Now this might be a little bit of a stretch for some people to agree with, but if you go to as many shows as I do, it's something that you start to notice. Just keep it mind the next time you go see a show.
Often during a show people who smoke will go out for a cig during the intermissions between bands and there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes people, who have a very strong craving, will leave during a bands set. Now this is where the problem lies. If you leave during a set you miss songs, and the band can lose listeners. There have been shows where a band is playing and I don't necessarily like the song that they are playing, so I say to myself, "Now is a good time for a cigarette." But what happens if the next song they played I would've loved, or the next few (depending on how long the songs are and how long it takes to smoke)? And there in lies the problem.
When people leave during sets or leave between bands (and possibly miss the start of the next band) it hurts the fans and the bands. Bands could easily lose potential fans because they are out having a cigarette. If people are constantly leaving the show to have a cigarette then how will they hear the band- and how will they decide if they really like a band or not?
So the next time you're at a show keep in mind when you go out for a cigarette cause you could miss hearing your next jam or your new favorite band.
Get out there and support your local scene.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Death Valley Dragline Oct 9, 2010 at Macs
Death Valley Dragline is definitely one of my favorite local bands, and I just found out about them recently. Whenever they have played a show I am either already going to another show or I'm out of town, so when I found out they were playing Saturday night at Macs, I was super excited.
DVD was a three piece where the drummer was the singer before they found their new singer. I didn't even notice a difference because Joe just blends so well with the band. The band was saying that they have enough material for a new record which I am very excited about. Their metal sound reminds me of old school bands, with the screaming sounding like Billy Idol, starting from softer and increasing into that kind of cry, high pitched scream.
Death Valley has a great sound, one that can transcend the line between metal and more accessible music- not saying they should sell out to become "radio" metal, but they could definitely tap into more groups.
Suma, a band from Sweden (I believe), was a very weird band to watch. One thing that's cool is that they have the drums in the front of the stage and have the computer in that back, that makes some of the machine sounds voice echos that back the music. There was a little too much build-up before the first song truly started, it was cool at first but then it just kept going. The singer was doing weird hand movements through the whole set- it looked like a mix between magic tricks and Tai Chi... Later I decided that he was trippin' on acid because he started to pick things out of the air that did NOT exist.
Suma would be way better if the singer was different. His voice didn't really seem to match the other musicians, but it could have been because he has the sound guy turn up his vocals so it was too loud above the drums and guitar. Whatever it was it didn't seem to matter because there were a lot of people watching and listening, in fact most of the people at the bar were up by the stage. They definitely care about putting on a performance- the build-up, the dramatic hand movements, and working the songs into that sort of climatic-then-drop-off style.
Next up was Unearthly Trance from New York. The New York thing was epitomized in their punk meets metal type sound. They were bad ass. The band overall was nicely balanced- the drums didn't go over everything else, the guitars didn't take out the vocals and the singing feet perfectly with the music. They also used a recording of some sort to add those extra sounds that the musicians can't do.
Unearthly Trance's kind of off/syncopated punk style of singing and of the technical musicality was awesome to listen to. You can't anticipate what's going to happen, it doesn't just follow the same pattern through the whole song. And their transitions between a softer/chill sound and the punk/metal were smooth and came in the perfect parts. The drumming, however, was kind of "simple" compared to most metal bands and in a few parts he seemed to be a half beat behind or something, but it didn't ruin the band- in fact in some parts it added to the punk sound.
Calvacade was the last band and again the singing didn't seem to fit the music. With a more punk influence with indie-ish influence was paired with death-core screaming- a deep, dark, guttural scream. It just seemed off, I mean everyone can have the sound that they want and people can like whatever they want, but in mind the dissonance between the screaming and the music just doesn't work together. Their sound overall reminds me of some of the earlier Interpol records, but the singing can be heard on a lot of death and black metal records.
They played a new song that was dedicated to their "friends for hanging out cause it won't be perfect and neither are you." During this song the bassist used the mic stand to stretch his strings, which I've never really seen done before, so that was interesting. The bassist aids in singing in most of the songs also, and in my mind he should take over that responsibility full time.
