The Official Covers vs Originals Thread

[bassbully]

Look this whole thing is simple, like what you like and love what you do. For me every since I was in my teens learning guitar I have been writing songs. My buddy who I played with back then got frustrated with me for not wanting to spin Bowie's new album to try to learn his tunes..I wanted to work on my own.

I am still like that today and continue to write and play guitar for me..my songs to this very day. I play bass play in a good originals band that people dig..I'm lucky.
I can't really remember any cover band experiences that really Wowed me or I could never forgot but with original music I have seen plenty..still do.

I don't seek out a corner bar for my music I go where it's at and others are for originals music. My area has a history of it and we still put out a few good ones these days.

Covers are great and it's fun to play this game on TB but you will get no arguments out of me ...it's all good but I's like what I like and in truth feel there is no reason to defend it. If it's good and 2 chords it's good ....originals or covers in my book.

 

[chroma601]

I think I have the best of both worlds. Both of my bands play covers and originals. One leans more to covers, the other more to originals but the covers in the latter are our own arrangements. I enjoy playing everything!

 

[JumboJack]

I'm sure this has already been said in this thread but... There are places ALL over the US that people can play original music (if it's good) for an appreciative audience.
Chances are you will do it for little or no money. But to many there is nothing better than playing music that they had a hand in creating for people to hear.

 

[bassbully]

I'm sure this has already been said in this thread but... There are places ALL over the US that people can play original music (if it's good) for an appreciative audience.
Chances are you will do it for little or no money. But to many there is nothing better than playing music that they had a hand in creating for people to hear.

There are people who won't play originals due to the lack of money or exposure, then there are who won't play covers to remain creative and believe in their music..it's all good.

Bless the cover bands for giving the people what they want and a good time and bless the originals bands for trying..with out them what new music would we have?

 

[JumboJack]

There are people who won't play originals due to the lack of money or exposure, then there are who won't play covers to remain creative and believe in their music..it's all good.

Bless the cover bands for giving the people what they want and a good time and bless the originals bands for trying..with out them what new music would we have?

True. If people listen to those that say originals are a waste of time there would never be any new music... SOMEBODY'S got to do it.

 

[Big Brother]

I dunno, would you rather go see *insert favorite band name here* or *insert favorite band name tribute band* live? While imitation is admittedly an artform in itself sometimes it is also the sincerest form of flattery.

I'm curious how many musicians actually go see other cover bands just for fun. I only go out of my way to see a cover band if I have friends in the band.

That's not the point.

As a musician, if you are on stage playing someone else's song, what difference does it make if that songwriter is on the same stage with you? If you didn't write the song you are playing, you are no different than the guy in a cover band playing someone else's song. There is no practical difference.

Kind of a philosophical point I know. But it is true.

If you want to step back and peel away another layer of interpretation, you have two guys standing on the same stage, playing the exact same instrument and playing the same type of music regardless of who wrote the song.

What real difference is there? Seriously.

 

[BayStateBass]

He he.....

Without original bands, us cover guys would run out of new stuff to learn......


Seriously, I have a lot of respect for anyone who writes their own music and then has the courage to go out and perform it for an audience knowing it might be hated. I can't do it, I just don't have the talent to write or contribute to an original music group.

Are covers "easier", well, yes and no. Easier in that you don't have to write the music, but sometimes harder because you may be faced with having to learn parts that were originally performed by players more talented than you....and you may struggle to get certain songs nailed. With originals, if you wrote it.....chances are you can play it, because you already did.

To each their own, I guess.

When I go out to see a band, I often times want to hear something different, whether it's a cover band that has their own style or an original band with new material. I particularly like cover bands who take songs and "make them their own". I get a big kick out of seeing how different musicians interpret a song and how they put it out there with their own style for the audience.

I don't generally go out to see tribute bands because, honestly, I can just listen to my iPod if I want to hear the song exactly as it was recorded. Nothing against tribute bands, you guys work hard and put in a ton of time and effort, but it's not something I would go to see because it doesn't interest me.

Originals are tough. My friend Alex has a band that does 50/50 originals and covers. He does the majority of the writing and I think his originals are very good. But they never caught on. He has one song he wrote that I absolutely love and in my mind it could be a real big hit. But like most original artists, he plays covers for the money.

 

[prd004]

That's not the point.

As a musician, if you are on stage playing someone else's song, what difference does it make if that songwriter is on the same stage with you? If you didn't write the song you are playing, you are no different than the guy in a cover band playing someone else's song. There is no practical difference.

Kind of a philosophical point I know. But it is true.

If you want to step back and peel away another layer of interpretation, you have two guys standing on the same stage, playing the exact same instrument and playing the same type of music regardless of who wrote the song.

What real difference is there? Seriously.

Um, there is a MAJOR difference.
If I'm playing in an original band, (which I do), I'M WRITING THE BASS LINE. See the difference? Maybe, I'm contributing to the arrangement, influencing the dynamics...... Maybe I helped write the bridge, or maybe we do one of my songs.

