My band doesn't do covers

[BwanaDust]

I work for and make my living with originals bands. They're not on here, except a few- they're too busy working and touring. The last thing they have time for is a debate like this on social media. Thus, the demographic here is mostly cover band/ hobbyist who have the spare time to gear lust and chat. Nothing wrong with doing any/ all of it.

The guy that books my cover gigs is always on the road, touring anywhere he can get his band booked He's become so adept at it that he books gigs for others to supplement his income. You're right. There is no wrong way. I've just never encountered so much disdain for playing covers.

I wish someone would come up with a better word than "originals." How many successful bands refer to themselves that way? I guess you're "original" until you "make it," whatever that means these days.

 

[BwanaDust]

That's great and I don't begrudge anyone the $$$ they make or don't make at their gigs. But even at that amount, the point remains that the enjoyment is ultimately why I do it rather than the money. My day job is what pays the bills, but the gigging is what brings me joy.

I understand that. As I mentioned, a large part of my day job is writing original music and working with gifted young people. I also enjoy performing music in front of an appreciative audience. I will occasionally go out and play a few of my non-educational tunes in a songwriter setting.

That said, I'm not going to load my car with a full PA, bass rig (or a bunch of guitars and a piano) travel somewhere, set up, entertain people for 3 hours and then tear it all down and head back home for anything less than what I stated above. If I want to perform for the joy of it, I can do that on my porch. I

 

[BwanaDust]

Wait, are we talking about classical music or jazz? No, this whole discussion here has nothing to do with these two types of music. We're talking about 4/4 songs with 6 different chords of the genres pop, rock and country.

I'm sorry. I'm not sure who you mean by "we." I also didn't realize classical music and jazz are verboten in certain threads. I have read more than one post where anyone who isn't playing "originals" is basically called a hack. There are more than three genres. In my area, there are more than a few musicians making a living (exclusively) playing jazz and classical music. I felt my question was legitimate.

I'll admit that I haven't combed through every last post in this thread, but I this is the first time I've seen this limited definition of "covers." But, you never bothered to answer my question.

 

[Texican]

The guy that books my cover gigs is always on the road, touring anywhere he can get his band booked He's become so adept at it that he books gigs for others to supplement his income. You're right. There is no wrong way. I've just never encountered so much disdain for playing covers.

I wish someone would come up with a better word than "originals." How many successful bands refer to themselves that way? I guess you're "original" until you "make it," whatever that means these days.

I like this post… The second paragraph made me question the “originality“ of the bulk of original music. 1 4 5... 2 5 1... 1 5 6 4... A song about a woman… A song about a truck… A song about sticking it to the man… A song about drugs! You almost have to give credit to rappers that spent a decade writing songs about rims and tires LOL.

 

[Texican]

I work for and make my living with originals bands. They're not on here, except a few- they're too busy working and touring. The last thing they have time for is a debate like this on social media. Thus, the demographic here is mostly cover band/ hobbyist who have the spare time to gear lust and chat. Nothing wrong with doing any/ all of it.

I actually agree with this post, but you are in fact here and debating. I would also argue that a big portion of people who consider themselves songwriters aren’t out doing work because their songs simply aren’t that good and there isn’t a market for them. Sounds like you’ve made it past that hump, congratulations! Out of curiosity, are you involved in the writing process or are you hired gun to play bass for someone else’s original?

 

[Texican]

Sounds like you are....preachy.
The negativity on here is astounding sometimes. So much bitterness.
I really don't recall seeing any posts where people say original music is superior- just that it is better for them, personally. That attitude happens to be where cover bands repertoires come from.
There's room for everyone.
OP, keep it up. Play less often, make it special, and do it in the proper venues. You will be fine.

It really is a vicious cycle isn’t it?! I’m not sure if you realized that you replied to me with preachy negativity as well, but welcome to the internet lol!

Now for what really matters: you didn’t refute my point that most original music isn’t really that good. Furthermore, as someone who works in an original band, has been in plenty of cover bands, and actually makes the bulk of my money currently with a tribute band, I think it’s fair to say I have no dog in this fight. I say that to say this: it has been my experience that people wrting originals usually have a way bigger chip on their shoulder then people playing covers. YMMV

 

[MegaSwing]

I like my idea the best.

Don’t we all?

 

[Texican]

Don’t we all?

Unless we play covers... then we like someone else’s ideas

 

[DoctorZee]

I like this post… The second paragraph made me question the “originality“ of the bulk of original music. 1 4 5... 2 5 1... 1 5 6 4... A song about a woman… A song about a truck… A song about sticking it to the man… A song about drugs! You almost have to give credit to rappers that spent a decade writing songs about rims and tires LOL.

You're right, we need a different name for originals bands. Let's see... what's the opposite of a cover band?... thesaurus.com says one antonym of "cover" is "ignore". Let's call them "ignored bands"!

(All in good fun, all in good fun)

 

[BwanaDust]

This is in no way referring to the OP's music.

