A lot of people don’t like to go see local bands live. They only like seeing established, well-known artists if they are going to spend the cash on a concert ticket. Today, the price of a concert ticket can be pretty outrageous, especially after fees charged by Ticketmaster, Live Nation, Ticket Web, etc.
So why go see a local band perform? Well the first reason and probably the most important as that it’s cheap. Local bands usually don’t make very much money when they play at a venue. They usually aren’t signed to a record label and they just have a band as a hobby, not a career (at least not yet). It’s going to cost you way less to see a local band live than it is to see a well known, established band or artist.
Another reason you should go see a local band play is because it helps get the word out. Not only does it help the band, but it’s people like you that help spread the word about the band. With social networking the way it is today, if one person tweets or updates their Facebook status that they are seeing some local band live, word can get out to a lot of people. If Amy goes to see her friend’s band live, she can take a video on her cell phone and post the video to her Facebook page. Some of her friends may check out the video and end up liking the music. That helps draw more people to the band’s music.
It’s people like you that help bands to grow. Bands can’t make good music and instantly have a career. There are plenty of bands that make awesome music but they never go anywhere. They NEED fans and they have to start somewhere. Don’t hesitate to go see a local band play. It’s always nice to see a band too, especially if they end up making it big. You will have bragging rights in saying that you saw the band before anybody else and before they were big and still playing smaller venues. Local bands play all the time at venues like The Grog Shop, Musica, and Peabodys. Local artists sometimes have the opportunity to open for for bigger names too.
So next time your friend asks you to go see a local band play, don’t turn it down. You may hear something you like. Or next time you go to a concert, go early enough to see the local band open up. Just as you support your local sports teams, you should support your local bands.
Another music video from Breathe Carolina. This song is called “Hello Fascination” and it’s a little bit older. It’s from their second full-length album called Hello Fascination. Enjoy!
Techno/rock band Breathe Carolina played Akron’s Musica last night. If you couldn’t attend, you missed a very good, energetic show. Breathe Carolina always make a stop at Akron’s Musica whenever they do a nationwide tour. If you haven’t listened to Breathe Carolina, click here to visit their Facebook page. The band consists of David Schmitt and Kyle Even. To this date, the band has released one EP, and three full-length albums. Their latest album is called Hell Is What You Make It and it’s definitely worth picking up. The new album has their hit single “Blackout” on it. Be sure to give it a listen!
This song is called “Perfect For Me” and it’s by artist Ron Pope. Ron Pope will be playing at Musica in Akron tonight. If you like the music, check out his show tonight. Click here for tickets.
Musica in Akron is a great place to see a show if you’re in the Akron/Cleveland area. The weekly show schedule for this awesome, one of a kind venue can be seen below.
11/17/11 - Ron Pope ($12)
11/18/11 - The Features ($10)
11/19/11 - Hawthorne Heights ($10)
11/20/11 - Jerad Finck ($10)
*After Jerad Finck, shows will not resume until 11/26/11*
Exclusive Interview: Bobby Vaughn of The Promise Hero
The Promise Hero is one of the Cleveland area’s known pop/punk acts. You may run into frontman, Bobby Vaughn, at a lot of shows in the Cleveland/Akron area. When The Promise Hero is not playing a show, Bobby is out promoting The Promise Hero as much as he can. I had a chance to catch up with Bobby and ask him a few questions.
When and how did The Promise Hero come together?
“Daniel Weiss and I were in bands together throughout high school and finally formed The Promise Hero in 2005, my senior year.”
What bands/artists would you consider some of your influences?
“I would say Blink 182, Saves The Day and the Beatles have always been an influence from the start.”
What is your favorite venue in the Cleveland/Akron area to play at and why?
“I really enjoy playing at The Grog Shop for it’s good location, friendly staff and a lot of my favorite shows have been put on there.”
Who are some of your favorite local bands from the Cleveland/Akron area?
“Smokescreen, My Mouth Is The Speaker, Yelloh, Call It Fiction, Into The Crowd, Runaway Brother and anything Daniel Weiss and Jeff Dilorenzo record.”
What does The Promise Hero have planned for the rest of 2011? What about 2012?
“I’ve been recording demos for a new album over the past couple years. I just plan to keep working on songs and finding some friends to help write and record it!”
Click here to check out The Promise Hero on Facebook.
Below is a list of shows scheduled for the rest of this week at Cleveland’s House of Blues located in downtown Cleveland. Click here to go to the House of Blues homepage and purchase tickets for the shows listed below.
