I have a problem with cover/tribute bands.

[txbasschik]

I've played a bit in the Boston/Worcester area. It seems like a great area for original music.

But, yeah, there are cover band rooms and original rooms all over. In NJ/PA, they are very separate. Very rarely would a club book both cover and original bands.

My band would be totally screwed then. We do both. We'll always do both. Just about everyone else we know in bands does both.

No one would book us up there!

I need to go by my favorite venues and let them know how much we appreciate having places where we can play what we want to. You've made me feel like I need to express my appreciation.

Cherie

 

[Joe Nerve]

If all the childish not very clever complaints about this thread were deleted this thread would have less than 500 posts. the complaints are so much more annoying to me than the content. I really don't get what keeps you complainers hanging around. Can't help but think that it makes you somehow feel superior to knock this stuff.

Hopefully this can fuel the discussion. Cover guys vs original guys vs those who consider themselve above it all.

OMG!!! IS THIS THREAD STILL HERE!!!!! KILL IT! KILL IT! LOL! LOOK AT ME. WEEEEEE...... I'M SO CLEVER. WHERE'S THAT "FAIL" JPEG I SAVED! PERFECT PLACE FOR IT. GOTTA GO FIND IT. BE RIGHT BACK.

 

[Joe Nerve]

gonna go have my morning coffee now.

 

[Jared Lash]

Over the past several years, I have been listening to a lot of songs from acoustic guitar players who are solo artists. Musicians like Chet Atkins, Doc Watson, Jerry Reed, Tommy Emmanuel and others. Recently, I began creating basslines to fit these songs and I've recorded some of them. This isn't the same thing as original music because the original idea already existed, I'm only adding to it. Yet it's more than covering the music because I'm not merely interpreting bass lines, I'm creating them.

I do this a lot, not just with solo guitar players, but any music I find that doesn't have bass. Half of the White Stripes catalog now has simple but kickass basslines so Jack White can call me any time he wants. It's a fun thing to do, and is a good way to stretch out - especially trying to match tone and feel which is something even Jeff Berlin (who is infinitely more skilled than me) failed to do when blowing over the top of Norah Jones songs.

Saturday I spent a lot of time trying to write to this Don Ross song. Knowing when (and how) to double the guitar, when to play simply and when to step out a bit made it really useful, for me anyway.

Personally, I find it is much easier to write and play my own material than it is to learn and memorize 50-60 songs by thirty or forty different bands.

When writing my own material, I play music in my style, with my phrasings etc. When playing covers, I have to play in many different styles, some that feel very odd to me I might add.

It's an interesting point. For me it again comes back to what is considered "writing". If we're talking about starting from scratch, writing melodies and lyrics, I still struggle with that and take a LONG time to do anything that I think is any good. But as far as writing basslines as part of a group, yeah, I usually find that pretty easy, though I often find myself leaning on some of my own cliches.

Whether you play in a cover band or not, I don't think people should ever stop learning other people's music. Hell, I played for 13 years before Standing in the Shadows of Motown completely changed the way I approached things. It's also why I think it's good for people to branch out and play as many different things as they can. Moving out of your comfort zone can be frustrating (or even embarrassing as I've learned) but ultimately very rewarding.

i can't believe i'm actually still checking this thread. it's like really bad tv, or a trainwreck.

I'll take this conversation over the reality TV that my girlfriend seems obsessed with. For an intelligent woman she sure loves some crappy TV shows.

I think what this really comes down to is time. For most of us, we have full-time jobs (lord knows I do...), so we really don't have time for multiple bands, just one.

This is the first time in my life since college that I HAVE had time for multiple musical projects and I'm taking full advantage. Teaching high school made it very hard to even have enough time for one band and a personal life, but my new job gives me a lot more free time. I just jammed with two new guys last night (they want to do a dub project ala DeFacto) and we really clicked.

So now the official count for me is one cover (well tribute) band, one primarily originals project (most people don't know the covers we do anyway), one hired gun type gig (backing MCs and turntablists doing hip hop) and one new original project that hasn't gone past the jamming stage.

For those keeping score at home, I believe that makes me 29% well paid poser, 54% delusional loser with integrity and 17% compromising realist. Is that about right?

 

[Bass Viking]

To be fair - you don't have a problem with "cover bands" (a collective), you have a problem with a sampling of lackluster bands who cover a couple songs badly (a very small, and only somewhat representative sampling of that collective).

That's such a "cover band hater's cliche'". Simply having the awareness that some songs are covered almost ubiquitously by cover bands (ask yourself why sometime) then attaching your own subjective point of view about those bands who cover those tunes badly to all bands who play covers is a little unfair.

