The Official Covers vs Originals Thread

[Jeb]

The way some of you guys talk about original bands all being so bad it's like you have forgotten that the guys you emulate every weekend play in original bands.

If you think all original bands suck you need to get out more. Pic a genre you like, google it and I bet there is tons of shows and festivals with some really good original bands happening all around you. You just have to look past Billy Bob's Sports Bar to find them.

Bert, I don't like what I hear these days. Take a listen. I'm a bass player, I like to play bass. I like to contribute to a song with musicians who are better than me. I like to play bass, not showcase myself and not for a second think that anyone would give a damn if I did. The best music has already been recorded. Pick a genre and google it? I don't care about genres, I like the bass parts regarless of genres. Only thing original happening around me is metal stuff. Attitude stuff. I don't care about that, I'm not angry nor do I have a sob story that I feel I need to communicate to the world. How about a catchy melody and good vocals? Anybody remember how to do that? And Billy Bob's Sports Bar must be in your neighborhood, never heard of the place.

 

[zachoff]

Bert, I don't like what I hear these days. Take a listen. ...

There's more music out there right now than ever before. There's bound to be something out there you like... Just need to have the patience to find it.

 

[Joe Louvar]

EDIT: NOTE - Merge!!
------------------------
There seems to be a lot of heated discussion over original artist (bands) vs. copy/cover artist (bands) in some of songwriter’s groups on FB and etc - so for fun, I thought I’d post a poll to get an idea what the TB majority thinks - also feel free to post any reason(s) why.

NOTE: Due to the nature of this topic, I must ask that no one gets out of control, thus closing the poll/thread. Thanks

 

[Technotitclan]

I Voted it doesn't matter even though I would rather play an originals band because my preference is only slightly biased to original. Honestly though cover bands kinda make the private entertainment world go round so anyone that wants to hate on them is just in need of some education.

 

[bassman314]

I like my current set-up. We have about 1.5 hours of original music, and another 3 of covers. A typical 45-minute set will be 7-8 originals, and 2-3 covers.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Doesn't matter to me.

I dig both kinds of bands but for different reasons. For covers, there's almost always a built in audience and some money to be made if you pick the right songs. Heck, it's usually a lot of fun too if you find the right guys to play with and the right venues to play!

For originals, there really is no feeling in the world that is more satisfying than seeing people dance and sing back to you the music that you helped write. It is beyond amazing! But it's hard to get to that point, and it takes some real time and effort to make it happen. Even then, you don't always hit a home run, and you need to consider yourself lucky just to get on base most the time.

 

[bluewine]

Hi Joe,

As you may already know, my heart is in Original "Pop Rock".

However, because of my passion for gigging and the fact that I require a certain level of financial compensation I am playing in Blues/Rock Cover Band.

In Milwaukee there isn't enough gigs or pay for me in the Originals market. And I don't have that many good playing years left.

I did vote "originals"

Blue

 

[Joe Louvar]

I Voted it doesn't matter even though I would rather play an originals band because my preference is only slightly biased to original. Honestly though cover bands kinda make the private entertainment world go round so anyone that wants to hate on them is just in need of some education.

For the record, I lean more towards original, but I voted for "it doesn't matter" also.

 

[Marial]

Doesn't matter at all to me, music is music, but I've never been in a cover band.

 

[DwaynieAD]

I'm doing originals now. when this ride is over I think i'm going to opt for covers.

 

[kdogg]

Classical musicians have been doing covers for hundreds of years. :screwy:

 

[Technotitclan]

Classical musicians have been doing covers for hundreds of years. :screwy:

+100

 

[moles]

Classical musicians have been doing covers for hundreds of years. :screwy:

...and Jazz artists...and Country artists...and Folk artists...

 

[DWBass]

I love performing covers. Just so many good songs to cover. I have done both. I don't mind originals as long as they are really good and marketable. I'm not down just for arts sake. I have plenty of that on old cassette tapes from years of writing and recording my own stuff.

I voted covers.

 

[Stewie26]

Over the years I have mostly played in originals bands but have played in just cover bands the past three years. I have never been happier.
Edit: I am older and the chance of me being a rock star playing originals.....well...lets say that boat sailed many years ago.

 

[mellowinman]

I play covers, because covers is what I play
I used to play originals, but mostly they didn't pay
I'm not the type of bloke to tell people to do it my way
But go ahead and say it, if you've got something to say

 

[jive1]

Merged this with the official original vs covers thread.........

 

[Winterpegbass]

Cover bands have more venues, gigs, money and larger audiences. I prefer cover bands who have have a few original tunes.

After several experiences with "original" bands I'm cautious and skeptical.

If I'm an equal member of the originalband who gets equal credit for all of the original songs as spelled out in a written contract. Well, maybe.

Otherwise you are nothing more than a volunteer/slave for some narcissistic song writer(s)/band leader(s).

That being said in my most recent (one month old) band I'm a hired gun for an original project. The singer/guitarist/songwriter pays me $25 and three beers for every rehearsal and has agreed to pay me $100 per gig no matter how much the gig actually pays.

 

[Joe Louvar]

Merged this with the official original vs covers thread.........

Thank you - my bad, I didn't know there was already an official thread - and now it has a poll.

 

[Joe Louvar]

I love performing covers. Just so many good songs to cover. I have done both. I don't mind originals as long as they are really good and marketable. I'm not down just for arts sake. I have plenty of that on old cassette tapes from years of writing and recording my own stuff.

I voted covers.

Thank you - and this is opens the door for a deeper discussion. (I haven't read this mega thread yet, maybe it's already being discussed - but just in case.


To all TBers: Why do you like to play?

For example, some people just want to be on stage and are willing to do most anything to do so - play for free, or even pay to play. Other people just want money and don’t care much about anything else. Other people, just like playing there own songs no matter what, others don’t want to be on stage. And there are combinations, and other reasons.

So why does everyone like to play?

EDIT: In other words, what’s most important to you - stage, money, or music?

Maybe I should start another poll? It’s easier to count votes.