KLRU
Austin Musicians Need to Help Themselves
RECEIVED Tue., July 22, 2008
Dear Editor,
I read the article by Katherine Gregor on the Austin music scene [“Can the Bands Play On?” News, July 18]. The article does not address how musicians and venues can help themselves. As a live-music fan, I have found that most musicians in this town aren't worth paying to see, and most music venues aren't worth visiting.
Musicians need to analyze what they are doing and ask themselves some tough questions. Are we writing the best songs we can? How do we really sound? How good is our show? Why should people pay to see us?
There are many successful bands from Austin that play original music and make money in town and on the road. The local press often ignores them, but they exist. Aspiring musicians should study the habits of successful bands. Venue owners should study the habits of successful clubs.
Most of the so-called live-music venues in this town have dismal PA systems. Shouldn’t this be the venue’s primary investment? This includes sound engineers. The art of being a sound engineer is a dying one. Venues also need to make sure that their stages and light shows are as good as they can possibly be and that shows run in a professional manner.
Are you a musician who wants to be paid? Put out a great-sounding recording. Work hard to promote your band. Does a venue sound bad? Don't play there. Does the venue not have a cover charge or a payment system that makes sense? Don't play there. The stage is no place for rehearsal. Don't expect me to pay to see it. You only have your music. Present it in the best light possible. Don't count on anyone to help you but you. Give me something that I can't wait to spend my hard-earned money on. I will pay.
I read the article by Katherine Gregor on the Austin music scene [“Can the Bands Play On?” News, July 18]. The article does not address how musicians and venues can help themselves. As a live-music fan, I have found that most musicians in this town aren't worth paying to see, and most music venues aren't worth visiting.
Musicians need to analyze what they are doing and ask themselves some tough questions. Are we writing the best songs we can? How do we really sound? How good is our show? Why should people pay to see us?
There are many successful bands from Austin that play original music and make money in town and on the road. The local press often ignores them, but they exist. Aspiring musicians should study the habits of successful bands. Venue owners should study the habits of successful clubs.
Most of the so-called live-music venues in this town have dismal PA systems. Shouldn’t this be the venue’s primary investment? This includes sound engineers. The art of being a sound engineer is a dying one. Venues also need to make sure that their stages and light shows are as good as they can possibly be and that shows run in a professional manner.
Are you a musician who wants to be paid? Put out a great-sounding recording. Work hard to promote your band. Does a venue sound bad? Don't play there. Does the venue not have a cover charge or a payment system that makes sense? Don't play there. The stage is no place for rehearsal. Don't expect me to pay to see it. You only have your music. Present it in the best light possible. Don't count on anyone to help you but you. Give me something that I can't wait to spend my hard-earned money on. I will pay.
Mike Krug
