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Post by chilaska on Nov 29, 2011 0:12:17 GMT -5
Two years ago here in Chicago, several bands (mostly rock bands) formed [for lack of a better word] an "alliance". It wasn't much more than agreeing to play a couple shows together as well as support each other at shows. That second part is what I think was the biggest part of this group's success. They called themselves the Chicago Noise Machine, tossed that name on flyers as the promoter of their shows, and the bands went out to support each other when they were playing.
I've found that my time at local shows is split between one part going to shows just because I love live music and a second part of being a band diplomat, representing my band and making connections with other bands. But what's cool about that is that a lot of the bands who have seen me out at their shows have in turn come out to see my band play. It started as basically "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" and in a lot of cases turned into "yeah, you come to my shows and I am returning the support, but it turns out that we actually LIKE each other's band and we're FANS of each other now!"
Chicago Noise Machine is something I have wanted to recreate ever since I heard of it. CNM was made up of 9 bands. Can you imagine that? Even if only 1 or 2 people from half of the bands come out to each of your shows, that's an additional 4 - 10 people in the room, and as much as 30 or 40 if they occasionally all come out. That network not only got people exposed to more music (the bands got to meet those who joined their friends on the bill and also brought their friends to shows), but it also made talent buyers happy. And if a band came to them with a Chicago Noise Machine show, you know that the talent buyer was going to be excited for it.
Realistically, a good average draw is somewhere between 40 and 70 people (those who average more are really doing something right!), but even a band with a good draw can have a bad night. But if a network like that can get 5 - 30 extra covers through the door, a bad night becomes good and a good night becomes great. It's definitely something I want to try to get going.
Has anybody had success with anything like this?
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Post by Jeff on Nov 29, 2011 1:56:42 GMT -5
We actually did this on a regional basis with HUGE success. The process originated in Los Angeles with the band IRATE and spread like wildfire from LA to Seattle and as far east as the Mississippi River. Eventually this turned into a little something called Project Independent"
The formula is quite simple.
1) Select ONLY 8 of the HARDEST WORKING / BEST DRAWING bands in each market.
2) Put together 5 band bills utilizing 2 locals who are capable of SELLING OUT the joint. The remaining slots are filled by touring bands who have created the same "Alliance" in their own cities.
3) STOP PLAYING FREQUENT LOCAL SHOWS and agree to play ONLY local shows that are "Alliance Events". Play only 1 local show every 1-2 months (opening slots for national acts are the ONLY exceptions)
4) Network with other Alliances and let the show swaps begin!!!!
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Metal-X
New Member
Culprits Unite \m/
Posts: 10
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Post by Metal-X on Nov 30, 2011 0:15:46 GMT -5
We are actually in the process of building up an "alliance" of bad ass metal bands right here in Nashville!!. It's been in the works for roughly a year now, and now that I think about it we've kinda just formed two... let me break it down real fast. First, how it all began: My band Blood Culprit has always been down to play shows anywhere, anytime, almost any reason for this right here. We got called up for a last minute show one week, where we met a great band called Martyr to the Plague (which we became real good friends with), and we were introduced to this budding monthly tour (by Martyr) called the Middle Tennessee Independent Music Festival or M.T.I.M. for short. We jumped on with them and several other great bands and played shows once a month in different parts of the state, but had one central location that we always knew was a draw and could bring in fresh talent, and see how they did. This started our first "Alliance" so to speak. Each band became great friends with each other band and we always networked with each other to help everyone out to find great opportunities to play shows and branch out. Each band in this festival usually has a different style, and we were all able to draw in fans that wouldn't have normally came out for maybe our particular genre, but the cross-over potential was there. And while we might not have liked all the bands we played with, eventually opportunities arose where we could help each other out and we did just that. We formed a strong network of dedicated musicians and bands that is still going strong today, and has become a great source of of new bands to try out in front of the draw of the already more established bands in the area. This large and more general "alliance" started to spawn off small sub sects because of this: Us and Martyr have started to pull in quite the following, and in the shows we have played we have come across a few other awesome metal bands whose styles and idealism's about the scene just clicked with us and we have just began our own metal alliance so to speak. Where we each come out to support our friends shows (who each have their own draw), and when we are all on the bill together, you know everyone and their momma's are going to be at the shows because we all have a reputation for putting on unforgettable shows together. All of this is still just beginning here in Nashville. We are taking the advice that Jeff and Project Independent have given us and truly working our asses off networking and building this scene from the ground up. So I guess if you want a point to this ramble, then it is that Alliances are fuckin' fantastic and I encourage every scene to network with ALL bands (not just metal) in their scene to build up something that's going to break people away from their American Idols and dance clubs with terrible music (but great drink specials (Venue owners, that's where your customers are going!!!)) and it's time to get those people out to shows, having a great time, and raising hell with everybody. And it is up to the bands and venues to encourage these people to have good times and not just expect people to bring it in themselves. Give these people something to come back for and I guarantee you that they will!!! \m/ Completely rambled onto another topic... but I think you get my points  \m/ |
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Post by scsweat on Nov 30, 2011 18:16:51 GMT -5
Man, having an 'Alliance' of local acts is so important but it's SO frustrating if the rest of the bands in your area aren't of the same mindset. In the local scene where I'm from (Central VA), there's this weird attitude among alot of the bands that we're all kindof rival gangs and fraternizing with members of other bands might give away their super secret new songs or "they might become better friends with one of our guys and steal him from us!" or something.
