for these groups based on the frequency that are out there."
But that's the biggest gripe I have with Metalcore/Deathcore, for lack of a better term, Metalcore/Deathcore is such a ...."derivative" of Metal as a field, that I don't really see the sub genre going anywhere beyond where it is now without being considered something entirely different. In other words I feel Metalcore/Deathcore as a sub genre has been totally played out this is partially due to every single low tier band trying to ass ream BTH, PWD, Asking Alex.
You say you enjoy Prog/ Black/ Doom ? I do too, the reason being is because those genres have plenty of room to move around whilst still maintaining the basic structure of what they established, Metalcore/ Deathcore placed itself in a box far to quickly, that's not to say I can't enjoy it, when i'm in a stupid ignorant mood I'll listen to it, but like you said it's gonna take something really special to impress me, but considering how stagnant the sub-genre has been for almost a decade I can't see that happening any time soon.
Very interesting, and enlightening, points...I would like to add that some bands get used to playing in front of the same crowds regularly (usually their friends/followers) and yet when they travel outside of the "local scene" to another City or State, they find that they aren't cheered as much or may discover that they need to work on their material a bit more...Sometimes "the road" is a great teacher...
Thank you very much for making this video sir! I am the guitarist in a New York progressive pop-punk band (think Coheed & Cambria) called Gardens of Acadia. Watching this video doesn't discourage me at all and I hope it doesn't discourage the rest of the guys when I show them this video. If anything, it serves as motivation. When you're young, you have these big dreams. When you wise up a little, you have to ask yourself if you want to take on the real challenge, which is what we're doing right now.
The hardest part is actually getting 1 of every musician I think. If you a guitarist, a drummer and a bassist you're lucky. And I live in a music rich city that has given such talents as sting and maximo park. I feel bad for people who have trouble actually getting an actual band together the most.
definitely agree with that 100%
I hate that. that's what I'm like right now in a 2 peace band 1 guitar player 1 vocal we play our own songs because I can play all instruments so we just use a backing track live with just drums bass guitar synth but it's quite weird playing to people live because some people are like wtf there's not even a drummer but yea we go crazy as fuck on stage when we can even get a show but we basically play to people who hate our kind of music because that's the only type of places to play where I live and I only have 1 other friend that likes this music and he is the guitar player you most probably don't even care what I just said idk I felt like telling someone :D
My main issue is finding people who love music and are as obsessed with success as I am
Only other thing you need is a drummer, I'm a bass guitar player primarily but even I know a band doesn't need one. Best of luck to ya.
unfortunately I feel like drummers are the hardest to find haha. I'm in a two person music project right now and it is definitely a bit hard to play without a drummer But we've recorded some songs without one. check out my channel if you want. anyways really like watching ur videos thanks!
You must be one of the best speakers on youtube. Thanks for yet another great video, dude! Cheers from Norway.
Pantera are a good example of a band who toiled in relative obscurity for years before being noticed by a major label.
Excellent advice for ANYONE of just about ANY GENRE of music when starting out. Work hard. Work smart. Stay Focused. I've been an active musician since the late 1970's and I've been fortunate enough to play around the country and in other countries by doing EXACTLY what you are talking about...plus with a little luck/timing here and there.
As far as "Metal Scenes" and such are concerned, I have no clue. I've played just about every genre of music but not metal (I dunno if hard rock in the 70's counts) but do listen to, have dear friends in the metal world and respect the genre. But your post is more encompassing than mere labels and categories.
I guess my point here is; What you are saying is an absolute cold fact about the music business, in general. Yes, kids. I love music (it's why I do it) BUT it is a BUSINESS and you, my friend have nailed this subject square on it's head. The record industry has changed and is almost gone. You perfectly pointed out the crappy foisting of contest "talent shows" that have weakened the music world even more.
I was telling someone who's name I shant drop here the other night during a break from recording (I do mostly studio work now). The conversation came up. "What was your favorite gig?" When it came to me I thought about it and replied," A living room party I played with my band in high school. THAT was an amazing night." Everyone sort of looked at me, then the floor, then back up at me and the 'famous musician' said, "That's when it's the purest."
Thanks for you post.