To say playing in an original band is like being in a singers cover band is ludicrous. Perhaps they are writing your bass lines, or maybe all you play is root notes. But to me and others like me there is a GIGANTIC difference.

 

[ChrisB2]

Look this whole thing is simple, like what you like and love what you do.

Big +1

The premise for this debate is just dumb. It's like comparing a framing carpenter to a trim carpenter; they both use saws, hammers and nails and work with wood to build a house. But that's where the comparison ends. The skills, knowledge base, purpose, technique, and outcome are all different. To say one is better, more noble, or more important than the other would be stupid. To engage in endless arguments over the relative merits is asinine.

Although I will say this; since TB is populated almost 100% by musicians of one stripe or another, it's hardly reasonable to take our opinions as having any bearing on what the general public prefers. Obviously, "originals" bands have a much steeper path to public acceptance since with cover bands, our material is already widely popular!

 

[bluewine]

Blue, I'm well aware of your all-encompassing knowledge of the Milwaukee music scene so I will defer to your knowledge in that arena. I'm fairly confident though that if you picked 3 random cover bands in most areas they would mostly suck too.

I can't argue against that point.



So okay then, unique Milwaukee market aside, I've lived in 6 different US states in several different regions of the country in large metro areas and out in the sticks and I've never had trouble finding good original music to go see even if it took a little driving to get there from some locales.

I can't argue your last point either.

blue

 

[zon6c-f]

I acknowledge that there are more venues that will allow originals, these days.

Optimally in a covers band; you meet, rehearse and play out in a short time; making money. if not, you ar ewasting valuable time and need to move on.

In an originals band, optimally it is your band. You write the songs. Rehearsals at your place. You own the P A. Set goals and achieve them. Good luck with this.

If not, here's what to expect...This is a composite of my experiences with originals bands I was in; in 1970's...

Band leader has written some tunes. Band forms. Practice a couple of nights per week. Sounds goood; having fun. More tunes written. Sounding great, full of promise with stars in your eyes and future. This requires even more practices per week.

Band gets serious. B L demands "comittment". Anything less than full committment and you will quickly be dismissed.

Next, friends are no longer welcomed at practice. Alienation process begins. Girlfriends are noted to be a distraction and negative influence; no longer welcomed..as much.

You are 6 months into this. Lead singer breaks up with girl friend, to comply with comittment to band. 2 weeks later, Singer gets back with girlfriend who has in the meantime convinced him that he can do better. Singer quits. 2 weeks later, he gets girlfriend pregnant, gets job in factory; lucky to have time to sing in church choir.

Search for new singer. More tunes; now 6 nights per week practice, with mandatory fees for house use, PA, estimated electricity, water useage and snacks. You are comitted and agree to all.

By this time, death of grandmother is not a good excuse to miss practice.

New singer found; new energy, new tunes..new direction with new singer. It will now be 6 more months until ready to play out.

Guitarist buys Marshall stack. Unless you buy double cab S V T
...$$$$$$ cost to you atg low paying day job... your bass will not be heard and your level of comittment will be in question. More than a year has gone by...Still haven't played out.

Drummer noted to have drug issues and is replaced after a while of geting nowhere; negotiating with him.

It's a year and a half... B L wants everyone to make practice half hour earlier to extend "needed" adjustments to his tunes. You realize BL is a control freak and tempo / dynamics nazi..and you are no where nearer to perfoming those tunes than a year ago. You are alienated from friends and family, can't see other bands or attend other shows because of 7 night per week rehearsal of same 10 freakin songs and "comittment".

B L demands purchase of larger PA . You begin to dread band practice more than clocking-in at a day-job. You have no friends, no relationships and distanced from your family.

By this time, you need to be comitted... to a mental health institution.

You wise up and quit; 2 years down the drain. GOOD LUCK PLAYING ORIGINALS. I hope your experiences are better.

 

[zon6c-f]

Guy approaches me with is originals project; would love for me to play bass on his tunes; great stuff, star quality in the vein of "----super star band".

I then ask what are his goals. Usual response : Record tunes, perform at show case venues, get picked up by record label and become rock stars..or some version of this.

I respond: I will need a practice CD ; a chord chart for each tune with notes on any variations from CD.. AGREED!

You must provide a safe, sound proof rehearsal facility..MY PLACE IS SAFE AND SOUND PROOF; YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR RIG AT MY PLACE IF YOU LIKE; IT'S INSURED.... WHEN DO YOU WANT TO START??

I reply..There's a little more, my friend....

Next, I require $ 50 per hour rehearsal; minimum 2 hours. I require minimum of $200 performing fee in show case venues, No less than $500 per tune recording fees. I will be on-time -early; ready to play. If you can't do that.. you don't want me...

By that time, conversation is over..

