As a member of the Portland music scene since Kino Proby’s first open mic performance at Granny’s Burrito on December 5, 2004, I care strongly about its ins and outs, how it operates, how to improve it, and where it’s going. I also think about it a lot, mulling its strengths and weaknesses, and trying to compare it to other scenes, most of which I have no first hand experience of (other than Boston circa 2001-2004).
Since I have one of those brains that can’t rest, I of course have plenty of strong thoughts. Some are more poignant than others. But the one on my mind right now is the concept of Support Local Music. On the scale of things, this is at the bottom. But it rubs me the wrong way (like a lemon instead of lime in my vodka soda - a mild wrong-rub) when we are encouraged via Facebook or wherever to “Support Local Music.” The reason is because we / the listening public should want to go out and ENJOY local music. You support a friend in need by offering a shoulder to cry on, or you support the local chapter of your favorite charity by donating your money or garbage you don’t want to throw away. But encouraging people to ‘support local music’ implies (to me) that “hey, we know you don’t want to come out, but come be supportive. you can do it, c’mon, it’s just a few hours of your time. we could use the support.” it seems desperate. it puts the could-be-concert-goer in the mode of “i’m doing these guys a favor” instead of “i’m excited to enjoy their kick ass music.” it’s simply human nature to be more inclined to act to benefit yourself (genuine enjoyment) than someone not yourself (my additional face in the crowd will make… a difference?). it’s a fact.
But the other fact is that attendance at shows all over this town seems to be down. I work at SPACE and at the Empire, so I not only see it firsthand but talk to all the others who are there for every event. There needs to be a way to get the uninterested (or in Facebook terms, the “maybes”) to intrinsically want to come out. Pleading for their “support” is not the way. It’s a small semantic issue, but I think in trying to sway the minds of a mass, the subtle undertones of what you say - and how you say it - are important.
So the trick will be to convince people that a certain show is actally worth seeing. Maybe youtube links of the band… sound clips… give aways… dancing girls… But moreover, the show had better be worth seeing! Because if you use your cred to say “go” and then the show is disappointing, those who “went” will not ever - ever - listen to your advice again. The onus is on the bands and musicians to make it an event any time they take the stage. (Props to Spencer for appreciating this.)
If we don’t, then the scene really will be closer to a charity, genuinely needing support.
