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Q: Donavan asked:
"Over the years that you've been in the music industry have you witnessed many changes?"
It was the time when you could see a band at almost every bar, pub or restaurant in town on any given night – or day!
Cigarette smoke filled as they were, they were places to enjoy live music of all genres and types.
I witnessed a definite dive in the industry in the early 90’s when tobacco was restricted in public places.
It seemed if customers couldn’t smoke while having a beer and enjoying some live music they stayed home more often.
The bar and club music scene withered, somewhat, due to the poor profit margin of the owners.
The paying rate for the musicians went down and so, unfortunately, did the quality of the music.
Less talented acts that were willing to play for a few drinks or a burger started to water down the talent pool of working bands. The good bands often refused to put on a suitable production for less pay so it eventually led to a lull in the music industry. Don’t get me wrong - bands were still out there, but there were less venues and thus more competition for the few establishments that still catered to live music.
Now, let us do a big fast-forward to the year 2019. There was no live music allowed in our region for quite some time as the COVID shut down had restricted any public gatherings. But, in the aftermath when it was all over and things were back to almost normal, I witnessed a remarkable new interest in live music.
At the time I was in a weekend cover band and the appreciation of the crowds was suddenly different from before. Like Joni Mitchell’s lyric says: “you don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone” - the crowds were all very engaged and wanting more!
And it was true for us musicians too. Not having the outlet to perform was extremely hard on some. A lot of gear was sold and dreams put aside and forgotten. For those of us that persevered I believe a new appreciation has grown for any chance to play music, be it in a live gig or just at home with friends.
Personally, I have always felt honored that I can entertain people to the point of them dancing all night to the music that my band is playing and spending their hard earned dollars to do so. That feeling, for me, never changes.
I have yet to mention what the digital Internet world did to the music world over the past 30 years. Gone are the days of purchasing a CD or paying for music at all. Due to free downloading anyone can now build a music collection for free with out a penny going to the artist. Obtaining free music is something I have avoided doing as a working musician in respect for my peers: and I still ask those selling their music if I can get a CD rather than go to Spotafry for free.
But a refreshing way to look at this change is: This was the best thing to happen. The corporate dinosaurs of the music industry (record companies) no longer have a hold on the artists. Now anyone can record, promote and distribute their own songs the way they envision it – not restricted or precast by a record company that has a different direction in mind. An expensive, gear filled studio is not the only way to create and record music. It is in the hands of anyone with a computer.
Now the live performance will determine the success of the artist more than ever. In fact I like the idea that a local songwriter from my city may be the next huge sensation. I think I know one or two...
So yes, there have been huge changes in the industry in my time and many more to come, but luckily, music endures many obstacles and we can all still enjoy it to our hearts content. Most likely it will inspire a song lyric or two…
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