Cover Bands

A Limelight For Cover Bands

As a musician, the most rewarding aspect of the job is writing music. Some may argue that it is more rewarding to make money while doing it, but that is far from the truth. Being a musician myself, and playing in many bands in many cities across the United States, I can attest that there is no greater feeling than that of a crowd going wild for your own musical creations. However, if a local musician were to set his goal to making a living playing music, it is highly unlikely that an original project would successfully supplement any lifestyle financially. In order to make any decent money in music on the local level, a musician must play covers. Consider the pervasive nature of popular music in the United States. There are so many more media sources advertising popular music than good music. Sure, the term “good music” is relative, but the basis for this media is to turn a profit, not to enhance the musical experiences of its users. If it happens that the premier band on iTunes this week is a band that worked its way up through local scenes playing hundreds of shows and writing thoughtful music, it is purely coincidence. The fact is many more people are exposed to what’s being played on the radio and on Television and on the
The internet has made their job easier by providing a means to develop a global fan base. However, if an original band wants to “make it”, they have to promote themselves through every possible avenue and stay on it all the time. Not only do they have to give away their merchandise or sell it for dirt cheap, they have to play shows for free. Some clubs require unknown acts to contact an already successful band and plead for an opening slot on a bill that pays nothing. The biggest venues in some cities actually require the band to pay the venue to play and only guarantee payment based on how many people come in the