 

[zachoff]

Man, you guys have had some terrible experiences... The last couple bands I've been in have been completely chill, completely collaborative, and really fun. Many songs are written from jams... Everyone just playing whatever and then hearing something that sounds cool and building off of that. Other times someone will come in with a riff and we'll build off of that. Rarely, if ever, does someone come in with a full song written. In my last band I wrote the words but in this band we even write words as a group. We're all pushing 40 with families so we have no delusions of grandeur. It's a weekly (sometimes bi-weekly) creative outlet for all of us. With a bonus of getting other people to dig our music sometimes.

None of our friends want to come to rehearsals. They're super boring and our practice space is a 10'x15' room. Hah. I haven't been in a band like that since high school.

 

[zon6c-f]

It was cathartic for me to vent; been doing it a lot here lately; different forums.

Been sittin' on thees stories for decades..Finally a thread for muy originals/ covers conundrum.
I highly commend your efforts if you keep it fun; no STAR expectations; no family issues.

My experiences were in my 20's back in the 1970's. At nearly 60, now, I would be hesitant to do any originals project..PERIOD.

OK..if we are a cover band and making some $$..I won't complain about a tune or 2..but when it becomes a "project"
requiring comittment, dedication, alienation.??. OHH JEEEZE...NO.

zachoff: Again, your efforts are to be commended; FUN, with no family conflicts or STAR dreams.. then, ENJOY and embrace it.

Country covers band I was in; 1980's...came close..skirted some [ and failed] opportunituies with greatness. I mean Alan Jackson and a few others played some of the same venues as we did; Atlanta bars in covers bands around our same era.

Had a casual reunion/ meeting some years back. Singer/ drummer ..now a store-front preacher...still has stars in his eyes; regretting that we couldda ...wouldda ...shoulda... have made it. I think we did in a way; we played out together regularly and got paid.......Odds are so far against Stardom.

 

[pklima]

Man, you guys have had some terrible experiences... The last couple bands I've been in have been completely chill, completely collaborative, and really fun. Many songs are written from jams... Everyone just playing whatever and then hearing something that sounds cool and building off of that. Other times someone will come in with a riff and we'll build off of that. Rarely, if ever, does someone come in with a full song written.

Don't take this the wrong way, but that sounds a lot like a band I quit a few years ago. Collaborative irritates me, writing by jamming bores me. I just don't have the patience for that kind of thing.

I guess one man's chill is another's lousy experience. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a terrible experience, but it was annoying.

 

[Big Brother]

Um, there is a MAJOR difference.
If I'm playing in an original band, (which I do), I'M WRITING THE BASS LINE. See the difference? Maybe, I'm contributing to the arrangement, influencing the dynamics...... Maybe I helped write the bridge, or maybe we do one of my songs.

To say playing in an original band is like being in a singers cover band is ludicrous. Perhaps they are writing your bass lines, or maybe all you play is root notes. But to me and others like me there is a GIGANTIC difference.

Do you really think the audience cares about that? Maybe when you get to the top and you start drawing the weird media obsessed types, but those wonderful fans also freak out over Beanie babies in their Happy Meals. It really has nothing to do with the music.

Strip the illusions and stardom and all the hyped bull**** that sells music, and what you have is the same stringed instruments being held by ordinary dudes, playing the same song structures and the same keys for the same people to listen to.

From an outside perspective, there is no difference. I just don't see how anyone can define somebody's talent and skill by the origination of the music they play alone.

Is it that someone playing in a cover band becomes incapable of 'influencing the dynamics' when moving over to an original band?

The point I am making is that a musician is a musician and they should be judged on their musicianship...

 

[Marial]

Crikey... I care only enough to ask... Crikey, this is still going?

 

[Tennesseemick]

My band plays originals and covers. However, we write new arrangements for all covers to keep our sound. I prefer originals and our fans do, too. Heck, they can go to any random bar to hear hits from the 70s and 80s.

 

[MarkMgibson]

There's nothing wrong with originals, so long as the songs are great. More often than not, the songs are rubbish, otherwise they'd be signed to a label. This thread really is silly - if we could all write great songs, we'd be all be playing original material, but for 99% of us, that's just not the case, hence we just play great songs written by other people. My band plays some originals, but in my opinion, the songs just aren't very good (and audiences tend to agree). I have a constant arguments about how many of our crappy songs we should play. I wish we could write great songs, but we can't.

 

[EastCoastThump]

Put aside for the moment two fairly rare extremes: the rare tribute bands that aim to predictably recreate a particular performance nuance-for-nuance, and the much rarer avant garde bands that aggressively avoid repeating already established musical ideas (even previous avant garde musical vocabulary).

For the overwhelming number of cover bands and originals acts that remain, the vast majority of what's happening instrumentally is a piecing together of musical vocabulary that's already appeared in someone else's playing (in most cases, a thousand times over). Even in aggressively original avant garde groups, the players tend to just recontextualize received musical vocabulary. Very little listenable music is absolutely new.

The most mature players have just developed a clear knowledge of where they've borrowed their favorite bits of vocabulary.