It seems that some bands on the local level have forgotten the golden rule – you are local for a reason.  Those reasons can vary from anything starting at they are horrible, all the way to they are new and just have not been seen.  Either way it goes, every local band, it is a rule – you are local for a reason.

So on that premise, why do some bands think they are God’s gift to the music industry?  I watch how these bands act that have barely played any shows, and they do not feel the rules apply to them.  When there is a door behind the band that is playing on stage, DO NOT OPEN IT.  When someone explains to you while there is a performer on stage, and not to use that door (just in case common sense does not come into play) – don’t argue and continue to do it.  You are doing two things when you do something like this: 1) You are proving that you are a total ass and 2) You most likely just got yourself blacklisted from ever playing for that promoter/venue again.

Need another example of why attitude is a major issue?  When you are given a slot, and something happens with the other bands on a local show (i.e. – a fun show, not serious) and you are asked can you switch spots with someone to help keep the night on track, don’t play with words and refuse to take the stage differently especially when you did not sell one ticket to be on that stage.  You are already a guest, the whole point of a show is entertainment and to give the fans that are paying to see you entertainment.  It is not all about you and what you want, especially when there are 5-9 other bands playing the show.  You are part of it, you are NOT it.

For my third and final example I will use a band a couple weeks ago that was complaining to me that they did not feel they should have to open for the other bands anymore.  The problem with this, the band only draws 20-30 people per show IF they really work at it.  If you are only drawing 20-30 per show with all your efforts to get people there, you are not a headliner.  In the KC scene, if you can draw 70-100 people then you are a headliner that can demand some type of guarantee.  The 20 people is not going to win you a headlining spot regardless if it is your 5th show, or your 500th.  I know I had this conversation with one band in particular, but I know many bands that are complaining of the same thing.  There is nobody I am singling out on this.  Yes, you are in a band, you want to make guaranteed money, but if you can not generate revenue for the venues and other staff working for you to survive, you are not going to get a guarantee.  You will ONLY get a guarantee once you prove that you will make money for other people at the same time.  That IS the industry like it or not.

So I know this article is really harsh.  It makes me come off like a know it all, and trust me, I know I do not know all the aspects that go on with this business.  That is not my point, but at the same time attitude is crushing this scene.  You are all local bands and maybe at best a regional band.  If you are playing Sandstone or Sprint as a headliner, chances are you are not reading this and it does not apply to those bands.  In my past article of “Unity” it goes very much hand in hand with this one on attitude.  If you are thinking you are better than everyone else, chances are you are going to get tossed to the side regardless how good you are.

There is now in the KC scene alone more talent and great bands than this city has ever had.  There are more venues that are doing shows, and more promoters that are coming out of the woodwork to help these bands (some yes, others will screw up things, another story for another day).

The next time you are at a show, and you are complaining about opening for another band, or you do not want to follow simple etiquette of not passing through doors on the stage when a band is on, or generally want to be a dick, check yourself and think “how would I act if someone was doing what I am doing right now”.  Show some respect, we all let things go along the way that we really want, and we all concede to others in the process of just being a little passive to make the show the most important thing, and to make it what it is, bigger than anyone one person that is on the stage.  Using “please” and “thank you” is not demanded, but you will be surprised just how far those two words alone will get you in the scheme of things.  When there is tension between the bands, not only do all the bands get drug into this crap, but the fans can feel it too.  When people are unhappy, they will not pay to keep coming and seeing shows that have nothing but drama around them every single time.

If just being nice is not enough to convince you to check some attitudes at the door, then lets look at it financially for you.  Lets say you have a $300 guarantee to play a show or you sold over your minimum for tickets, and your band is awesome that night.  Crowd loves you, the whole bag of potatoes are going in your favor.  After it is all said and done, all the bands collectively caused for great numbers to come in the door, and the promoter or venue had a very good night.  Your attitude on how you handled yourself now comes into play, I have seen it more times than I can count.  When the “bonuses” to the guarantees or the money that was settled on tickets start getting passed around as a thank you for doing a great job, the ones that made complete asses out of themselves are left out of that side room to get the extra cash that only a select few know is happening.  You will miss out on that extra couple hundred bucks, or whatever is being passed out because you made the promoter or venues life hell that night.  It does, will, and continues to happen a lot.

So the next time you and your bands are out, just think about it.  Are you being a dick?  Are you proud how you are acting on a LOCAL show?  Is what you are complaining about really that big of an issue in the large picture beyond that moment or hour?  If not, give a little, be part of the show, not just another part of the problems.

Just my opinion.

Frank Arena

*Disclaimer: This is a rant.  It is not checked for spelling, grammar, or any of those things.  It is typed out straight once and immediately posted.  Look at these as “blogs”, not news stories.