There are TONS of people who are making subjective, blanket statements that are entirely unfounded and unsupportable - yet they are sticking their sticks in the ground and dancing around the flag as if there's some reason to be proud of their narrow view of the music world.

"Yeah? - let's hear YOUR originals!"

"Yeah? - let's hear you cover Dream Theater!"

That's worthless.

You completely misunderstood my post. I like going to see cover bands and I have nothing against them. I also didn't say that the ones playing Mustang Sally, etc. are doing it badly. I just like hearing popular songs that aren't done to death. That's my only problem.

It's like the classic rock radio station here in town. You hear the same handful of songs by each artist. The funny thing is, their slogan is "not afraid to go deep into the album". Yeah, right!

 

[txbasschik]

LMAO, I only read the first page of posts but it appears that the majority of players here play in cover bands and are butt hurt cause they are failed musicians and can only play other peoples material

I agree with the original poster, write your own songs.

Enjoy playing living on a prayer for the 40 millionth time!

LOL

Phooey. Baloney. Grade A organic fertilizer.

I can play covers, I can play our originals, and I can sit in with other bands and play *their* originals and cover tunes. I don't write. My songs are utter dreck, so I do not inflict them upon others. I write lyrics, give them to my guitarist, who *does* write good songs, and let him do what he wants with 'em. Other people's music? I play it all the time...cover or original, its all music that other people wrote, to me. Cover? Play it right. Original? Write a good bassline for it, and take constructive criticism and make changes when needed. It is my job to play every piece I'm presented to the very best of my ability. Period.

I pride myself on being able to play most songs, original or cover, on the fly, unless they are especially complex. I've built my local reputation on that. My reputation is very good, thanks. Very good indeed.

Failed musician? I think not, honey. You may consider me, and everyone like me, a failure. You are entitled to your own opinion. I happen to know you are incorrect, sir.

Proud of her work...

Cherie

 

[tZer]

You completely misunderstood my post. I like going to see cover bands and I have nothing against them. I also didn't say that the ones playing Mustang Sally, etc. are doing it badly. I just like hearing popular songs that aren't done to death. That's my only problem.

It's like the classic rock radio station here in town. You hear the same handful of songs by each artist. The funny thing is, their slogan is "not afraid to go deep into the album". Yeah, right!

Point taken. You're right - my apologies for inaccurately characterizing your post.

And I agree with the radio station statement (and the comment about hackneyed covers like "Brown eyed Girl" etc...)

The difference between the radio and the band being, however, the cover band may- and I stress may have an interesting take on the tune whereas the radio has no choice but to bore me with the *gasp* original version as performed and recorded by the *gasp* original artist.

But personally, I too would rather not hear either the radio or a band play that one as-is - as it's been done to death, as-is.

I am not directing this comment your way - but I also understand completely why a cover band would play it - and play it as-is (and don't fault them for doing it, either). Very much the same reason the radio station plays it - apparently people actually do want to hear it *gasp*.

But, truth be told, depending on the company and the circumstances, it could actually add a burst of fun to the evening if the band does play it - as-is - if they're delivering the goods in general and making a good connection with the crowd. Sure, I may prefer they skip it, but if the room's mood is elevated by it, more power to 'em.

Hey, a good time is a good time, right? If those opening notes hit the air and all the ladies in the room get all happy and start dancing and pull their men out there to have fun - there ya go...

Oh yeah... *gasp*

 

[SundanceChile]

I'd like to point out that most EVERY professional Orchestra at one point or another becomes a cover band for Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, etc.

My .02

 

[Greyvagabond]

I've always loved covers that are almost unrecognizable as the original song. I just heard a version of "Islands in the stream" by She and Him as s very slow dirge! It was great. Also, the Bad Plus' version of "Smells like Teen Spirit" is cool.

 

[Michael Case]

Phooey. Baloney. Grade A organic fertilizer.

I can play covers, I can play our originals, and I can sit in with other bands and play *their* originals and cover tunes. I don't write. My songs are utter dreck, so I do not inflict them upon others. I write lyrics, give them to my guitarist, who *does* write good songs, and let him do what he wants with 'em. Other people's music? I play it all the time...cover or original, its all music that other people wrote, to me. Cover? Play it right. Original? Write a good bassline for it, and take constructive criticism and make changes when needed. It is my job to play every piece I'm presented to the very best of my ability. Period.

I pride myself on being able to play most songs, original or cover, on the fly, unless they are especially complex. I've built my local reputation on that. My reputation is very good, thanks. Very good indeed.

