What makes you go to see a new act?

Subject: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 02:41 PM

Cittern raised this question at a different thread and rightly suggested we might start a new one, to avoid diluting the other discussion.

So - the title says it all. For "act", read "singer/group/turn" etc.

Personally, word of mouth is a very important parameter for me. I might well go to listen to someone recommended by a friend (provided I trust my friend's musical tastes to cover mine at least in part).

I would NOT go to see someone simply because of a single write-up/review in a magazine, for example. There would have to be more to recommend the new act to me that just a single review. Now, if I happen to have come across their name several times in recent months, that's a different proposition.

How about you? What drives you to go see a new act, and what would put you off from doing so?

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 02:54 PM

What drives me to go check out a new act is mostly opportunity...

If I can make it, I LOVE to check out folks I've never seen before... Well worth the chance that I might dig them...

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 04:03 PM

Considering the amount of crap I have seen over the years, usually a shot-gun.

Seriously, these days I wouldn't go out of my way to see what may turn out to be another talentless guitar thrasher. I like to be able to sample a new act on the bill with somebody I would make an effort to see any way. Sitting in a club or concert means not doing something else so the trade off has to be worth it.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: mg
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 04:03 PM

I would say word of mouth mostly..convenience and expense are very important factors...it has to come out of my sleep time so it better be pretty good...mg

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 04:20 PM

Word of mouth, genera, friend of a friend, familiarity, not doing something else, doesn't interfere with my regularly scheduled music jam, already have a CD of her/him/them, a friend wants company, I'm curious about his/her/their fame, read a glowing review by someone whose judgment I trust- plus other factors.

Why I would NOT go see her/him/them: See above list. And they do Beatles...

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: GUEST,jennifer
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 04:46 PM

Has to be more than one reason, just in case the first one doesn't work out, and usually a link to something I already know, say they've played with someone I like. Or they have pipes and/or boxes. Or I like the name of the band, or it's something totally unfamiliar so I think I'd better go and widen the education a bit. Hell, could be anything really! I have no recollection at all of what made me go and see Andrew Cronshaw doing that Finnish thing but boy am I glad I did.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 05:09 PM

As someone who is a'playing'oik rather than a 'listening' oik I only
go to places I can perform myself,so if one of my regular clubs books somone I have not seen before,off i go.If I do not enjoy them I wont go see em again,but if they are as good as El Greko,I might just go see em somwhere else.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 06:23 PM

Generally it's word of mouth...or just plain curiosity...or gut instinct.

First GUEST - You really need to go to some folk festivals, and you will solve your problem.

- LH

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 06:52 PM

Best thing is a sample of their music.

Second best is a verbal description of the music - what instruments, what kind of sound.

Least important are the musicians' bios.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 07:23 PM

word of mouth from people I trust...and sound samples (like radio & MP3s)that catch my attention.

and a personal thing for me, is if they/he/she spotlight the songs, rather than the personalities of the singer/band. If the music is well done, I'll remember who did it without gimmicky stuff to catch my attention.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 07:48 PM

Usually by accident - if I'm stewarding an event, I'll overhear them and if I like them I'll make an effort to find out who they are. Word of mouth sometimes does it, but not always.

Sometimes Manitas brings back strange stuff that he's heard around, or else it's something I've heard on the radio.

Not really into going to see 'on spec' as it were..... too many bitter disappointments.

LTS

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: alanabit
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 02:46 AM

Most of the people I have really loved have been "on spec". They include Heron (with Gerald Moore), Robin Williamson, Dick Gaughan, Downes and Beer, Johnny Coppin, Bill Boazman, Allan Taylor, Wild Oats, Jonny Collins and dozens more. Being able to cope with some disappointments is part of process of finding stuff you like.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 03:39 AM

As a listening non-playing oik I'll give most people a go if they're in a genre I like and especially if I don't need to drive to get there. I often check their website first, if they have one, and listen to a sound bite. I'll go to see them a second time if I enjoyed the first. Most of the blues & jazz bands I've seen in the past two years have been new to me (though I already knew some of them from recordings).

