Scotty J
What does it TRULY Mean to SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC?
Ever since I started providing media coverage for various musicians in and around Philadelphia, there has been one very
dominant and repeating theme--SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC! But what does that truly mean? Now I'm not suggesting even in
the slightest bit that local, original music shouldn't be supported. The only way that musicians can thrive in a very challenging
and competitive business is to establish a strong and loyal fan base. So, of course support is mandatory when it comes
fostering music talent. All that said, where and how should the support be provided? Just because artists are out there playing
their hearts and souls out, does that entitle them to having potential fans take a night off from doing what they might have
done otherwise, pay a nice little cover charge, more than likely overpay for nasty swill at some bar and restaurant, only to
possibly be entertained?
From what I've seen in my years supporting local music around the Philadelphia region, as a music video VJ, there are parasitic
and symbiotic relationships. What is truly sad is that I see very little in terms of reciprocation by the various bands and
musicians and their loyal fans. I'm not saying that goes for 100% of the original local artists. But, I find it staggering the
“gimme, gimme, gimme” mentality among the majority. “Go to our merchandise table and buy our crap”. “Come out to our
next show and pay a sometimes lofty cover charge”. Autograph signings. Engaging with the audience in terms of “High-Fives”
and handshakes. Providing a fan club with actual incentives. For what reasons should many of these local original artists
continue to garner fan support?
Let's not forget about all the other necessary players required in successful support of our local original artists. Fans
constitute an audience, so that's an obvious necessity. But, what about the Booking Agents, Promoters, Venues, Journalists,
Internet Radio Stations, and other media service providing entities? These people and businesses take a significant risk and
quite often spend an exorbitant amount of time attempting to hype and provide enhanced visibility for the musician. There is
a very tangible financial burden often incurred by this element of the music community, when very few guarantees of profit
exist. For the record, I do not endorse the “Pay-to-Play” philosophy. At the same time, venues risk a slow night at the bar,
booking agents owe guarantees to the venues for various services, promoters have spent copious amounts of time in creating
various forms of media to market the musicians--as have all the various media entities covering and featuring these artists.
While so many of the local original artists are making little to no money for their gigs comprised of an intense amount of blood,
sweat, and tears--a simple “THANK YOU” goes a long way.
Entitlement, ego, and arrogance are some rather repulsive character traits I've seen in one musician too many. Support local,
original bands and musicians? Absolutely! As a populous of people deeply passionate about music and the artists that make
it, there is an inherent responsibility to foster and perpetuate the effort that makes local original music a reality. But, there
absolutely needs to be a mutual respect between the musician and all the other components that are required to make
everything function (or at least appear to function) as a well-oiled machine.
Do you miss music television? Can you remember that television channel which was all about music videos and music
entertainment all day long? It’s those very questions that gave birth to ROCK TITAN. We provide media coverage of LIVE
original music every week that feature musicians, concerts, bands behind the scenes, and you get to hang out with Rock Titan
VJ’s Scotty J and Heather Mae as they roam Philadelphia and the surrounding Tri-State area for the best original musicians
and artists in the business. MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION LIVES! We are Rock Titan! Check us out at: www.rocktitan.tv