Failed musician? I think not, honey. You may consider me, and everyone like me, a failure. You are entitled to your own opinion. I happen to know you are incorrect, sir.

Proud of her work...

Cherie

+ 1

Oh and Mr. Nerve, the comments about being a failed musician and not having the fortitude to play original music are more annoying and useless then the complaints about this thread.

I think there are people who do covers who ARE failed musicians. Those people will do note for note renditions of a song and still lack any groove or excitement. I played in original bands and now play in a band that does both covers and originals, a complete cover band, and freelance as a jazz player. I try to do as much as I can and am pretty happy about the fact that I earn money playing my instrument.

This thread IS a train wreck, it IS as bad as reality TV, and it IS a huge failure. The smug comments made by "original" musicians have put the nails in the coffin. You see the problem with freedom of speech is the fact that some folks shouldn't even be let out in public let alone speak their minds.

How do all of you morally superior "original" folks feel about Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie? Those people wrote originals, yes, but the bulk of their work is standards so these great players basically "covered" other peoples music. Or can you not comment on jazz because your indie/metal integrity doesn't allow you to acknowledge the existence of other genres of music?

 

[txbasschik]

+ 1

Oh and Mr. Nerve, the comments about being a failed musician and not having the fortitude to play original music are more annoying and useless then the complaints about this thread.

I think there are people who do covers who ARE failed musicians in some ways. Those people will do note for note renditions of a song and still lack any groove or excitement. I played in original bands and now play in a band that does both covers and originals, a complete cover band, and freelance as a jazz player. I try to do as much as I can and am pretty happy about the fact that I earn money playing my instrument.

This thread IS a train wreck, it IS as bad as reality TV, and it IS a huge failure. The smug comments made by "original" musicians have put the nails in the coffin. You see the problem with freedom of speech is the fact that some folks shouldn't even be let out in public let alone speak there minds.

How do all of you morally superior "original" folks feel about Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie? Those people wrote originals, yes, but the bulk of there work is standards so these great players basically "covered" other peoples music. Or can you not comment on jazz because your indie/metal integrity doesn't allow you to acknowledge the existence of other genres of music?

+1!!!

My bass teacher had the remarkable good fortune to be raised by a classical pianist mother and a jazz drummer father, in NYC, in the 1950's and '60's.

Miles Davis and all those other Legendary Jazz Kats used to come to *his house* and jam with his father. He was heavily influenced by all of them...what a wonderful opportunity for a young musician!!!

I'm certain that they played some covers in those jams. Grown, nearly 60, he plays both covers and originals...just as his real-life heroes did. I look up to and greatly admire this man...He is no failure!!!

Cherie

 

[john_g]

Phooey. Baloney. Grade A organic fertilizer.

I can play covers, I can play our originals, and I can sit in with other bands and play *their* originals and cover tunes. I don't write. My songs are utter dreck, so I do not inflict them upon others. I write lyrics, give them to my guitarist, who *does* write good songs, and let him do what he wants with 'em. Other people's music? I play it all the time...cover or original, its all music that other people wrote, to me. Cover? Play it right. Original? Write a good bassline for it, and take constructive criticism and make changes when needed. It is my job to play every piece I'm presented to the very best of my ability. Period.

I pride myself on being able to play most songs, original or cover, on the fly, unless they are especially complex. I've built my local reputation on that. My reputation is very good, thanks. Very good indeed.

Failed musician? I think not, honey. You may consider me, and everyone like me, a failure. You are entitled to your own opinion. I happen to know you are incorrect, sir.

Proud of her work...

Cherie

+1

I love the attitude that because you are not playing all originals (which I did for 15 years by the way before taking a hiatus then coming back 2 years ago and hooking up with a covers band), you are a "failed musician". Ha!

I do this for fun at this point in life and I have my paying gig, thanks. There would be just about no way I could make the kind of money I make from my day job being a full time musician. No way. It would have to be a major (MAJOR) label contract. So I dont HAVE to play anything...I just do it for fun.

What do you say to the people that do both (like me?)

 

[txbasschik]

+1

I love the attitude that because you are not playing all originals (which I did for 15 years by the way before taking a hiatus then coming back 2 years ago and hooking up with a covers band), you are a "failed musician". Ha!

I do this for fun at this point in life and I have my paying gig, thanks. There would be just about no way I could make the kind of money I make from my day job being a full time musician. No way. It would have to be a major (MAJOR) label contract. So I dont HAVE to play anything...I just do it for fun.

What do you say to the people that do both (like me?)

We say..."Welcome to the Lone Star jam! C'mon up!"

