Picture from UK Rock Festivals
The next Sunday Alternative gig is almost sorted out and once again I have aimed high as far as the bookings are concerned. Once this is properly up and running I am looking at maybe getting at least one band/artist who are pretty unknown on the bill to give them a bit of exposure. When I say 'exposure' I don't mean that bullshit currency that promoters pay artists with either, because all the bands get an equal share of the door, so in theory a band who sent me a demo recorded in their bedroom and impressed me with it will get the same amount of money that Guns and Roses get. Axl Rose hasn't got back to me yet but that could be because I haven't asked, I would have to tell him it starts at nine o'clock Sunday morning to be in with a chance of him turning up on time. I think the idea of putting a lesser known act on (which means they are also featured on the series when it goes to air) is a good one but it needs to be properly organised. It wouldn't be a good idea to put a new unknown band on first because of the attitude of the average gig goer meaning that the band will play to an empty room while everyone is getting drinks or outside smoking. Right at the end isn't a good place either, although they are effectively the headliner the bulk of the audience will vanish as soon as the well known band have finished. A better idea would be to sandwich the lesser known act between two bigger draws to attempt to encourage the audience to experience something new.
I have written here before, and mentioned on the radio about how the support act are sometimes lacking exactly that, support. Since I first started talking about it things have improved and supports have been getting respectable numbers at places like Rock City or Rescue Rooms, this is particularly significant when a local band is supporting a visiting big name in front of people who go to big gigs and might not be so aware of the local scene. It is just a pity that at those venues they get paid in 'exposure', in other words - fuck all.
The Sunday Alternative #46 is available from here.
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July Housekeeping
Bags and T-Shirts are still available from here. All money goes in the fund. Feel free to browse the shop page while you're there.
If you donate £5 or more, you get to choose a song for me to cover on kazoo for a YouTube video, details here.
Seriously, I am grateful for the donations so if you haven't got round to it yet, I thank you in advance.
steveEoliver@gmail.com
