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Covers or Originals? - By Tom Leu |
| Should your band play covers of other artist’s music or should you write and play your own original music? Covers, or “headliners” as one enlightened gentleman in Edgerton, WI told us recently, are needed every two or three songs. Depending on your perspective, you may or may not agree with that statement. Artists and bands need to be clear on what they want to achieve with their group. Writing original music, playing covers, or a combination of the two, will influence where you are going to be playing and who will be in your audience. Some clubs prefer predominantly cover material while others insist on original music. The type of band you desire and set-up will define where and what you play. It goes without saying, but if you’re writing predominately original music, you need to book shows in those kinds of clubs. It’s amazing how many bands miss this point sometimes. Determine what percentage of your shows will be dedicated to original vs. cover material, do your research, and then plan out your “tour.” Cover material. I’m defining cover material as the classic songs we sing along to in the shower, or air-drum on the steering wheels of our cars. The big hits of yesterday and today. Cover bands and artists sometimes get a bad rap for only performing other people’s music. The notion is that these musicians are somehow less skilled musically than an original band. This is simply untrue. In many cases, tribute bands and other seasoned cover bands, are exceptional players, singers, and performers. There are many, many musicians and artists out there who make a good deal of money playing cover material in clubs, at festivals, weddings, and private parties, etc. There is nothing wrong with this if that is the direction you have predetermined to take. Beats the punching the time clock down at the railroad depot doesn’t it? It’s worth pointing out the three types of cover bands out there. First are the wedding and private party groups. These ensembles run through the classic hits of the past several decades with the primary goal to get people dancing and having fun. Next you have the original band that performs select covers that hopefully fit with their original music style. Finally you have the tribute band. The tribute band is the extreme cover band, reproducing specific artist’s music with great precision and accuracy. No matter how you like your covers, sometimes it’s just plain fun to kick back, enjoy the nostalgia, and sing along. Original material. If you’re an artist who has something interesting to say, and can say it in an interesting way (usually in 5 minutes or less), then you’re probably writing and recording your own music. Original music, in certain regions, is a double-edged sword. It’s great on one hand because the music you’re hearing may be the future. Within it lies the opportunity to move you, to start something, to do something, to BE something. Nothing carries the promise of hope and potential more than original music does. On the other hand, depending on where you live and whom you talk to, original music is not in demand. Some people just prefer to hear the familiar, over and over again. Maybe it’s the fear of change, maybe it’s the loss associated with NOT hearing “Shook Me All Night Long” or “Born To Be Wild” for the ten thousandth time…Whatever the reasoning behind preferences related to original music, hats off to those of you who persevere for us who appreciate your craft. The Bottom Line: Whether your band or group plays mostly original or cover material depends on your long-term goals. Are your goals to get a major or independent record deal? Or are you looking to make a living playing music right now? Whatever the goal, understand the environment you’re working in and adjust your marketing and business plan accordingly. Fit your product to an existing market, not the other way around. --------------------------------- Tom Leu - The Musicians Corner For hundreds of techniques & strategies to market, promote, and sell your music more efffectively, more often...check out Money, Marketing, & Myths Inside the Musician’s Corner Volume One by Tom Leu at http://www.successinmusic.com 
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