I'm in the Bay Area, but the more local bands to me are usually core. I'm trying to get my DSBM and Dark Ambient projects off the ground, maybe fusing them, and adding in some clean vocals, something unique
Generic Metalcore and Deathcore is all my local bands are. I would like to form an Experimental band or sorts. Sadly there's not many people around my area that share my tastes or ideals.
I'd love to see a Doom band in my local scene.
***** Why not go for a doom/thrash-influenced metalcore or hardcore band? That could make for a unique sound that could combat the over-saturation effect CKN talked about in the video.
Jason LovesPWD Absolutely. It's not really the genre that matters, it's whether or not you can make the music interesting. Fuck, you could play crunkcore and if you somehow make it sound good, I'd actually be interested.
Yeah
*****
Doom Thrash sounds interesting, Dream Death has already done it but it's quite rare really.
mann this really opened my eyes, im a intermediate guitar player and ive never been in a band but i really want to do something innovative not just be in a generic indie /alt / metal band , great video!
Did you do it?
This video really put things into perspective for me. Thank you for this.
I am very thankful for the effort of putting this video up. It really is a reality dose. I, myself strive to be as pragmatic as possible and you are spot-on with your feedback on every point. It opened my eyes at some parts which I did not think about when I started playing.
Love the video, and I agree 100%. You made a lot of points that I already know, but were able to eloquently put it to words better than I could. My most recent band, which is in limbo right now as our drummer left us for another band which is doing amazingly well and going on tours (we don't hate him for it. He was the youngest of all of us and actually has a shot at a career if he keeps his head on on straight, and we are proud to have provided a stepping stone for him to move on to bigger and better things) we knew we weren't going to make it big. We did cut an album and had the opportunity to do a few pretty big shows, but we weren't pushing to hard make things happen. Two out of the four of us are married, and the lead singer has a family that he doesn't want to have to leave at home while he goes on tour so we always had the attitude of, "Lets just have as much fun as possible and whatever happens just roll with it." Now, there are a lot of awesome bands in my local area and the ones I see working hard at it might stand a chance. The rest of us are just having fun, and for some of the bands we are perfectly content just being local "rock stars". I liked what you said about the competitiveness amongst bands, and I do see some of that where I live. But for the most part, even though we are just doing local shows, having fun and not pushing for anything major we are lucky to have a strong sense of brotherhood in our scene. We all know each other, we like each others bands, and go to each others shows (I don't get to as often as I'd like because my 9-5 takes up most of my time) and we are fortunate to have this sense of connection with the other musicians and fans. Anyway, I've rambled long enough!
From playing in gigging bands for 15+ years now, I honestly believe anyone in a band, or anyone considering joining a band, should watch this video. Lots of great information here.
I'd also like to add, one big mistake a lot of bands make is not being prepared for gigs. If you don't have merch like shirts, cds, or anything that people actually walk away from the show with, nobody is going to remember the band--even if they enjoyed them live. It also helps generate money for the band.
Another mistake is having cheap looking merch, especially cds. Nobody is going to take a demo on a CD-R with the band's name scribbled on with sharpie seriously. Gotta spend money to make money.
Love this video!!! Thank you so much! I play in local bands up here in Canada. You've hit the nail on the board when you mention that everyone's being way too competitive against each other. I used to hang in a crowd where it was cliquey as hell, there was barely any welcoming kind of attitude. Got out of that crowd eventually, and I'm now happier with whom I hang with in the music scene. Yes, you can call them a bunch of hippies if you may, but damn, these folks know how to have a good time and how to support each other.
You have a fantastic pace and structure in the way you talk and discuss topics. Great video, man.
Thanks the wisdom brother, me and my band are working hard right now but we don't really have a scene, so it's gonna be hard, but we are going to make it.
your videos gives me goosebumps. the amount of views you get is like icing on the cake
Thanks for the insight and it is inspirational to me atleast that there's a challange, and to hopefully overcome these challanges in the years to come with my band.
I didnt like you before I watched this video, that was an awesome peptalk! Thank you! I am now subscribed.
I really enjoy your vids. Maybe you can make it into a weekly segment and review an album from a real upcoming underground local band. Cheers!
Coverkiller, you should do a review on lost society's second album coming out soon. Those guys are really young but kicking ass and bringing back what was good about bay area thrash.