I actually agree with this post, but you are in fact here and debating. I would also argue that a big portion of people who consider themselves songwriters aren’t out doing work because their songs simply aren’t that good and there isn’t a market for them. Sounds like you’ve made it past that hump, congratulations! Out of curiosity, are you involved in the writing process or are you hired gun to play bass for someone else’s original?

I think a big problem with "non-cover" bands (at least in my area), is that a good deal of them start working on their own material, before they are even familiar with their instrument.

 

[QORC]

Sounds like you are....preachy.
The negativity on here is astounding sometimes. So much bitterness.
I really don't recall seeing any posts where people say original music is superior- just that it is better for them, personally. That attitude happens to be where cover bands repertoires come from.
There's room for everyone.
OP, keep it up. Play less often, make it special, and do it in the proper venues. You will be fine.

I beg to differ. I've seen tons of posts over the years by original music bassists who sneer and put down cover bands.

 

[D.A.R.K.]

I beg to differ. I've seen tons of posts over the years by original music bassists who sneer and put down cover bands.

Can you quote one from this thread? I might have missed it.

 

[D.A.R.K.]

It really is a vicious cycle isn’t it?! I’m not sure if you realized that you replied to me with preachy negativity as well, but welcome to the internet lol!

Now for what really matters: you didn’t refute my point that most original music isn’t really that good. Furthermore, as someone who works in an original band, has been in plenty of cover bands, and actually makes the bulk of my money currently with a tribute band, I think it’s fair to say I have no dog in this fight. I say that to say this: it has been my experience that people wrting originals usually have a way bigger chip on their shoulder then people playing covers. YMMV

Yes, there is that chip- and that is where their drive comes from that results in music that becomes popular enough to end up being covered. I fail to see how that makes me preachy, or how saying there is room for all types of bands makes me negative.
I'll refute your point about music quality all day, though. No one has the exact same tastes. One person's trash is another's treasure, and that is what is beautiful about music. And why so many people toil away in obscurity regardless. If something that someone makes uplifts one person even once, it's good enough. And that includes giving the writer an outlet to get something out at an emotional level.
As far as popular culture trends go? That is something that has been proven time and again to be based on marketing. Lots of much loved music that has made tons of money that isn't that good, but will be found on set lists everywhere. So, you don't like a lot of what's out there. Neither do I. But luckily there are enough people in the world listening for nearly everyone to find an appreciative audience.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Can you quote one from this thread? I might have missed it.

A quick read found 4, 23, 62,72, 82 and 140.

 

[BwanaDust]

Just think of this !!!!
If every band in the world, past and present, played only covers songs, there would be nothing to play. !!!

Not actually true. Before bands like the Beatles became popular, most bands played covers, written by dedicated songwriters.

 

[DoctorZee]

Can you quote one from this thread? I might have missed it.

Here's a few that I would categorize as condescending or judgy. Specifically there's this not-so-subtle implication that playing in a cover band is not creative or artistic, and that people only do it for the money; I reject that premise and find it kind of offensive.

Playing covers is somewhat of a dead end street.

Covering is somewhat cheap... Most of the art that is with music is left out.

Cover bands are a dime a dozen [...] practically anyone can copy other bands music.

Jukebox > coverband

My soul would shrivel and die if i had to learn cover tunes. (Yes-I get good, satisfying gigs...) I say follow your passions. If your passion is money, then yea-play covers...

 

[D.A.R.K.]

I actually agree with this post, but you are in fact here and debating. I would also argue that a big portion of people who consider themselves songwriters aren’t out doing work because their songs simply aren’t that good and there isn’t a market for them. Sounds like you’ve made it past that hump, congratulations! Out of curiosity, are you involved in the writing process or are you hired gun to play bass for someone else’s original?

Hired gun, composer, label owner, publisher, studio and live mix engineer/ tour support. It takes diversity to pay the bills in this mess of an industry. And to try to learn how it all works as it changes year to year.
I make primarily instrumental music for the last 20 years so "songs" don't mean much to me, but there is a massive need for music in our multi- media driven world. The simplest stuff these days can be hugely popular with the right marketing.

 

[D.A.R.K.]

Here's a few that I would categorize as condescending or judgy. Specifically there's this not-so-subtle implication that playing in a cover band is not creative or artistic, and that people only do it for the money; I reject that premise and find it kind of offensive.

I just read through all of these post you quoted, but in context of the whole post. Out of context they seem harsh, in context of the whole post, far from it. All these people are obviously stating that this is just their take on it for themselves. You'll have to do better than that.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I just read through all of these post you quoted, but in context of the whole post. Out of context they seem harsh, in context of the whole post, far from it. All these people are obviously stating that this is just their take on it for themselves. You'll have to do better than that.

How 'bout post 194?

Frankly, in or out of context, it seems obvious that those are put downs? How is "dime a dozen" or "somewhat cheap" not a putdown?

 

[D.A.R.K.]

A quick read found 4, 23, 62,72, 82 and 140.

Just like my previous reply about quotes, checked a few of these out and they are obviously people's takes on what works for them, not some judgement on wether or not there should be cover bands. I fail to see any post quoted or read claiming there should not be cover bands, or judgement that someone is less of a musician for doing it.