After 9 years of booking/promoting shows and bands in/around Detroit, I'm finally taking my first "hiatus". What comes next after spending so much time in a "scene" that never really knew how to say thank you? The possibilities are endless. One thing that I plan on doing is making some short, silent films. Outside of that, I need to cool down from all of the stress and failure that came along with running a successful booking agency...
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
That awkwardness between out of town bands and Detroiters...
Have you ever noticed this awkward moment between out of town bands and people from Detroit? For example: when some hardcore bands play here and people don't move around at all, the band is confused. Big or small crowds, bands seem to be used to some sort of crowd participation. That doesn't always happen and I think this does more damage than anything else. Are we really that jaded here?
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
It wasn't suppose to turn out like this
I wish I could explain the series of events that have led me to where I have found myself today. Friends have come and gone (much like the bands I've dealt with over the years). 9 years of guarantees (paid or not), fighting with people/friends about money, burned bridges, etc. When I first got started, the guy who taught me most of everything I know (Jason Lockwood) told me two things: 1. there are gonna be times when you are gonna have to do things that will make you lose sleep at night 2. this is about the bands and nothing else.
There have, in fact, been times where I have had to tell friends/bands that the money thing didn't work out. Some of these friends won't speak to me anymore, nor will any of those bands book shows through me. It's always rough but I've learned that there will be a 'tomorrow' and the reason why I choose to be a booking agent is far more important than hurt feelings or relationships. No, I don't have the best reputation with some people but what I do have is a reputation (for better or worse). What I have done is my small way of giving back to a community that has given so much to me.
It's not about making a name for myself or the booking company that I started on my own: it's about the bands who struggle to make things work. It's about respect and honesty. Honestly, I respect this craft. I respect anyone who does this and continues to do it long after it's "not cool anymore". If you can stick with it, you have much bigger fucking balls than anyone else on the block (or in the bar for that matter).
There have, in fact, been times where I have had to tell friends/bands that the money thing didn't work out. Some of these friends won't speak to me anymore, nor will any of those bands book shows through me. It's always rough but I've learned that there will be a 'tomorrow' and the reason why I choose to be a booking agent is far more important than hurt feelings or relationships. No, I don't have the best reputation with some people but what I do have is a reputation (for better or worse). What I have done is my small way of giving back to a community that has given so much to me.
It's not about making a name for myself or the booking company that I started on my own: it's about the bands who struggle to make things work. It's about respect and honesty. Honestly, I respect this craft. I respect anyone who does this and continues to do it long after it's "not cool anymore". If you can stick with it, you have much bigger fucking balls than anyone else on the block (or in the bar for that matter).
Sunday, December 19, 2010
while detroit might be a concrete jungle, not everyone can be king kong
Take a good look at your surroundings.
We are in a concrete jungle. This jungle has it's predators and prey (self-righteous, self-absorbed attention whores and scenesters.) While survival is key no matter what, these animals have forgotten the word 'respect'. This generation of jaguars, alligators, monkeys, guerrillas, and snakes has failed in evolving into something great (the true sign of a successful existence). These animals, who's sole concern is to take, know only that: desire supersedes all else. WRONG.
The truly frustrating people is making these wild beasts understand that it isn't just them that has to survive out here. This jungle you stomp around in is at stake. Your domain in which you shit talk is at stake. Pull the foliage out of your face and take a look around. There is no room for single-minded actions. We either work together or we will watch this jungle burn to the ground....together.
We are in a concrete jungle. This jungle has it's predators and prey (self-righteous, self-absorbed attention whores and scenesters.) While survival is key no matter what, these animals have forgotten the word 'respect'. This generation of jaguars, alligators, monkeys, guerrillas, and snakes has failed in evolving into something great (the true sign of a successful existence). These animals, who's sole concern is to take, know only that: desire supersedes all else. WRONG.
The truly frustrating people is making these wild beasts understand that it isn't just them that has to survive out here. This jungle you stomp around in is at stake. Your domain in which you shit talk is at stake. Pull the foliage out of your face and take a look around. There is no room for single-minded actions. We either work together or we will watch this jungle burn to the ground....together.
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