DVD was a three piece where the drummer was the singer before they found their new singer. I didn't even notice a difference because Joe just blends so well with the band. The band was saying that they have enough material for a new record which I am very excited about. Their metal sound reminds me of old school bands, with the screaming sounding like Billy Idol, starting from softer and increasing into that kind of cry, high pitched scream.
Death Valley has a great sound, one that can transcend the line between metal and more accessible music- not saying they should sell out to become "radio" metal, but they could definitely tap into more groups.
Suma, a band from Sweden (I believe), was a very weird band to watch. One thing that's cool is that they have the drums in the front of the stage and have the computer in that back, that makes some of the machine sounds voice echos that back the music. There was a little too much build-up before the first song truly started, it was cool at first but then it just kept going. The singer was doing weird hand movements through the whole set- it looked like a mix between magic tricks and Tai Chi... Later I decided that he was trippin' on acid because he started to pick things out of the air that did NOT exist.
Suma would be way better if the singer was different. His voice didn't really seem to match the other musicians, but it could have been because he has the sound guy turn up his vocals so it was too loud above the drums and guitar. Whatever it was it didn't seem to matter because there were a lot of people watching and listening, in fact most of the people at the bar were up by the stage. They definitely care about putting on a performance- the build-up, the dramatic hand movements, and working the songs into that sort of climatic-then-drop-off style.
Next up was Unearthly Trance from New York. The New York thing was epitomized in their punk meets metal type sound. They were bad ass. The band overall was nicely balanced- the drums didn't go over everything else, the guitars didn't take out the vocals and the singing feet perfectly with the music. They also used a recording of some sort to add those extra sounds that the musicians can't do.
Unearthly Trance's kind of off/syncopated punk style of singing and of the technical musicality was awesome to listen to. You can't anticipate what's going to happen, it doesn't just follow the same pattern through the whole song. And their transitions between a softer/chill sound and the punk/metal were smooth and came in the perfect parts. The drumming, however, was kind of "simple" compared to most metal bands and in a few parts he seemed to be a half beat behind or something, but it didn't ruin the band- in fact in some parts it added to the punk sound.
Calvacade was the last band and again the singing didn't seem to fit the music. With a more punk influence with indie-ish influence was paired with death-core screaming- a deep, dark, guttural scream. It just seemed off, I mean everyone can have the sound that they want and people can like whatever they want, but in mind the dissonance between the screaming and the music just doesn't work together. Their sound overall reminds me of some of the earlier Interpol records, but the singing can be heard on a lot of death and black metal records.
They played a new song that was dedicated to their "friends for hanging out cause it won't be perfect and neither are you." During this song the bassist used the mic stand to stretch his strings, which I've never really seen done before, so that was interesting. The bassist aids in singing in most of the songs also, and in my mind he should take over that responsibility full time.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Blacktooth Brigade's City Tour Stop 2: Oades
Oade's is another good bar to go see some local bands play. Everyone in the local music scene is like a little family, you walk in and you are welcomed and every one knows everyone- it's just a nice place to spend time plus you get to hear some sweet music.
Hillside Barrier, Frank and Earnest, Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome, and Blacktooth Brigade lit up the stage Friday night.
Hillside Barrier went first. Even though I saw them the night before too, the show didn't seem to repeat itself and was still hard as hell. Hillside rocked out like they always do, hitting every riff and note and carrying their energy on through the end.
Frank and Earnest followed Hillside Barrier, which was quite a change of pace. As Hillside has the chugging metal sound, Frank and Earnest have more of an old school punk feel with some pop alternative thrown in. Their songs are really catchy and they do have a unique touch to their sound- I can't say it's different because it does sound like other bands out there, but there is something there which still makes it discernible.
Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome was the band that really made me want to go see this show. The name alone should intrigue you. Now, some people at the show were talking about how they weren't that good or whatever and that's their opinion. My opinion is that those people just didn't really like the style, but that does not mean they are not good. the singer was down on the floor with the people, getting them to dance and jump around. The singer had a good voice and he was backed up by the other 5 members. Some of their riffs are simple, but they're clean. With a mix of punk and rock thrown into the metal, it's a nice combo of music styles. You can hear the punk influences in the guitar lines and the singing, whereas the metal takes the forefront in the screaming and drums. And the merch store is great- I mean who wouldn't want a pair of underwear that says "I love Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome," cause I know I do.
