Support local music!

I've noticed, throughout the past 6 years or so of living in different areas of North Carolina, that there are few places to see local live music - that isn't a cover band. There are also few people that will go, on a whim, to check out something new and original.

The venues
Major cities, of course, offer more venues, but it makes me wonder - with all of the local bands out there - where do they play? And why won't people go see them?

Sure, there are small bars that will let some local acts play, and there's the occasional new club that pops up, but what is needed?

Why won't some bigger or more popular venues/bars book local acts once a week? Pack up your DJ records, or give the cover band a rest and book someone new and original. Give them a chance.

You say cover bands do more business, but why not support your local scene? Have your cookie-cutter cover band play, but book someone original with them. Let the originals play for an hour, and then give the stage to the same old cover band. At least you're opening up the venue to local music, and giving your audience a little more variety.

The people
It is sad that most people won't give original bands a chance. No one is ever scared to see a cover band - they never worry that they might be horrible. And there are plenty of them out there, too.

So why won't audience members give original bands a chance? Is it the money? I find that hard to believe - people will spend $5 to hear a cover band or DJ, why not $5 for what could be your next favorite band?

For example - the next Nirvana is playing at a local club tonight for $4. You don't go, because you don't want to give them a chance. Then they blow up and are all over the radio and TV and you now have to pay $40 to see them. Wouldn't you love the chance to say, "I saw that band at Ziggy's or at Amos' or some other venue, back when no one knew them."

I think back to when I was in college. Dave Matthews played for $8 my freshman year, and no one went. Matchbox 20 played a club my junior year for about $6 and it wasn't close to sold out. Now people pay $40 to sit on a lawn to watch Matthews play.

I'm not saying everyone should go every week to see a local original band. But maybe start with once a month. Spend a couple weeks out with your friends enjoying that craptacular cover band, and then one weekend a month, pick a random club and see something new.

Or, if you're in a band, ask your local club owner for 30 minutes of playing time, see what they say. Do it for free the first time, and if he's likes you, ask for money the next time.

Check the local paper, and see what looks interesting. Give them a chance - that's all most local bands are asking for.