RtS

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Kaleea
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 03:55 AM

When a friend, who knows my varied tastes in Music or Theatre or other Performing Art, recommends some performer(s); or a favorite performer does the same.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Deni-C
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 05:30 AM

i try and see as many acts as possible. if we don't support artists on the road, who will?

How many of us who gig ourselves like playing to an empty room, after all?

I think mp3s are a great idea.

Cheers
Deni

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Watson
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 05:44 AM

I agree with alanabit. On spec is good.
Word of mouth has to start somewhere.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: greg stephens
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 06:35 AM

I'll go and see almost anyone new if I can. Apart from obvious exceptions, such as (1) anyone described as "sensitive singer-songwriter" (2) anyone described as "the most important of the young performers dragging English folk music from the hands of the Aran sweaters and beards and making it relevant to young kids today" (3) anyone whose publicity includes the C-word.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: mooman
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 06:56 AM

Like alanabit I'll pretty well go and see anybody if it looks, on the face of it, interesting and, also, I'll listen to more or less any style of music. I actively look for live music and also go on recommendations. I've heard and met some stunning musicians in all genres over 40 years and have seldom been disappointed. Most of the rare disappointments have tended to be with "name" acts funnily enough. Extensive gig-going and CD-buying (as well as playing!) probably accounts for my current state of relative impecunity!

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: GUEST,Santa
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 07:07 AM

My wife.

"Who's on at the club?"

"X"

"Never heard of 'em."

"Get your backside off the internet and socialise!"

More seriously, I'll try anybody traditional/mainstream folk but there's more to life than blues, banjos and bhodrans. Word of mouth helps a lot, reviews can raise an interest but also help to glean wheat from chaff.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Hamish
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 07:27 AM

a) they're in the area and are after a gig at our club
b) I'm doing a raiding party on that club anyway (i.e. I'm after a gig!)
c) curiosity / wondering what the fuss is about.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 07:33 AM

What is the "C" word? "Celtic"? "Country"? "Collapsible"?

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: greg stephens
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 07:46 AM

Not country or collapsible.The other C-word.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 07:53 AM

1

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 07:54 AM

Rotten stinkin' machine!!!!!!!

1.   Word of mouth

2.   Having heard them on record/radio etc.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 09:44 AM

personally, I always refer to the errant computer as a stupid useless bloody computer, but you know yours best.

Ever since folk left the Top 40 charts I've been listening to my own small collection. Upon discovering live music in Aug 1996 I've increased my folk collection enormously & compulsively. I get to several festivals a year, run a folk club, help run 2 others & occasionaly get payola. Some of my very few (so far) freebies have been great - one I returned, but that act was not my kind of folk ("some people say we sound like an orchestra on stage" eh???- my club doesn't usually get orchestras applying).

Like others have said I go by recommendations from friends who have been around longer that I have & also by reviews (lots of CDs have come that way). When I go to a festival I mark all acts I know & want to hear, then read all the bios & mark new ones, then work out what's essential & what I would like to hear & often miss stuff cos other things come up - like meeting friends & chatting or following them to a different event ...

sandra

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: JennyO
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 10:07 AM

Why Sandra, you're not suggesting that I sometimes lead you astray?
Well, I often let myself be led too, but sooner or later I catch up with the ones I want to see. Or not.

Anyway it's fun sorting through them, and sometimes you get a pleasant surprise. I actually sort of hope it doesn't happen too often, because then I will have to go and buy their CD's, regardless of whether I can afford them or not - with Gordon Bok f'rinstance.

Actually I would go with word of mouth mostly - my sources of information are usually pretty reliable.

Jenny

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: GUEST,cittern
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 11:36 AM

Wow, what a community!

Mention something then turn your back for a few hours and return to find 26 comments posted on a new thread on the topic!

I have a vested interest in this, in that I am helping my partner Julie Ellison to progress her career. Anything to get the girl out of noisy, low paid, "cover"-laden pub gigs into quiet, low paid, original material gigs!