Blacktooth Brigade played the end of the show and played just as hard as they had the night before at Uli's. This set was better than the night before- Clint stayed on top of his game and didn't randomly zone out and forget to start singing when he was supposed to. Also, they had the right people starting the right songs, although this only happened at Uli's, it was still nice to hear the song perfect from start to finish. As always Clint was doing his job and getting the crowd involved, even though there weren't that many left because it was 1:30 am. One of the things I love about these guys, and most of the other local Lansing bands, is that it never matters how many people are there, they are doing what they love and if you dig it and stick around great, if only a few people are left, they play with the same intensity as they would a packed house.
As always support your local music scene. Check out spartanedge.com for videos of these bands.
Hillside Barrier, Frank and Earnest, Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome, and Blacktooth Brigade lit up the stage Friday night.
Hillside Barrier went first. Even though I saw them the night before too, the show didn't seem to repeat itself and was still hard as hell. Hillside rocked out like they always do, hitting every riff and note and carrying their energy on through the end.
Frank and Earnest followed Hillside Barrier, which was quite a change of pace. As Hillside has the chugging metal sound, Frank and Earnest have more of an old school punk feel with some pop alternative thrown in. Their songs are really catchy and they do have a unique touch to their sound- I can't say it's different because it does sound like other bands out there, but there is something there which still makes it discernible.
Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome was the band that really made me want to go see this show. The name alone should intrigue you. Now, some people at the show were talking about how they weren't that good or whatever and that's their opinion. My opinion is that those people just didn't really like the style, but that does not mean they are not good. the singer was down on the floor with the people, getting them to dance and jump around. The singer had a good voice and he was backed up by the other 5 members. Some of their riffs are simple, but they're clean. With a mix of punk and rock thrown into the metal, it's a nice combo of music styles. You can hear the punk influences in the guitar lines and the singing, whereas the metal takes the forefront in the screaming and drums. And the merch store is great- I mean who wouldn't want a pair of underwear that says "I love Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome," cause I know I do.
Blacktooth Brigade played the end of the show and played just as hard as they had the night before at Uli's. This set was better than the night before- Clint stayed on top of his game and didn't randomly zone out and forget to start singing when he was supposed to. Also, they had the right people starting the right songs, although this only happened at Uli's, it was still nice to hear the song perfect from start to finish. As always Clint was doing his job and getting the crowd involved, even though there weren't that many left because it was 1:30 am. One of the things I love about these guys, and most of the other local Lansing bands, is that it never matters how many people are there, they are doing what they love and if you dig it and stick around great, if only a few people are left, they play with the same intensity as they would a packed house.
As always support your local music scene. Check out spartanedge.com for videos of these bands.
Blacktooth Brigade's City Tour Stop 1: Uli's
As I sat in classes all week all I could think about was the weekend, and it did not let me down. Thursday at Uli's, Friday at Oade's, and finally Saturday at Mens Rea (formerly Cheetahs).
Ulis Haus of Rock is one of my favorite bars to go see shows at. The sound is good, the stage isn't tiny, and it's always a great mixture of people and bands. Bullet Punch started it off, and not on a very good note either. The singer was pretty much just a tool, probably one that likes Nickelback, and the band just didn't seem to mesh. The band was good, it had some true talent, but the style they played mixed with the singing was just off. Then the singer picked up a guitar for their "more instrumental" song and he looked oblivious. He just stared at the guitar player like he was trying to figure out the chords, he only moved his hand a few times, and if he was actually playing a cord, it was only one the whole time. To top it off, Bullet Punch covered "Killing in the Name." And by covered it I mean ruined it- the singer was half a beat behind, and the guitarist changed some parts, and the singer didn't even sing it the same way. I feel that this band has potential, they just have to figure out how to blend the music and singing more- and maybe stop doing covers.
