Stop Talking

There's a lot of talk on Soundboard (Masslive.com's forum about Western Mass. music) about what's right or wrong with the area's scene. It's been pretty heated and there are a lot of different viewpoints. I try to keep in mind that the proportion of people who post there compared to the actual number of musicians in the Valley is pretty small, but there are still some valid concerns. Things like the number of good venues; the lack of attendance; and the quality of the music. Some think there is no scene here, others feel good about it. One person thinks the whole town should just be exported to India.

I moved here a little over ten years ago, in part because of a job (the Advocate) but also because I was in awe of the music scene. My life has changed dramatically since I was semi-starry-eyed and fresh out of college, and I suppose some of the luster has worn off. But I still really appreciate what we've got here. In general, I think there are some very good clubs for a town this size, radio stations that will play local music, newspapers that will promote local shows and people (non-musicians) who genuinely appreciate the scene. So, what's wrong? Where's the beef? (or, more appropriately, the soy patty?).

I think it takes a lot work to get all of those good resources we have locally to align. For instance, I don't think it takes *that* much work to do any one of the following: record a cd; design decent packaging; send it out to ten media outlets and ten radio stations; stock it in the local record stores; book a solid show with interesting bands; make a poster; flyer like crazy for weeks in advance; follow-up with the media outlets and radio stations; stand on the corner handing out flyers on a Saturday; book a live show on the radio the week of the show; sell tickets to your friends and family (for the clubs that sell tickets). This stuff takes time, but again, any one thing in the list can be done while you still have a day job (or other commitments). But it is tough to do all of these things, sometimes simultaneously, and keep your sanity (or your job/family). And hanging up posters on a metal pole when it's negative ten out is about as unpleasant as it gets. I think this is why people who like being in bands don't like being in bands.

I don't have time anymore to do all of those things. There is a part of my brain - I think it's called the Hipporockus - that always imagines myself on a stage playing to a packed club, selling lots of records and endorsing shoes. And part of me misses throwing all of my free time into band duties. But in reality I know my limitations. I have smaller goals now. I still love playing in a band, but I'm not going to be going on tour with Prince anytime soon (he called and I turned him down). I like playing the Elevens on a Friday night with my friends. I still am in awe of the bands I play on stage with and feel lucky we have those stages to play on. I guess I'm not that jaded yet.

I think sometimes it's easier to get down on the music scene than it is to change it for the better (if you aren't happy). There are bands locally who do put people into the clubs and they aren't doing it by complaining about what's wrong. I miss some things about the area from the '90s, like the Baystate, but I think it's more productive to work with what's around here today (frankly, I get the same vibe at the Eagles' as I did at the Baystate, circa '97). I think we may be in an in-between stage where a blossoming of new and exciting bands is just around the corner, and I expect people will continue to have the same kinds of gripes in 2014, 2021... but not in 2028.

Don't stop the rock.