caix wrote:First, I'd never go to Elbo Room to go see an unknown band. I think I'd have a pretty sure bet that it would suck. I say this because every show I've ever been to there was terrible. I would go to Ronny's, Empty Bottle, Hideout and even Beat Kitchen. Those places tend to churn out decent enough bands on a consistent basis. That is a hard truth - a club is known for the quality bands they book.
Aside from Marsupialized's broken heart, the bigger question is how does a band with virtually no connections land shows at reputable venues? Instead of keeping the focus on smaller acts for the Empty Bottle's free Monday night series, they've been steadily bringing in more established bands, and if a band does happen to get a slot on an off-night at a more reputable venue the question then becomes how does one get a city full of jaded fans, myself included, invoved enough to give someone a chance? As for a smallish band getting a show at a less-than-stellar club like the Elbo Room, it is not necessarily the band's fault they're not playing at some place with more of a cache. Unknown bands aren't given much of a chance to prove themselves in bigger venues, so they're forced to the crappier bars that no one in their right mind would want to patronize, whihc brings me to this...
Germ War wrote:I will say this about Chicago, however: If you don't know anyone, and you don't have someone to vouch for you, it is exceedingly hard to get a show anywhere for your first time. It's a tough process to "prove" yourself, but if you manage to find a way, I think it does get a little easier to book your band. However, this is, again, applicable in many places not named Chicago.
What I've failed to mention are the handful of alternative spaces like Mr. City who tend to support the underground moreso than any of the more-recognized venues. Again, however, the question becomes how do you get thirty-year-old, jaded adults to attend these somewhat insular events? If you think seeing a show at the Bottle is an exercise in tolerating hipsters, try standing around in a crowded loft, or, basement with kids swilling from warm cans of Schlitz while listening to noise bands at an ear-splitting volume run through a shitty PA, or, no PA at all. (This is actually big fun and I highly recommend it) To me, it's actually the alternative spaces that show more grass-roots support than the wildely recognized "secne."
Brett Eugene Ralph wrote:Besides, there's plenty of young whippersnappers out there, I figure, to populate these shows. They don't need an old fuddy-duddy like me around anyway.
Pish Posh, Brett. Good music is good music regardless of age, as is the appreciation of good music. I'm assuming the kids in Times New Viking are at least ten years younger than myself, but it won't stop me from going to Ronny's this Friday to jump around like an idiot. Besides, if I didn't have older friends in college to hang around with and show me the "way" so to speak, I'd still might be shouting from the rooftops the merits of Soul Asylum or Sex Gang Children. I had really weird tastes back then. I do, however, understand the benefits of precious free time being used to be creative and/or relaxing with a good book, favorite record, etc. Conversely, I do honestly believe, my friend, that among the crap there's much goodness to experience. So much that the occasional night out behooves us all.
As for the hot chicks, well, I always have a bevy of them surrounding me. Stick with me and I'll throw you a bone.