Next up was Downward Affliction. I didn't really know what to expect with this band but it was not just a group of 17-year-olds with a band. They were playing death-core/metal and pulling it off. Although the singing isn't really my style, that really deep "death" screaming, the kid did it really well. They had a cute little fan club of their friends, who made t-shirts, and of their parents, who maybe had to drive them. There's not really a lot i can say about this band besides the fact that people should check them out. If you don't like the style you can at least see what I mean about them being talented.
If Blood Be the Price tore it up and maybe broke the milk crate. This band was awesome to watch. The band was talented and the singer puts on a great performance, although people were laughing a bit when he started throwing the milk crate around- but hey, at least he wasn't smashing something valuable. The hardcore-metal band plays all around, and if you see them on a bill somewhere definitely go check them out. I had a hard time not getting into their set, not like I was trying to deny it. Not only do they have the hardcore metal sound going, but there is a bit of that groove metal thrown in to most of their songs.
Hillside Barrier, who set up the show and asked If Blood Be the Price to come play, was up next. I've seen this band a few times but it never gets old. In fact, I got to see them again Friday night.They are metal through and through- with the chug sound, the drums hitting, and the screaming. The band is sweet to watch and has a good sound- luckily, most of the Lansing metal bands sound different, which is amazing. You can tell that some of their influences are Pantera, which i think it's every one's, Metallica, Lamb of God- so if you like some of those, you'll probably like Hillside Barrier.
Last, as usual, was Blacktooth Brigade. Seriously though, I've seen these guys play at least 10 times and except for like two times, they always play last and it's bullshit. By the time they are setting up their stuff on stage it's about 1 am, so most people have already left the bar. People do stay and they always have friends coming to support too, but they deserve to hear more people hear them. Dan Neff, guitarist, just shredded at Uli's. It was ridiculous, everyone was kind of surprised and even the other band members did a little look over that just said "huh... well fuck yeah." He was in a zone or something cause the solos he played were technically good and just good. Clint Cox, singer, messed up some of the words in "Way of the World" cause he was in a zone too, but not in the same way as Neff. Even though the bar wasn't packed the people that were still around were definitely into what BTB is doing.
As always support your local music scene- get out there, watch some bands, buy some demos or shirts or whatever. Without the locals there isn't a scene. And check out spartanedge.com for pictures of the show.
Ulis Haus of Rock is one of my favorite bars to go see shows at. The sound is good, the stage isn't tiny, and it's always a great mixture of people and bands. Bullet Punch started it off, and not on a very good note either. The singer was pretty much just a tool, probably one that likes Nickelback, and the band just didn't seem to mesh. The band was good, it had some true talent, but the style they played mixed with the singing was just off. Then the singer picked up a guitar for their "more instrumental" song and he looked oblivious. He just stared at the guitar player like he was trying to figure out the chords, he only moved his hand a few times, and if he was actually playing a cord, it was only one the whole time. To top it off, Bullet Punch covered "Killing in the Name." And by covered it I mean ruined it- the singer was half a beat behind, and the guitarist changed some parts, and the singer didn't even sing it the same way. I feel that this band has potential, they just have to figure out how to blend the music and singing more- and maybe stop doing covers.
Next up was Downward Affliction. I didn't really know what to expect with this band but it was not just a group of 17-year-olds with a band. They were playing death-core/metal and pulling it off. Although the singing isn't really my style, that really deep "death" screaming, the kid did it really well. They had a cute little fan club of their friends, who made t-shirts, and of their parents, who maybe had to drive them. There's not really a lot i can say about this band besides the fact that people should check them out. If you don't like the style you can at least see what I mean about them being talented.
If Blood Be the Price tore it up and maybe broke the milk crate. This band was awesome to watch. The band was talented and the singer puts on a great performance, although people were laughing a bit when he started throwing the milk crate around- but hey, at least he wasn't smashing something valuable. The hardcore-metal band plays all around, and if you see them on a bill somewhere definitely go check them out. I had a hard time not getting into their set, not like I was trying to deny it. Not only do they have the hardcore metal sound going, but there is a bit of that groove metal thrown in to most of their songs.
