The "scene"

[makeyourself]

Let's face it, the stl scene sucks. There are new and exciting bands forming all the time in the area, but are held back by one small obstacle, venues. The venues in the local area are a detriment to any rising band in the stl area, not only in the small variety of bands that they offer, but also the overly inflated prices. Venues such as the creepy crawl are steering bands away from being individuals and pushing bands to become more of a likeness of other "scene" bands. Though this tunnel vision that the creepy crawl offers is depressing to the true artists of the stl area, more so than that are the small crowd numbers brought in due to the prices. To be able to see a band, which most people only go to see one band, ticket prices are somewhere from $8-10. This price, however, does not include the cost of parking and also the fact that many people bring others along with them. One night of rockin' out could possibly cost someone anywhere between $20-25 just to see a local band. National touring bands can be seen for a small additional fee, so why are local band tickets being sold at such a high price? With the small crowd numbers that bands bring in, the only hope for them to grow is from internet sources such as myspace or purevolume, or garage shows. With this in mind, I believe that the best way to accomplish change is to support our local bands in smaller type venues, such as the lemp arts center and other "non-scene" venues. In this way, bands may gain more popularity with fans having a little more change in their pocket at the end of the night.

[joeh]

Yeah, i think that's what we all want to do. There is another variable thrown into this though. The mass of 15-18 somethings still in high school who are only allowed to go to the hi pointe and/or creepy crawl.

Honestly, to get the sound out, and plainly distribute more demos and CDs, sometimes these venues have to be played. I just want to know what the hell we can do to change this?

I say, find big halls,and everyone chip in like 20 dollars and rent out a place and have a good show. Only pay the bands who play, so the people who donated 20 bucks might be out 20 bucks, but then again, if enough people, you might be able to make money as well.

[paul]

Here's the way to do it...

Get a Hall(lions hall, vfw hall) anything that will let you have/ rent...(We're getting an abondoned building, WEE!) Get bands from all over to come...tell them to bring their "Fan Club" and you got a show... I swear it works...I booked a show not to long ago, i thought 40 people would come...300 showed up, we lost count at 260 spectators...Is that not some shit or what? Just tell each band to hand out flyers...and you got it...Seriously...People can do so much more if they just put there mind to it...Or even better find a Non-Profit Org. To put on a good show w/...and after you do it once...you have people wanting to give you a building...an dyou guys to just come jam...Then your giving back...and Spreading Culture, Word of bands, and most of alle xposing different people to your music...I know none of this is in any real order...but that's how i role...And yes it is crucial to play at "venues" i think as well...There ar epeople there who like joe said may never go to an "underground" or "basement" show...but can go to a venue because they have approval...

Soryr...this probalby makes no sense...i'm tired...and hitting alow off of my caffeine high..rock on bawls.

[joeh]

Paul, you're doing what we all wish we could be doing right now.
One thing.
Your band should reflect the DIY attitude. Im talking your lyrics. Your songs are great, but what messages are they shuttles for?
Tell people this kind of stuff IN your songs!

[Curtis Tinsley]

I don't think that the messages in the songs really have to reflect a DIY attitude. In fact, it may seem a little redundant.
It's like me going around wearing a red shirt while also telling everyone that i am wearing a red shirt. It just may not be totally nesseccary, you dig.

[joeh]

im listening to ambush, it's so bitch.

[paul]

Speaking of lyrics and all

We have anew song!!!

yeah...come to our show on the 23rd and listen...it's got a pretty lame rap break down...into some mad 80's hair metal...it's wicked.

[loren]

money comes and money goes. personally, i enjoy viewing musicians perform, if it costs me 8-10 bucks, so be it. it's not the scene that is the problem, every scene has problems in it.

[joeh]

Well, I just don't think the Creepy Crawl is the most comfortable outlet for people to play. Though, there is a point to playing there. Their sound system makes you sound like a beast, and everyone knows where it's at. We'll be playing there most likely in the Spring.

But I mean, I definitely agree with both sides of the argument, considering, I've experience both sides.