Festival Post-Mortem

Yesterday we were honored to be a part of a new, funky festival that is looking to be an annual event.  The Rockin' the Box Music Festival featured bands from Oklahoma, Texas, and I believe even Missouri.  It turned out to be a lot of fun - despite the heat. 

Signal 8 played a fun set including some ZZ Top, Zakk Wylde, Ramones, Joe Walsh, Puddle of Mudd, and Led Zeppelin.  There were some amazingly talented bands before and after us, and for a little while, we felt as though it wasn't the right festival for us - seeing how old we are and our set selection.  Of course when we started playing, the reception was warm and very enthusiastic. 

The promoters and creators of the event are to be congratulated because it went off without a hitch.  Friday, Saturday, and the bands on Sunday comprised a really cool lineup and again, we were proud to be a part of it.  We hope there are many others like it in the future.  The goal is to change the music culture in Oklahoma, to get folks to support local bands more. 

A Band's Natural Progression

Each of the members of Signal 8 have played with other bands and bring to the table a plethora of experience.  Some bands have a good rapport right off the bat and others simply look like they are going through the motions, playing well, but couldn't give a rip about their band mates - and it reflects in their playing.  Conversely, when a group of people genuinely like each other and genuinely like what they are performing, that too will be apparent.

Most people would rather spend their time watching a band that may not be completely technically correct in their playing, but have a great time and share that emotion with the audience.  For some bands, this is natural, for other bands it takes a little time to develop.  The progression really is quite simple and it is similar to any work environments where the staff enjoys the work.  First, the "get to know you" phase where band members play together and learn the styling and personality of other members.  Second, there is the "I know you, get serious" phase where a set lest is established and agreed upon by band members.  Third, "I like it" stage where the members are comfortable with one another and they are enjoying their groove.  Lastly, "let's have fun" phase takes over and that is where the differences lie between a band that puts on a great show and those who don't.

You see, we of Signal 8 aren't just musicians.  We are also audience members who enjoy a good show and particularly those of local artists.  When we're out and about, there is always an opportunity to enjoy the playing of local musicians and we encourage you to do the same.  

Let's be honest - a lot of bands out there are busting ass to get a record deal, desiring to become stars.  That's all well and good and that is a noble pursuit, one that takes perseverance and determination.  Usually, there are one or two members of a band that are the leadership team - kind of like Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are for KISS - and that leadership team is always scouring the countryside for musicians who have talent and are more talented than the people they are replacing.  And they do a lot of replacing.  Most of the time, these bands have an overinflated sense of self-worth and that is truly sad.  The bands with high aspirations make these mistakes and the news travels quickly in the musician community.

On the other hand, you have your party bands and your jam bands and your club bands who are perfectly content sharing their music in smaller venues and they just want to have fun by entertaining.  Club owners, party organizers, and event coordinators understand this and while they want talented bands, they also want people who have fun and will create an environment for their patrons to enjoy themselves.

Bands will always be progressing in one way or another.  Either they increase the fun factor, or they will suck.  That's the bottom line.

In our opinion...

Signal 8 Band

 

Dean Johnson (Drums, Vocals)
Rick Jackson (Bass, Vocals)
Ron Black (Guitar, Silly Faces)

The Countdown Begins

in Just 14 days, one of Oklahoma City's most original music festivals come to life.  What makes this festival so unique is that it is comprised of bands from the area - Oklahoma, Texas, and I think one from Missouri.  I think.  Each of the bands have busted their butts to get ready for this event and it will be one that you just can't miss.  This is the First Annual Rock the Box Music Festival and it will be an event every year that you'll mark your calendars to be a part of.

Tickets are available through Ticketstorm (click here) and right now, a three day pass is only $25 per person.  Or you can choose the single day pass which is still only $10 per person!  That's cheaper than a 90 minute movie at a cinema - with this, you get a whole day of kick ass bands and the festival atmosphere.

Now, for something completely different…

Soon, we'll be releasing more music for you to check out and that includes a couple originals that are moving, good songs (if we do say so ourselves).  We have some of the most unique covers and they will be guaranteed to get you out of your chair and up on the dance floor.  The goal is for everyone to have fun, to enjoy live music and friends.

Signal 8 strives to create an environment to do just that.

Get your tickets!


Signal 8

Rick Jackson, Bass Player Extraordinaire

Your Signal 8 is pleased to announce that Rick Jackson has been added to the lineup for the band.  Rick is an awesome bass player, and his vocals are spot-on.  Add to that the fact that he is a great guy and one hell of an entertainer.

Our guitar player, Ron, has played with Rick in a couple other bands and said, "Rick is always there, driving the rhythm and adding color."  He continued, "He is very talented and above all, he is one of those musicians who just raises everyone's performance."

Dean Johnson, Signal 8's drummer and vocalist was glad that Rick is onboard because of his stability and desire to play a wide array of music.  "Rick is open to all kinds of music, he's consistent, and he's a little crazy - one of the requirements to be with Signal 8."

Signal 8's former bass player, Jerry Brown, has been dealing with some health issues and needed to take care of himself.  "Jerry is a wonderful professional," Ron said. "When he came to us about his departure, we know that he hadn't been feeling that well.  Above all, we want Jerry healthy."

Ron said that there was a chance that Jerry would be stopping by and jamming some keyboards with Signal 8.

"We just want to see him get healthy and take care of himself."

Stay tuned for more information from your Signal 8!

Check them out on ReverbNation:  https://www.reverbnation.com/signal8band!
Check them out on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/signal8band!

Every Gig Matters

Sounds like a profound grasp of the obvious, doesn't it?  It is definitely true, though.  Whether you're playing the main stage at Rocklahoma or the small, intimate stage of the Blowout Club in Guthrie, every time your band is out in public, it matters.  It sounds cliche' to say, but word of mouth spreads quickly and if you show up to a gig hammered and unable to play, for example, it won't be long until the music community in Oklahoma starts bitch-slapping you with bad reviews and then, no one wants to hire you.

Another problem that is often difficult to overcome is when your front person (man or woman) is a bitch.  Stuffy, attitude-filled, pains in the ass are everywhere and this too can become a severe problem  We've been around and played in a bunch of bands who had a front person who was not only difficult to work with, but whose attitude spilled over into dealings with the public.

We musicians have a responsibility to each other to go out there and leave it all on the stage.  When we do that, when we make every gig count, we set the stage for the next band to come along.  The better our reputations for quality performances and great attitudes, maybe we can get more of these clubs to entertain the thought of hiring live performers to draw in a crowd.

In Oklahoma City, there is a group of people who are busting their asses to make it happen for local talent.  OKC Music Movement warrants your time and you truly should check them out as soon as possible.  We can do this.