Attitude Over Technical Proficiency

If you're like us, you've gone to see one of your favorite musicians perform and though they were technically spot-on during the show, there was a feeling that the performer was just not "into it."  For example, while in the Navy, our guitar player (Butch) drove from Seattle to Portland to see Bob Dylan open for the Grateful Dead.  It was a long drive during the summer months and this was at a time when they hadn't thought much about radar detectors - instead, his shipmate rode with a pair of binoculars, searching for law enforcement.

It was hilarious.

Bob Dylan opened the show before a packed stadium - Autzen Stadium at the University of Oregon.  Dylan didn't acknowledge the audience at all and just played three of four songs and walked off stage.  They had paid handsomely for those tickets and they really wanted to see a full show from Dylan.  Now, Dylan was technically perfect, his pitch perfect, his accompaniment was great.  But Dylan just wasn't "feeling it."

The Dead were awesome, of course.

Local bands can have that same problem.  One of our band mates went to a show put on by an Oklahoma Outlaw Metal band.  They were incredible to watch, their sound was beyond anything you'd expect from a local club, but during breaks and sometimes while playing, the guitar player just looked and acted like an aloof dick.  Sure, he was amazingly talented but he was an ass and the crowd noticed it and their applause wasn't quite what it could or should have been as a result, and then, the bar owner didn't make as much money as she should have that night.

Conversely, seeing a band that is talented, but who are funny, outgoing, friendly, and getting into the whole atmosphere is what people really want to see.  Audiences want recognizable, good songs, but they also want to feel as though they are part of the overall experience.

And that is a good thing.  The happier the audience, the more they will spend on drinks.  The more they spend, the happier the club owner.

Let's go make some noise together and not be asses about it.


Signal 8 Band

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Email for booking info:  signal8band@yahoo.com