Bro.. watching this video has opened my eyes a lot more. I've been working hard for so many years. I feel as if it fails all the time. I've contemplated giving up this year.. But the show must go on and I need to work even harder.. and smarter.
Coverkiller. Im a huge fan of your channel and have watched a shiiiiitload of your videos. Keep doing what your doing brother!! It puts a fucking tear in my eye to see a guy just like the rest of us metal heads, that isn't afraid to tell it like it is, holding the metal flag high as aces and giving the massive metalhead community somewhat of a voice!! (that was probably a horrid run-on sentence but oh well)
You know, CKR, I've doubted you in the past for some of your opinions, mostly because you don't have that experience being a musician yourself, however I definitely agree with you on this one. I've grown up in an oil field so there has been plenty of money floating around, the amount of gear to skill ratio I have it ridiculous. I mean if I can make 4 grand working in a grocery store for a year while buying gear, food, bills other stupid shit, all to go 5 hours out of town to watch not only local metal shows, but bigger names like destruction, kataklysm, and behemoth next month. I am but a simple bass player, but I am a drummer who started as guitar player for 5 years, I have been playing death metal mixed with thrash metal, as well as a lot of our own sort of styled music, which I feel makes us very unique in our talents, but we need some work yet before we hit our targeted audience, because our writing process takes too long. I feel out music is very catchy and I think even if we were a band like heathen, we would still be extremely proud of what we accomplished, after all we're not out to make money, we are out to show the world what we have to offer, which is what I feel metal should be about these days.
Great coverage and quite realistically inspirational!
It's funny because even generic sounding bands get signed, or booked on tour, probably because of their marketing techniques; I suppose you can sound like whatever and still get opportunities based on audience count and business tactics
We are a local band from Brooklyn, NY. I agree with everything you say. You put it into perspective so well. I needed to hear this especially right now. Thanks man.
Watched the whole thing and thanks you for this video. It will help me a lot thanks again.
This is an honest and direct analysis. We’re experiencing the same in our scene. I agree that the only way to keep yourself going is to do it with passion and for yourself without expecting too much that others will like your music.
man your words are words of wisdom :) i am glad i found out this video
and i think you really right .. as someone who now play his own project but was in a band
you forgot to mention that alot of bands focus way too much sometimes on the logo and lil stuff before they even got songs this one reason is what most of bands in my local scene are coming and go even before you could hear something from them
Is this a coincidence? This is exactly what's been heavily on my mind lately, as I'm in the last year of my college (high-school for Americans) and I'm passionate and determined to be a professional musician.
My style sits under progressive metal/rock and a fusion of a few others and I'm trying to develop a personal style that other people aren't playing.
I'm not currently playing gigs but I will try to start next year.
The careers department at my college talked to me about it last Friday and I really realise how much work it takes.
Thanks for the video Coverkillernation :)
If you have any more advice it would be much appreciated, thanks!
I believe you made this video very well, these are all things i most likely would have found out to late Thank you so much
Well explained! And i have to add that this is the case not only in the US but in a lot of other countries with big cities and small towns. I agree with the fact that you have to treat your band as a product, and failure to do this is the reason that a lot of bands fail big time. I have seen it happen and have been a victim of it as well.
Thank you for this advice, Sir.
Chrisuke.
Thank you for some advice coverkillernation. The Cincinnati and NKY scene is mostly difficult because of the huge influx of bands. I hope with your advice, that Downpour will improve,and be the sort of band that people (just like you and me) can enjoy.
My band is called written in gray, we're traditional heavy metal with nwobhm and thrash sounds. We've had our fair share of bad luck and good, nights we never wanted to end and some nights we were sleeping in the van downtown with equipment all around us. Point is don't let anything discourage you to push forward! And rock on mates \m/
as the guitarist for Band Nerds, I want to thank you for your insight and advice...we are taking it to heart.
Coverkiller.... you are the man. I applaude to this video. And yes. I watched the entire video.
Such a motivational speech. You absolutely nailed every bloody thing about it. You dear sir are a genius! ;D
Great video man, very spot on.
"...whatever rabbits cost." lol
Anyways, great video CKN, I am slowly starting a band with my friends and this really helped confirm my ideas of scenes and band start-ups. I hope this video helps out others as well. I live about an hour away from Chicago and there's nothing here. So, Chicago is still all blues with several underground scenes, but nothing uniform though. Who knows where music will be in a few years. I hope more unique bands get recognized and I have seen that with some newer bands. We'll see.