Hillside Barrier, who set up the show and asked If Blood Be the Price to come play, was up next. I've seen this band a few times but it never gets old. In fact, I got to see them again Friday night.They are metal through and through- with the chug sound, the drums hitting, and the screaming. The band is sweet to watch and has a good sound- luckily, most of the Lansing metal bands sound different, which is amazing. You can tell that some of their influences are Pantera, which i think it's every one's, Metallica, Lamb of God- so if you like some of those, you'll probably like Hillside Barrier.
Last, as usual, was Blacktooth Brigade. Seriously though, I've seen these guys play at least 10 times and except for like two times, they always play last and it's bullshit. By the time they are setting up their stuff on stage it's about 1 am, so most people have already left the bar. People do stay and they always have friends coming to support too, but they deserve to hear more people hear them. Dan Neff, guitarist, just shredded at Uli's. It was ridiculous, everyone was kind of surprised and even the other band members did a little look over that just said "huh... well fuck yeah." He was in a zone or something cause the solos he played were technically good and just good. Clint Cox, singer, messed up some of the words in "Way of the World" cause he was in a zone too, but not in the same way as Neff. Even though the bar wasn't packed the people that were still around were definitely into what BTB is doing.
As always support your local music scene- get out there, watch some bands, buy some demos or shirts or whatever. Without the locals there isn't a scene. And check out spartanedge.com for pictures of the show.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Local Bands Add New Love for Music
I attended the First Annual Lansing Battle of the Bands show Saturday night at Macs and seeing the younger faces that made up most of the bands gave me new found respect, hope and love for music, especially local music.
The talent that resided in some of these kids was unbelievable. Their technical skills are really good considering that they are high school kids, and most looked like they were about 16. Seeing these kids show the passion for music gave me a new found hope in the local scene and in music in general. If there are kids like this everywhere, which I know there are it's just still nice to see it, then music has a promising future.
Even though most of the bands were not my first choice of genre/style/etc, they will be improving some life somewhere. They just have to keep pushing to get where they want to go.
Local music has always been one of my favorite things. Going to their shows, buying their $2 demo so they can have gas money for their next show or whatever they need to do, and just experiencing people who have the same passion as me. Without local music cities would be under-represented, under-appreciated, and just plain boring.
I have attended lots of local shows since I started school at MSU and it's been one of the greatest things I have found. The bands I've heard, the people I've met, nothing can replace it. If I had a shitty week and there's a show, no matter what day, I go and I forget everything. Let these bands' passion and talent melt away everything and just enjoy. There is nothing I would rather do than go see local bands perform- they can fix anything, some of them can even help you break into your car if you locked your keys in it.
The talent that resided in some of these kids was unbelievable. Their technical skills are really good considering that they are high school kids, and most looked like they were about 16. Seeing these kids show the passion for music gave me a new found hope in the local scene and in music in general. If there are kids like this everywhere, which I know there are it's just still nice to see it, then music has a promising future.
Even though most of the bands were not my first choice of genre/style/etc, they will be improving some life somewhere. They just have to keep pushing to get where they want to go.
Local music has always been one of my favorite things. Going to their shows, buying their $2 demo so they can have gas money for their next show or whatever they need to do, and just experiencing people who have the same passion as me. Without local music cities would be under-represented, under-appreciated, and just plain boring.
I have attended lots of local shows since I started school at MSU and it's been one of the greatest things I have found. The bands I've heard, the people I've met, nothing can replace it. If I had a shitty week and there's a show, no matter what day, I go and I forget everything. Let these bands' passion and talent melt away everything and just enjoy. There is nothing I would rather do than go see local bands perform- they can fix anything, some of them can even help you break into your car if you locked your keys in it.
Friday, September 24, 2010
New songs- Hardships for local bands
One of the hardest parts of being in a local band, at least in my mind, is not coming up with new songs but the frequency in which you have to so the usual crowd doesn't get bored.
As everyone knows, big name bands go on tour for at least a year on their new album and during that time and the year after that they are writing and recording their new album. But for local bands it's different. They play a lot of the same bars, in front of a lot of the same people, and in order to keep people interested they have to come up with new songs. It's not always easy for bands to write new songs, the songwriter can write new lyrics, but the rest of the band has to be together or at least around to collaborate on the rest of the song.
