Support your local music scene!
If you live in an area that has a music scene, dont take it for granted because it wont last forever if people stop going to shows. Hastings used to have a thriving music scene back when i was 15-17 years old, a weekly show at a local venue for just 3 entry, and I had some of the best times, local bands and some not so local ones that were just breaking to get bigger. Fandangle was one, and they ended up touring with Reel Big Fish.
But since then, Unscene had venue issues, The Crypt didnt want anymore under 18s after one incident that ruined shit for everyone, then the town kind of died out of shows, in about 2009 Hastings had a boost of bands and mini Battle of the bands tournaments, which in the end was corrupt because the band that took the most friends won, Battle of the fans more like. But that died out and the local scene has fluctuated over the last 4 years, bands coming and going because there isnt enough venues or local shows to keep people interested.
My point is if you are lucky enough to live in an area that has lots of shows, go to these shows, not all of them will be amazing, but you might find a band that you like a lot, and they wont get anywhere without fans and local support to get them started, going to their shows, buying their merch and eps, giving them a boost to branch out to other towns and do shows.
What some people dont realise, that these small shows can be better than the big name ones, there is chance for more crazyness and fun in a small environment. It is a wicked way to make friends too, and find more people to go to shows with, as you both have music in common.
I say all this because I get frustrated when bands make an effort to travel to my town and people dont really show up, I feel so bad for them, especially when they deserve a crowd. Or just when bands play a show and they get an amazing crowd and support and then another time, no fucker shows up, youd feel like not playing. Some day I hope to own my own venue and reignite a music scene to my town, and bring in bigger talent to play in the town, Id hope such a thing would build and interest in local music again.
If you live in an area that has a music scene, dont take it for granted because it wont last forever if people stop going to shows. Hastings used to have a thriving music scene back when i was 15-17 years old, a weekly show at a local venue for just 3 entry, and I had some of the best times, local bands and some not so local ones that were just breaking to get bigger. Fandangle was one, and they ended up touring with Reel Big Fish.
But since then, Unscene had venue issues, The Crypt didnt want anymore under 18s after one incident that ruined shit for everyone, then the town kind of died out of shows, in about 2009 Hastings had a boost of bands and mini Battle of the bands tournaments, which in the end was corrupt because the band that took the most friends won, Battle of the fans more like. But that died out and the local scene has fluctuated over the last 4 years, bands coming and going because there isnt enough venues or local shows to keep people interested.
My point is if you are lucky enough to live in an area that has lots of shows, go to these shows, not all of them will be amazing, but you might find a band that you like a lot, and they wont get anywhere without fans and local support to get them started, going to their shows, buying their merch and eps, giving them a boost to branch out to other towns and do shows.
What some people dont realise, that these small shows can be better than the big name ones, there is chance for more crazyness and fun in a small environment. It is a wicked way to make friends too, and find more people to go to shows with, as you both have music in common.
I say all this because I get frustrated when bands make an effort to travel to my town and people dont really show up, I feel so bad for them, especially when they deserve a crowd. Or just when bands play a show and they get an amazing crowd and support and then another time, no fucker shows up, youd feel like not playing. Some day I hope to own my own venue and reignite a music scene to my town, and bring in bigger talent to play in the town, Id hope such a thing would build and interest in local music again.