Dear Mr. Ckn, Thank you greatly!! I've shared this video with my new band members for obvious reasons.
Very smart and perceptive observations. I will keep these in mind, I'm trying to start a heavy metal band with sound influences of power metal but not the subject matter. No I wanna be able to go out there and spread a message or bring up a topic.
Speaking as someone whose preferred genres of metal is Groove, Alternative and Nu Metal (Don't ask) it does kinda depresses me that everyone I've met seems to only know about Deathcore or Death Metal or anything that's considered BROOTAL N HARDCORE YO.
Even still I gotta say your advice in this video really did hit me like a brick wall whereas while I do have the passion for the music I play the talent aspect of Metal music eludes me or at playing it (I am a the shittiest Bass player I know) but what you said about hard work and keeping at it really hit home for me so I thank you for that man.
it's difficult as a musician. some expect big stuff from beginning bands,i agree on take your own take on a genre. don't reinvent the wheel. but as a musician,you are your own worst kritique. you have to know allot of stuff,at 1st you have to be your own soundguy and know what to do. in the beginning you don't and have to peek from other bands how to do it since there is no "how to basic" for bands. people might expect stuff but it's not easy to comfort these people with the little you have. the little you have should be the fun at 1st,it's not for the money and neither for the fame. it's mostly because you want to play with it beeing just a hobby in mind. and not everybody is equally as good or clean cut for music altought they want to succeed desperately. u.s.a is diffrent maybe,here in holland it's all about fun and playing it fair to survive. a good vibe and good attitude do help and you just can't always go jackpot. sometimes it's playing for booze or nothing or sometimes it's speccing the bank for a cd and such. beware labels tough,they can f... up a entire band with they're inputs and obligations.
Sound advice. Thanks man!
I agree with all of this. And thank you for pointing out that those marginal attendance increases from hours of walking and handing out flyers is in fact still a success. It doesn't always feel that, way and it's nice to hear someone reaffirming that those efforts are not a waste of time.
One thing we try to do in our scene (nebraska/us) is to create a support network for touring bands of the same genres(as well as for each other). We know we don't have the population density for these low/mid level touring acts to make a lot of $$$ when they travel the midwest, but we try to make up for that with hospitality and a strong DIY scene that protects bands from pay to play promoters/theft/etc. Bands coming through the area might not make a lot here, but they are given our collective efforts to help them find resources like places to stay/eat or get maintenance on vehicles or equipment that hopefully makes playing our region a valuable tour stop. We get to make a lot of new friends and contacts when we get on the road, and our local music fans get a varied experience that to those who are not waiting to be told what to like by the radio, can hopefully find exciting and worthy of their entertainment $$$.
I would almost argue that we need to see our entire scene as a product and not just our individual bands. We are all up against the largest conglomerate entertainment machine that has ever existed.
Anyway, great video. I don't know how I stumbled into it but you've got a new subscriber!
+Rift We can attest to this. They care.
Lots of valid points raised in your video, Coverkiller. My experience as band member/manager/marketer is that It's easier than ever to get your music out there and released internationally, which in turn means all bands face greater global competition. Assuming the talent and originality side of things are at a high enough standard, the biggest battle is getting first contact with the right connections and being heard above the noise without having previously knowing the industry people you want to connect with. For example we've been receiving on the whole very favourable album reviews (granted, not every single one, but we're winning most reviewers over), but the biggest challenge has not been getting a GOOD review - it's been getting ANY review, getting in the review/radio play queue in the first place and just making it out of the huge spam bin. From the reviewer's/radio station's side, I understand the more incoming email/packages/links received, the harder it is to prioritise what to check out - especially when newcomers are up against the big league bands and their support networks. With my marketing hat on I know the best shot is to present your band in a unique way; invest time and money in promotion (something many bands aren't prepared to do) and target the right people repeatedly but in an engaging and relevant manner. We have a few ideas up our sleeves to get more recognition, because we know you can't just rely on putting an album out there and hoping for the best - if you've invested time in your product and you believe in it, you should invest what time and money you can in marketing it too. Whether that will be enough,to make an impact for Kill or Cure and our debut album, only time will tell, but it's going to be interesting finding out.
