Copyright 2009
The times they are changing. I remember going over friend's houses and plopping down on a couch and listening to their hi end sound system. They introduced new music to my ears and some familiar goodies. I still do this today but I think that I don't fall into the normalcy. Especially considering that I have a keen interest in music. But it is this thought of spirited energy to actually sit down and critically listen to music that I'm trying to convey here. It is my opinion that far to many people (the masses) link going to see live music and alcohol (getting buzzed) as a singular activity. The only places I don't see this happening is at coffee houses, places of worship and at non alcoholic events. The clock is ticking on the future of live music my friends and it is not looking good.
So how do we change the mind set of America? Do we need to?
Yes and Yes! Allow me explain, First of all I am not anti alcohol by any means. But the situation is people are brain washed into thinking you need to have it in order to enjoy the music. This is just one disorder we have that is going to drive our music out of the clubs and be replaced by staying at home. With home entertainment sky rocketing the only folks who are supporting the live music scene is the college crowd and those businesses who thrive on it.
Now put this thought aside for a moment. Here is another detrimental factor;
The PDA and cell phone MP3 players. Young folks are not receiving the acoustical quality of what the music should sound like with good speakers and a decent room to listen to it in. They blast out the music through these quarter sized transducers and think it is the best music they've ever listened to. Sorry I just have to leave the room when someone does this. I love music but I need to listen to it when there is a decent system available. Now think of what this is going to do to our live music scene. The day has already come as young listeners are influenced by bad music and bad listening devices that are pushed on them by the electronics and music industry. When they walk into a live music environment do they know what is supposed to sound good?
What do we need to do?
We need to try to change the scene in the very places where it is changing it. People in the know who appreciate live music who are involved in the college community need to be pro active and recognize what is happening to it. We need to promote non alcoholic events to help split the psychological link we have that associates music listening with alcohol. Perhaps, after they graduate, get married and settle down they won't be couch potatoes in front of a large screen TV or video game. Just maybe they'll go out to see a band at good venue that has great acoustic and sound system. Hopefully there will be some survivors.
When we hear a young person blast out a song on their cell phone and they engage us by saying "this band rocks". Reply with a similar comment 'Oh yeah, your right but not through those three quarter of an inch speakers. From here they sound like #$**!!. Why don't you come to my place and plug your tunes into my system so you can hear what they really sound like". Engage the listener and let them know what sounds good. Invite them to a critical listening party. I would like to see more "live music support groups" who understand where we are at and where we need to go. I would like to see live music venues offer non alcoholic events, invest in a better sound system and offer a variety of live music events like open mic nights and support these groups by opening their doors to host a critical listening party with their favorite DJ/Host or local band leader/host.
Let's get out of the rut folks because it is leading us to a dead swamp. Like that? I used to ride dirt bikes but I think it applies here. Support your live music scene by supporting the music you love and the venues that deliver it.
