Background Music at Live Music Places

Walter Stettner · Post by **Walter Stettner** » 9 Dec 2006 12:27 pm

My band plays a lot of bars and similar places - the moment we stop to take a break, the sound guy puts on a tape that keeps rolling until we start again which is really annoying to me. To make things worse, it is the same tape playing during every intermission!

I always wish there would be a few minutes of "silence" but usually the owner insists on having continuing background music, mostly because of more drinks being sold (as we were told once). I usually try to find a silent place (even if it is outdoor for a few minutes), just to get my head clean.

What are your experiences?

Kind Regards, Walter

www.lloydgreentribute.com
www.austriansteelguitar.at.tf

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 9 Dec 2006 12:45 pm

My experience is the same as yours. I also find it extremely annoying. To me, if reinforces the idea of music as background noise. But, unfortunately, that is the way music is perceived in a lot of clubs.

But what's really pathologically annoying is when mgt puts on music that is diametrically opposed to the atmosphere we're trying to create. Some places force death metal, rap, or some other screaming-banshee style on an audience who came to listen to a folk-rock, Americana, blues, jazz, or trad country band. This is a true sign of disrespect of both band and audience, and I'm looking for a new place to play if that starts to happen routinely.

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 9 Dec 2006 12:50 pm

Sometimes the live music spoils the atmosphere that the management is trying to create with recorded music.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 9 Dec 2006 12:56 pm

What about the theatrical directors that decide that actual Patsy Cline tracks will be played during the intermission of 'Always, Patsy Cline'?

There aren't many actresses/singers that can stand such a direct comparison. I didn't say 'none', but the good ones are a rarity.

A bit 'off topic', I know, but this is a pet peeve of mine.

RR

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 9 Dec 2006 1:14 pm

You won't be able to fight what the club owners wants.

I always at least try to convice the person who is in charge of the intermission back ground music to at least have the courtesy to play a type of music that is similiar to what we are playing. Man there is nothing more sinister than to be playing a jazz gig and the kid who is the manager that evening puts on his favorite rap or pop CD.
Always keep a few CDs in your guitar case that you can give to the club manager to play on breaks. It will keep your vibe going and not destroy the mood you are trying to work within.

Dick Wood · Post by **Dick Wood** » 9 Dec 2006 9:48 pm

It's the same here and always has been. The worst part is the DJ usually plays much much louder than the band does.

I've played many clubs where my stomach would actually hurt because the subs were punching the low end so hard.

About the only thing you can do is go outside to get away from it.

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Cops aren't paid much so I steel at night.

Herbie Meeks · Post by **Herbie Meeks** » 9 Dec 2006 10:07 pm

Been retired a while,
But, what has happened to the Juke Boxes ?

Herbie

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Robert Leaman · Post by **Robert Leaman** » 10 Dec 2006 5:51 am

It is my experience that when an establishment manager attempts to manage music format, clientele moves to another site. I've seen this happen several times. A typical scenario is when a group plays a gig, with whatever style and mood, the manager promotes karioke during breaks. Of course, everyone enjoys the usual caterwauling, moaning, and dischord from aspiring vocalists.

Paul Norman (RIP) · Post by **Paul Norman (RIP)** » 12 Dec 2006 4:28 pm

Earnest,
If the live music is killing the atmosphere
the management is trying to set, They have
the wrong band.

Howard Tate · Post by **Howard Tate** » 13 Dec 2006 6:48 am

This past weekend I played in a nice looking, large club that hasn't been reopened very long. Nice guy owns it, the staff is friendly, great large dance floor. We play mostly newer country, decent band, good singer. During breaks the DJ plays ear shattering hip hop music. When we play the hip hop crowd leaves, during breaks the country crowd leaves. Sadly, I don't see a good future for this place unless things change, but they probably will not. Why wont club owners listen to people with years of experience in the business?

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Howard

Charlie St Denis · Post by **Charlie St Denis** » 13 Dec 2006 7:29 am

Played a club a few weeks ago and what
really get's on my nerves is when the
DJ plays the same songs as you do. I
finally gave the DJ our set list and
politely asked is he could pick some
songs not on our list. We had just
finished the set with "The Devil went
down to Georgia and the 2nd song the
DJ put on was The Devil.
Charlie

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 13 Dec 2006 7:49 am

Paul. If you hang around here long enough you begin to develop an acquired taste for Bovines' humor.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 13 Dec 2006 12:25 pm

The places that I play or go to, the bands are using computers or MP3 players to play the music they like. Of course the audience likes it too. A lot of people dance during these breaks and work up a real thirst. Audience members dislike the bands taking breaks. They are there to hear music.