We say..."Wow! You're versatile!"

We say..."Hey, you can play just about anything. Why don't you book a gig here?"

We say..."Welcome to Austin!"

LOL!

Cherie

 

[Greyvagabond]

Jazz is really a horse of a different color, though. While Miles may have played "covers" (i.e. the same chord changes and head), he also SOLOED for like 5 minutes over the changes. That's pretty different from any other version of the song. And not really comparable to most cover bands (who, for the sake of the audience, can't change a song so much its unrecognizable).

 

[txbasschik]

Jazz is really a horse of a different color, though. While Miles may have played "covers" (i.e. the same chord changes and head), he also SOLOED for like 5 minutes over the changes. That's pretty different from any other version of the song. And not really comparable to most cover bands (who, for the sake of the audience, can't change a song so much its unrecognizable).

In some places, it is true, pop, rock, and country cover bands can't mess around too much with the songs. They may want to, but the venue wants a "living jukebox", so they'd shoot themselves in the foot. Mayhap that's why some have separate original bands?

Again, I thank God I live where I do. Some tunes, we do straight...we don't fool around with, for instance, Skynyrd, very much. Its Texas, after all. LOL! (Please, no flames, y'all...I'm just using an example and trying to be funny at the same time.)

But we, and many other bands, do "stretch out" on selected covers. Our guitarist often doesn't play the leads exactly straight, either. He likes to get creative, and as long as it honors the spirit of the songs, audiences do not object. Most local audiences enjoy that, so long as we don't mutate too many sacred cows. They like the originals, too. They *want* to hear both.

Goodness gracious, I need to thank my lucky stars, I really do!

Cherie

 

[NickyBass]

gonna go have my morning coffee now.

Morning?!?!?!

 

[Joe Nerve]

I wasn't one of the guys saying a cover musician is a failed musician, but I do think that someone who plays only covers and brags about it as though he/she is one up on original players has got some real problems. and i do think (make that know) that someone playing covers who refuses to write their own stuff or ever play in an original band is taking the easier route, or just plain copping out. There's nothing at all wrong with that, until they start trying to put down writers as a few are here. then there's something very very wrong with that because the writers are what make the covers people's glory possible. and they don't seem to get it. I've said that about 12X now I think. Almost as many times as I quit this thread.

 

[NickyBass]

My band would be totally screwed then. We do both. We'll always do both. Just about everyone else we know in bands does both.

No one would book us up there!

I need to go by my favorite venues and let them know how much we appreciate having places where we can play what we want to. You've made me feel like I need to express my appreciation.

Cherie

You can throw a few covers in an original set, but the cover crowds don't want to hear your originals unless you are a HUGE cover band....which is quite ironic.

 

[baalroo]

+ 1

Oh and Mr. Nerve, the comments about being a failed musician and not having the fortitude to play original music are more annoying and useless then the complaints about this thread.

I think there are people who do covers who ARE failed musicians. Those people will do note for note renditions of a song and still lack any groove or excitement. I played in original bands and now play in a band that does both covers and originals, a complete cover band, and freelance as a jazz player. I try to do as much as I can and am pretty happy about the fact that I earn money playing my instrument.

This thread IS a train wreck, it IS as bad as reality TV, and it IS a huge failure. The smug comments made by "original" musicians have put the nails in the coffin. You see the problem with freedom of speech is the fact that some folks shouldn't even be let out in public let alone speak their minds.

How do all of you morally superior "original" folks feel about Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie? Those people wrote originals, yes, but the bulk of their work is standards so these great players basically "covered" other peoples music. Or can you not comment on jazz because your indie/metal integrity doesn't allow you to acknowledge the existence of other genres of music?

Obviously, there's only a few people here and there popping in and making a "failed musician" argument about cover bands (now including yourself). IMO there is a lot of good conversation that has nothing to do with this moronic argument that you people keep drawing out and if you'd quite talking about it (and how this thread should be closed) people could continue with those conversations.

 

[txbasschik]

You can throw a few covers in an original set, but the cover crowds don't want to hear your originals unless you are a HUGE cover band....which is quite ironic.

That's some substantial irony, man. And sad, to boot. I've never understood the propensity for a crowd to be so...I dunno...picky? I mean...music is music...you'd think they'd just enjoy it anyway. I know we have venues like that here...I just never play 'em. I just don't understand why some crowds only want the tried-and-true, no risks. They can get that on any classic rock station. Just don't understand their thinking on that...if they are thinking about it at all.

I wish you could come down here...you'd like it. There's plenty of places where you can play anything you want, so long as you bring people in. Its nice!

Cherie