I'm from Blue Mountain, MS..which it's 40 minutes away from our local music scene here in North Mississippi (Tupelo, MS) (The Birthplace of Elvis Presley)). I've been going to the shows around Tupelo for the past 5 years and I've been seeing it go downhill ever since. Back in 2011, it was based upon Genres like: Alternative Metal, Pop-Punk, and very little Metalcore and Deathcore. The bar/venue would draw at least 300-350 people each time. I went to support one of my friend's band at the time "Substance in Silence", they were opening up for an Alternative Rock band from Tupelo "ForeverandNever", Cilver (Formerly known as MeTalkPretty), Against The Wall (They previously toured with Dream Theater), and Framing Hanley. The show drew at least 400 people.
Over the years, the scene started to revamped and get new promoters. Currently, the scene is consisted of Hardcore or Christian Hardcore, Deathcore, "Djent" Hardcore or "Djent" Deathcore, EDM, and Hip-Hop. It's tough trying to get shows around the area anymore. I'm a manager for a band from Blue Mountain "Condemned By Faith" (Metalcore) and the last time we've had a show without having to book our own show was last July. It's just hard to trust your promoters. Since it's 40 minutes away from Blue Mountain, we have to use at least 20-30 bucks on gas and food. The last time we've played with the promoter, he tried to pay us at least 15-20 bucks, after agreeing to pay 40.00. So yeah, the local scene around here might be like everyone's else. Since it's so bad around here, half of the bands that was from Tupelo moved off to Nashville or Memphis. ForeverandNever packed their bags just 2 years ago to Nashville and started playing up there drawing twice the crowd. Also, have an album out, music videos, etc. It's pretty much, how many times you have to kiss ass or suck dick around the Tupelo scene to get up there.
Since May of 2013, Condemned By Faith been raising some cash to be able to record an album, by renting out a place and having a few local bands (friends) open up. We had a band open up called "Freed"..they're from Memphis, TN. They're a mixture of everything (Funk/Nu-Metal/Rap/Metal). 4 months later, we did it again with a local band from Tupelo called "Shive". They're Alternative Metal..they actually had their EP recorded by Ben Wells from Black Stone Cherry. March 21st, we'll be doing it again and hopefully we reach our goal. You may think "Recording an album doesn't cost much?" Actually it does, some places cost at least 100-200 dollars per day and let's say that you have 14 tracks for your album and it takes you 2 weeks..that's 1400-2800 dollars, plus you'll have to mix/master, make the album covers and whatnots. So word of advice, if you want to make some $$$ to record an album or buy some equipment, just rent out a place in your hometown or anywhere specific that you'll know people will attend and play a show....and get a small part-time job that pays good.
P.S.: All the bands I named have a Facebook page, so if you wanna like and give them a support, you're more as welcome to do so \m/
hey man love the videos including this one! couldn't agree anymore. we're from a scene in the Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia region of Pennsylvania. There's alot of generic Metalcore/Death core here as well. It has strongly influenced us to stand out. This video was encouraging thank you very much!
I'm in that area as well. And yeah...it's kinda shitty. lol
+Jasmine Novak totally ! are you from the Harrisburg area?
Oshianband717 Yeppers
+Jasmine Novak sic are you aware of the champ ?
I am, but I don't get out much. lol
I'm in a metalcore band in the Columbia, SC scene. My band is the only thing in my week I ever really look forward to. I really enjoyed this video.
Dude. Yes. You have no idea how many times I have come close to uploading the same basic rant. I agree with an overwhelming majority of what you had to say. I wish I had the time to reply everything I want to say but I would have to quit my job and comment this thread all day. Hmmm....I just might have to make you a reply video to this one man......you have no idea how long I have struggled to make a similar video. It could easily alienate me and my band in my local scene. But some kiddos out there really need to see the bigger picture. Pay some dues. Too many chiefs, not enough indians. ROCK ON \m/
I am doing something solo right now and am taking this totally to heart. I know this is mainly a metal/rock channel but I like to make lo-fi/folky/noise orientated music because that's what I love to do and have been pushing my promotion a lot. I am releasing a few EP's this year and I will give the bandcamp link later. I believe that music is something I want to do and if I stick with it people will like it, expiremental or not. But I know it might take a long time. Thank you this only strengthened my wanting to keep going and pushing myself forward. I hope we here can start a scene for the first time and weather similar or not in style or even same tastes we will help each other to success. Because right now, it's barren out here almost absolutely nothing left.