This is unfair to local bands. The fact that they could lose people coming to their shows because everyone has heard the songs they are going to play, so they have to keep writing music- which is awesome, but there is more of a forced pressure to write a new song to add to your set list, than big name bands who can take years to get out a new single.
The Lansing local bands are lucky though. The community is very close and supportive, and people (unless they have to work) are usually always at their favorite bands' show. However, it is very nice when one of the bands around here writes and performs a new song- you feel part of their band, their life, because you get to experience it with them. so my advice to the local bands, not that they're not already doing it, is to keep writing and try and get a new song out there every couple of months- it'll keep people around and it'll probably add more.
As always support your local scene. Go check out bands and feel free to comment when you find ones you like.
As everyone knows, big name bands go on tour for at least a year on their new album and during that time and the year after that they are writing and recording their new album. But for local bands it's different. They play a lot of the same bars, in front of a lot of the same people, and in order to keep people interested they have to come up with new songs. It's not always easy for bands to write new songs, the songwriter can write new lyrics, but the rest of the band has to be together or at least around to collaborate on the rest of the song.
This is unfair to local bands. The fact that they could lose people coming to their shows because everyone has heard the songs they are going to play, so they have to keep writing music- which is awesome, but there is more of a forced pressure to write a new song to add to your set list, than big name bands who can take years to get out a new single.
The Lansing local bands are lucky though. The community is very close and supportive, and people (unless they have to work) are usually always at their favorite bands' show. However, it is very nice when one of the bands around here writes and performs a new song- you feel part of their band, their life, because you get to experience it with them. so my advice to the local bands, not that they're not already doing it, is to keep writing and try and get a new song out there every couple of months- it'll keep people around and it'll probably add more.
As always support your local scene. Go check out bands and feel free to comment when you find ones you like.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Cranefest 9-18-10
The last Cranefest of 2010 occurred Saturday night. The night was filled with good tunes and plenty of beer- for those who weren't on the list of under-21-year-olds- until the crack heard around the world.
At the end of Blacktooth Brigade's set, Daniel Neff put his guitar down to pack his stuff up and Clint Cox, the singer, took a horribly accidental step backwards snapping the neck of Neff's guitar. Everyone on stage froze and Neff just said "fuck it," grabbed the guitar and smashed it to pieces on the edge of the stage.
This was all a brave front though. That guitar was like Neff's baby, he picked out all the parts and built it up to what is was. The audience didn't really realize the impact of what just happened and neither did I until I heard about Neff building it from BTB's other guitarist Eric Wolfe. Neff left the farm soon after that, I don't know where Clint went and everyone could tell that Wolfe was not in a good mood about it either, but the audience members just kept on partying and took the guitar smashing as a truly rock n' roll type moment.
Now when touring bands smash a guitar they have at least two more backstage waiting for them, but that's not the case here. And that may be why the crack of that neck could be the downfall to BTB... at least for a little while. Throughout their set Neff was also having problems with his amp, and then his guitar gets busted... I'm worried that this will cause a big setback in the band and in their future, but only time will tell. And I hope it tells us that a Blacktooth Brigade show is coming up.
At the end of Blacktooth Brigade's set, Daniel Neff put his guitar down to pack his stuff up and Clint Cox, the singer, took a horribly accidental step backwards snapping the neck of Neff's guitar. Everyone on stage froze and Neff just said "fuck it," grabbed the guitar and smashed it to pieces on the edge of the stage.
This was all a brave front though. That guitar was like Neff's baby, he picked out all the parts and built it up to what is was. The audience didn't really realize the impact of what just happened and neither did I until I heard about Neff building it from BTB's other guitarist Eric Wolfe. Neff left the farm soon after that, I don't know where Clint went and everyone could tell that Wolfe was not in a good mood about it either, but the audience members just kept on partying and took the guitar smashing as a truly rock n' roll type moment.
Now when touring bands smash a guitar they have at least two more backstage waiting for them, but that's not the case here. And that may be why the crack of that neck could be the downfall to BTB... at least for a little while. Throughout their set Neff was also having problems with his amp, and then his guitar gets busted... I'm worried that this will cause a big setback in the band and in their future, but only time will tell. And I hope it tells us that a Blacktooth Brigade show is coming up.
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