The clubs and many venues are often reluctant to book an unknown since they find people will not turn up on spec. We make it easier for them by offering to work on a percentage of the door if they prefer this to a fixed fee (Show of Hands give great advice!), and of course we work hard at generating the "buzz", doing floor spots and supports at every opportunity. And it works!

She also has some incredibly supportive and enthusiastic followers who do seem to take every opportunity to talk her up to anyone who is willing to listen. Incredibly important when you review the comments above (with word of mouth being the most common reason for taking in a new act/performer).

Interesting to see so many comments about disappointments when turning up on spec. Must admit I love trying new names and yes I have had a lot of disappointments.   But without the need to find something new, I wouldn't have found the likes of Howden, Jones and Taffinder (now rarely off the CD player) and Acaysha. Oh, and I wouldn't have met Julie either. Life changing stuff some of this ...

Best regards
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk
PS - dare I say it - Julie's next pub gig is on Saturday 9 August 2003 at The Railway Tavern, Hensall, Nr Goole, the next folk club gig is on Wednesday 20 August 2003 at Wombwell, Barnsley and the next festival gig and guitar workshop is on Monday 25 August 2003 in Arundel, Sussex.

Yes I know, I'm shameless ...

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 01:46 PM

what the hell is an oik???

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Frankham
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 02:19 PM

It's an interesting question. I go when I know the person personally and am invited. I have generally been disappointed when someone heartilly recommends someone. I don't have the same taste as most people. I often like acts that people don't really care for. There has to be a lot of music in it for me to like it. By this, I mean a kind of sophistication, not complexity but someone who has really studied their craft albeit folk or whatever. I don't care for singer/songwriters much because I believe that the genre is oversaturated and overpromoted. There are very few songwriters that I really like because I compare them to ones who have left a lasting legacy. Tom Paxton, Tom Lehrer, Woody, Jean Ritchie, Stan Rogers, Eric Bogle, sometimes Gordon Bok, but I also admire the Broadway show writers because the best of them had complete mastery of their craft. Sondheim, Hart, Harbourg, etc.

I am not a usual audience so I don't see much.

I will be interested in traditional folk performers because you hear so little of them today in coffeehouses and the like.

I read all I can about the people that are out there and make my decisions based on what I've just told you.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: Sorcha
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 03:39 PM

Luck usually, because I don't get many opportunities to go to concerts. Usually either get new stuff by word of mouth or hear them at festivals--of which I don't get to many either.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: GUEST,jennifer
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 04:57 PM

Another thought (am I allowed to have two, I'm going to bed next) I look at the website! If I feel happy there and get a sense of what the people are like, a flavour of the amtosphere of the evening, I'm more likely to go and see them, even if the music is something a bit unfamiliar.
Seeing as you admitted your motives!
And speaking as an "enthusiastic follower" who tries to make the website reflect the personality of the performer.

Subject: RE: What makes you go to see a new act?
From: JennyO
Date: 05 Aug 03 - 12:46 AM

From the point of view of a folk club organizer, there is a bit of a difference between what would make me go to see a new act, and what would make me book one.

Word of mouth would encourage me to go and see them, but to book them I would probably want to see them perform somewhere first. If that is not possible, I would definitely want a CD to listen to. I also have to take into account what the tastes of my audience are, as well as my tastes, although we are pretty much aligned, and also their suitability for the venue, which in our case is a smallish acoustic space, set up as a coffee shop.

In our fairly small Sydney folk scene, it helps if people who want to be known go to as many folk clubs as they can and do floor spots. There is no money in it, but it pays off if you are seen. That's how the word of mouth can start.

As far as CD's are concerned, they can be misleading. Sometimes they are overproduced, and not really representative of what we would be getting. That is very annoying. Occasionally, the performers are better live than their CD's, although that is not common. One act I have booked for next year, sent me a CD but I had never seen her. I was unsure on the strength of the CD, but when I saw her live at a festival, I was so impressed I booked her on the spot.

In other words, have a demo or CD that is fairly representative of what your performer is like live.

And I agree that a good website with MP3's helps too.