Just wanted to say that I loved this video and luckily everything my band has done has followed this video. Just last Saturday our band hosted our own concert considering that we were "too unknown for local venues" I worked hard for my band by finding a place to play by using my old boyscout cabin. I advertised for three weeks like crazy using Facebook and handing out flyers. (Oh yeah also had two other bands with us.) Everyone's parents invited their local band friends and we invited anyone who wanted to come. I was super worried , not about performing but that their would be a small audience of family only. AMAZING ENOUGH OVER 50 PEOPLE SHOWED UP. Most people I had never seen before. Unsure of how the crowd would react to our oddly unique sound we were well prepared.( we practice once a week) the crowd got into our music from the first song all the way to the last. We had the audience sing parts of our songs (all originals) and the feedback was all positive even from the pickiest of music lovers there. We got offered to play at a large outdoor local rockfest and gladly accepted. We are hoping venues now will open their eyes and see our potential. By following all of these steps which we actually did before watching this video, you can and will move up in your local scene. (BTW where I live death metal is 90% of the bands, we however are hardcore/ alternative rock which is a nice change of pace. Check us out at Facebook.com.hearashearts
I hope your band becomes big!!
Good advice for a variety of passions and dreams
I decided last year that I wanted to be in a band, I have yet to start one. This video has taught me a lot. Thank you.
CO
A progressive heavy metal band I knew split up a about 3 years ago because the band members were not dedicated to actually playing also the venues were not booking them to play. Sad really....
Truthfully, here in Iowa, a lot of Deathcore, Heavy metal, and Thrash metal bands are locally big for the local scenes, but when you think of Iowa you don't think of metal. I'm 15 and I 'death growl' and play lead guitar in a Death metal band with some of my friends. We're very Cannibal Corpse and Deicide and even Broken Hope inspired, but even though we're at a young age we try our hardest to get out there and get our music heard, but it's impossible to get out and play shows when you can't even find a drummer, which has been our problem since we started in late 2012 when I was only 13 years old.
I live a couple miles away from Woodstock and there are so many organizations there that do so much to help promote young musicians, it's awesome.
I agree with you when it comes to rock seeing a decline in popularity and sales same goes for the uk market its all house and rap over here along with pop so hard to find local gigs in my area that's not a pop group or pop rock group
very intersting video, a true look at the reality of the scenes today. To be honest I am surprised it is exactly like this in the U.S. as well, northern italy does not have much of an identity, but it's up to us to get everybody together and create that, we're working on it, day after day, like you said, it's about hard work. Those words were honest and full of truth man, the over saturation, the market and all the problems that bands have to go through these days, but i won't give up my dream just because i wasn't around in 1971, fuck that. Worst case scenario, i will never get relevant and spend the rest of my life having fun playing those local gigs, in any case i love what i do and that's good enough for me, so it kinda is about individualism and dedication to your art, and then there's the public relashionship side and everything that comes with being in a band
Spot on video, awesome
This was a killer vid, any chance you would be willing to do a review on a local band when our new cd comes out?
Good video. Nice and honest.
This video is on point. I'm in a band and our scene is also saturated with generic hardcore/metalcore bands. There are literally only 2 local bands that we get along with musically and personally.
Yeah man I've been in a band for half a year now and it's tough to get a gig especially because we're young. Hopefully sometime soon I'll be able to upload stuff on youtube for free to hopefully get some recognition. If it doesn't take off oh well I'll keep doing it because I love playing.
Dacca. We really haven't been able to do a whole lot due to our age but we've been working on some sweet stuff we hope to get out soon.
My old band started in 7th grade. I know how you feel. My band now is just me because all the musicians in my town are very very lacking of similar musical taste.
Sanic how’s it going?
But UA-cam is a great thing,I found so many badass slam death metal,progressive metal,rap,technical death metal,brutal death metal,melodic death metal,grindcore,deathcore,jazz,blues,classic,rock (and so on) bands.I bought all of their albums,because I want to support the underground and keep good music alive.
Agreed, sometimes even the bands that just send you a random "spam" message on UA-cam to promote themselves actually turn out to be surprisingly badass.
