Building an Underground

Rock fans have long been attracted to bands that they think are the "next big thing." They love going to dingy clubs and listening to local, "underground" bands. They go so far as to form street teams and fan clubs for bands that don't even have a record deal.

So why doesn't country work like that? Is it that the country fans are less loyal?

I don't believe so. I think it's the overall culture of what most venues are looking for in a country act. If you want to get a gig at most music venues in my area, they absolutely positively do not want original music. They want songs that everybody knows, and they don't care how prolific or talented you are as a writer.

That, my friends, is crap.

Country fans don't follow original acts around, form street teams, put up posters, etc because they don't get exposure to the people performing the original music. Outside of coffeehouses and open mic nights, most bars are featuring cover bands every Friday and Saturday.

Originality, artistry, and any attempt at all to break out of the mold is frowned upon.

I'm not even sure it's the fault of the bars and clubs, frankly. I believe the structure of Nashville is feeding this mindset. Nashville believes they hold the patent on country music. They take in artists, trim the rough edges with their cookie cutter, hand them the songs they're going to sing, and send them on their way.

Country songwriters, unless they're working for a Music Row record label, are stifled and silenced at every turn. We're caged up and muzzled by the system and not given the opportunity to get ourselves heard for who we really are as artists...not just as the lead singers of cover bands forced to rehash Chesney songs every night.

Nashville's doing their very best to ensure this poisonous attitude trickles down from the record labels to the radio stations to the venues to you. Don't take it. Don't let Nashville tell you what you should and shouldn't be listening to. Support your local original artists. Demand bookings. Demand airplay. Spread the word.

Build the underground.

In Memorium: Rick Roy

We've lost one of the greatest musicians I've ever had the pleasure of performing with.

Rick, you'll be missed and never forgotten.

Heaven just got a piano player.

Back to Central Illinois

I had a great time this past weekend running around in the middle of the state making some music. Got to reconnect with some old friends and make a couple of new ones.

I was also reminded just how much talent this state has. There are some amazing country artists in Illinois...young, old, and in-between.

In a couple of weeks I'm going back down there for some shows in Taylorville and Decatur. Check my Myspace for details.

Also, because I'm an electronics junkie, I picked up a GPS system for the car. I don't know how I was a travelling musician without it....I love it.

I'm such a geek.

Renovation

So it seems that the Batcave will be renovated, waterproof, and ready to use by Thursday. That's good, because I have quite a bit of work to do.

I'm trying to maintain some songwriting momentum so I can keep pumping out new material, I need to chart Colleen Wild's songs as I'm now her "official" accompanyist, and I also have my own gigs coming up.

On a side note, if you live in Illinois and are a country music fan/artist, please check out the ICMA. Membership is cheap and the benefits are great. The crappy economy is hurting this great organization that has given so many opportunities to myself and others. Most of the action happens in Central IL, but there is a Southern IL chapter and I'd love to see more activity up here in the Northern third of the state. Let's take country back!

"It's fine being artistic, just not on this show."

Thank you, Simon, for confirming my decision to never audition for American Idol.

That being said, support local music! The people truly paving the musical landscape of this country are in your own hometown.

Mini-rant over.

Illinois Country Music Association

Illinois is loaded with talented country artists and die-hard country fans, and one of the best resources for artists and fans is the Illinois Country Music Association. The ICMA gives artists, both new and established, a chance to get out and get themselves heard. Also, it gives fans a chance to find new artists that they otherwise may have never heard.

If you live in or near Illinois and are interested, go to their website and download the application form. For a ridiculously reasonable annual fee, you get access to discounted prices at ICMA events, a newsletter with show listings, and a chance to vote for their annual People's Choice awards.

The ICMA brings artists and fans together. Instead of waiting around for the next big Nashville act to make a stop in your town, you can find a great local band playing just down the street and have an amazing night out listening to some awesome music.

Please get out and support local country music, whether you live in Illinois or not. Country music has always been the people's music, so let's keep it that way.