It's obviously an issue of maturity and insecurity. I mean, it doesn't help your band OR theirs if all you do is sit outside the venue while their band plays and talk crap about them and bum cigarettes to 16 year old scene chicks.
Even if you don't like the band's music (for heaven's sake, even if you don't like the band's MEMBERS!!) you should still be in the crowd supporting the other bands in your scene. Even if you're not throwing down or whatever, just being "a body" in the pit is helpful and it's a polite gesture to the band you're supporting.
A scene divided is a scene destined to perish. Take that one to the bank.
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Post by Forge of War on Dec 3, 2011 16:10:35 GMT -5
hmm.. How about an alliance that spreads though P.I? How about bands that are apart of this and understand the value of the project independent program form an alliance and utilize this forum for setting up shows that spand across multiple states? Were in the Seattle area more to the north in Everett Washington...(Where the metal scene is alive and kicking VERY WELL actually) Seattle's metal scene is kinda blah at the moment. (It's going to take some serious work to fix unfortunately) So, with all that said. If your a band that is trying to make your way up here, don't hesitate to contact us on facebook or our reverbnation page or our official .com www.forge-of-war.com and hopefully we can help you out with getting a show up here! cheers -Forge of War |
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Post by MONOGON on Dec 3, 2011 17:17:56 GMT -5
We have a small "Alliance" set up here in MN and it works great, whenever we need a band or 2 to fill a night we have a list of acts that we enjoy sharing a stage with and have a great time. I think this is the best thing a band can get themselves into.
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Post by Jeff on Dec 5, 2011 1:46:17 GMT -5
an alliance set up thru PI?  Like I don't have enough on my plate already..... OK, I'm in... but there will be rules, and I will be an asshole toward anyone who breaks them. Now... do you still want me to organize this thing, or do you bands want to handle it yourselves? Either way is fine with me, but as we all know from the posts above and from personal experience, there will be problems. There will be bands who fuck-off the opportunity and there will be bands who are pissed because they're on the outside looking in. Personally, I don't want to deal with either, but I will if there is enough band support and cooperation. |
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Post by DEADIRON on Dec 5, 2011 14:42:13 GMT -5
These sorts of things seem pretty common. We have our own such alliance, with the built in self-support as well as an educational seminar series about gear, exposure, etc. Creating a virtual network for a similar sort of thing may be useful, Jeff. You could also charge a reasonable yearly fee for membership and showcase the bands that you feel deserve exposure beyond the large and sprawling lists on projectindependent.net. Any technical know-how or work that is required, I am willing to help. Sunny DEADIRONCleveland, OH www.deadiron.com |
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Post by Jeff on Dec 5, 2011 17:29:21 GMT -5
Sunny- Thanx for the reply, and it's good to see that Deadiron has already had success with this.
As for CHARGING a fee... um, probably NOT... but thanx!! LMFAO The biggest problem that bands have with this program, is that I require bands to presale $400 worth of tickets and charge a 50% deposit in advance. This being said, I'm definately not looking for ways to take even more money from bands. Contrary to what many think, PI makes just enough to cover expenses... and I think WE (everyone collectively) have created a very WELL-BUILT FORTRESS.
As for the Army of Soldiers to protect it.... we're already here!!!! just gotta ORGANIZE!!!!
Back to the point.... It seems as though we just need to get on point with who's doing what in each community. If there are bands like Deadiron in every city, that have their own "alliances" in place. then are work is done (for the most part). SEND ME LISTS!!!! Include nearest major city and a list of the 8 TOP DRAWING metal bands in that city. We'll get some shit poppin!!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
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Post by hellpie on Dec 6, 2011 9:25:59 GMT -5
Great idea, let the bands put resources together (PA, Lights, venue and of course fanbase) and rule out the need for a promoter/middle man. Bands should work together, not against each other. Of course you may have to deal with a few egos along the way. www.HELLPIE.com (Mid-Atlantic region) |
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Post by DEADIRON on Dec 6, 2011 14:23:30 GMT -5
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Post by forgeofwar on Dec 7, 2011 17:48:59 GMT -5
Don't hesitate to contact us! were in the seattle area mainly (Everett) which is where the metal scene is thriving up here in the northwest! we have no problem booking shows with bands from out of town, just make a note we EXPECT the favor returned. -forge of war www.forge-of-war.com |
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Metal-X
New Member
Culprits Unite \m/
Posts: 10
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Post by Metal-X on Dec 13, 2011 10:22:18 GMT -5
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Post by betrayedbyweakness on Jan 1, 2012 21:02:31 GMT -5
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\m/
Like I don't have enough on my plate already..... OK, I'm in... but there will be rules, and I will be an asshole toward anyone who breaks them. Now... do you still want me to organize this thing, or do you bands want to handle it yourselves? Either way is fine with me, but as we all know from the posts above and from personal experience, there will be problems. There will be bands who fuck-off the opportunity and there will be bands who are pissed because they're on the outside looking in. Personally, I don't want to deal with either, but I will if there is enough band support and cooperation. 