Lol 90% of the spams I got were shitty metalcore bands.Like Heaven Shall Burn and get metalcore spams for the rest of your life.
Very well put
this is pretty useful, i have a band but we mostly jam for fun, we have decided to try to make our own songs and have gigs, i have started to make some prog death songs in the vein of gojira and opeth, lets see how that turns out
Good stuff man, I found a lot of this about my band is true.My band Thrashix is Estonian heavy/thrash band we been playing together 2 years,worked hard but marketing side sucked all the active time plus Estonia is not very good place for a metal band.In 2 years we made almost six songs,three demos,gave 9 concerts,some of them are in youtube also.If you ever get to read this and you happen to take look at some of the videos I´d like to see what ya think,even if its bad.I like your form of education to the learners and keep up the good stuff.
Fully agree with all the points made in this video.
I agree with basically everything you said. Things in the music industry changed quite a bit recently as well. Look at the gear that musicians are using now. It's becoming easier to carry. There are less parts to replace. More sounds are more accessible than ever(Thanks AxeFX). We're gonna see a major change in what is metal in the next 10 or 20 years in my opinion. And while it is more expensive than ever to get started now, it may become easier to get gigs with newer, fresher material. That's what I believe, anyways. I'm a little sad that I live in an area as big and as saturated as it is with music and history(San Francisco), but only such a small percentage of our people show up to metal shows. And I mean even the big ones. I hope this will change in the future. Anyways, good video. Thanks.
I am a truly talented musician and it is the only thing in this life I can do with 100% confidence and I fuckin' nail every song I learn to play. From Attila and I See Stars to Behemoth and Nile, I Fuckin' rock!
Problem is I have nobody to jam with and i'm not interested in being in a band I just want some Garage jam buddies who are into that kind of music... ;(
South Florida has a pretty awesome scene. Miami is the best. Lots of awesome death, thrash, punk/hardcore, and grindcore. Plus there's a bunch of promoters that put our local bands on some pretty awesome shows with national/international acts. Within the past year, bands like Carcass, Cannibal Corpse, Flotsam and Jetsam, The Casualties, Exhumed, Krisiun, Wintersun, Goatwhore, Havok, Incantation, and Morbid Angel have all recieved support from either one or two local bands, or nothing but local bands. And within the next few months, locals are gonna be opening for bands like Godflesh, Deicide, Anvil, and Whiplash.
Thank You!
You are so right bout everything...
Total commitment i think is #1!
I wish I could meet you, this inspired me
I have alot of death metal and black metal in MN hell i went to a show yesterday it was fantstic check out into the void records one of the bar tenders at the bar that i go to is in a band there called Obsequiae really good i hope they make it big one day but only time can tell.
Well said. I've been saying the same thing for a long time now.
great points made
This is off topic but I just got my cd Hidden Treasures by Megadeth and I will enjoy to see a CKN review of this great album I know is an EP but Damn I believe it deserves one
Sick video bro. Appreciate the advice.
This guy reminds me of Dwight from The Office. Great video though, very helpful!
Start a new scene you say???? Any metal bands out here in Astoria, NY? My band ain't ready to gig just yet, but our biggest goal, at least mine and the singers, is to renew the scene out here.
but you are rite man i got ur back on this subject
Here in south central LA and south gate, we have local shows all the time, the scene if ska at the moment, but the kine ups are mixed, and soare the people. Ska and skacore band usualky play first, then punk, then thrash. Ive gone to them and its pretty bad ass and fun, usually around 40 people go to watch c:
Here in LA alot of things havnt faded away cx,
The closest thing we have to a scene here (Coventry, England which is about half an hour from Birmingham where Black Sabbath came from) Is pretty much just a load of people my age (16+) wanting to be the next Bring Me The Horizon, it saddens me that nobody that I know of really wants to reach out for their own thing here like I do, but hopefully we see some improvement either here, or somewhere else in the world in the coming years.
I agree that's y I'm going to get a degree in teaching music and I want to be a musician as well but I agree with wat u said about holding down a job?
I'm trying to get a band going. I gathered three people (including me) who want to play music. But we've never stood on a stage so far, we don't even have any finished songs yet. So far my song ideas sound like a mix of Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal and Prog Metal x)
Thanks bro