By: Mo PaynterWe’ve all had that artist or band that we’ve loved for years. The one that we can always go back to and think, “Man, I’m always going to love this band.” The band that brings back memories and instant nostalgia while sitting at a red light and suddenly remembering that one life changing crush you had that you swore your heart would never heal from.
Here’s where my question comes into play. When you think about that one band, was there a time you weren’t 100% satisfied with a new album, a new single, a new sound they were putting out? A new trend in music they were adapting to. Can a band maintain a career in the music industry without adapting to new trends and sounds? Additionally, if a band changes and adapts to the music industry, will those “lifelong fans” still remain ardent fans and love their sound? Will you dance to the beat of a bands proverbial different drum? With a landscape of ever changing underground indie bands and Billboard Top 100 artists, the music industry sound itself is a living, breathing entity. No, I’m not stating the obvious and pointing out the living breathing members in the band, I’m talking about the actual music itself. The sounds. The bass, the synth, the guitar, the drums, the virtual heartbeats of a song. Very few bands have been able to withstand the industry and still have a lifelong career. Of course you have the classics like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith to name a few. But even The Beatles and Aerosmith changed up their song and sound formula to create great hits. Aerosmith was almost off the map until the 1986 come back smash up “Walk this way” with Run DMC. Some fans loved it...some fans HATED IT. Couldn’t believe their beloved Aerosmith was collaborating with that loud, offensive rap trio. But it breathed new life into Aerosmith, put them back into the relevant radio playlist rotation and they are still here today. Now was that a lifeline that had to be taken by Aerosmith to remain a constant in the industry? They lost some fans out of it and they gained some fans out of it. Some say yes they had to do it, some say no they could have survived without it, that’s a late night bar debate if I’ve ever heard one. But what about bands that aren’t the legends? Your favorite underground indie band that pushes out music yearly trying to “make it big”, still touring and connecting with fans but never in a place to become “a legend”? If your favorite indie band puts out a new album or single completely different from their “sound” are you still going to be a fan? If your favorite indie band changes its sound to stay with the times and adapt to the new ideas and music coming into the industry everyday, will you still go to the shows and pay for the merch? It can be argued that bands have to adapt to stay relevant. Most listeners and fans adapt with the industry too. Think about it. How many times have you showed a friend a new song from a band you’ve accidentally stumbled upon live or on spotify that was a new sound you had to share? We all hold that special place in our heart for our favorite bands. Whether that be the legends or our favorite hometown indie rock group. We also, although some won’t admit it, never want our favorite bands to change up their sound because they are just perfect the way they are. But alas, bands need to adapt. Maybe because the sound of the industry is changing, or maybe because creatively they need to expand and challenge themselves in order to keep the drive going. Next time your favorite band puts out a questionable song that’s off from their “normal” sound, give it a chance. Don’t run, don’t hide, don’t dismiss it. Take the time to ponder the question, “If they don’t adapt, will they be here next year playing my favorite venues and putting out new music?” And then when all the new fans show up, just bask in the glory with pride and say, “I heard them first.”
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By: Mo PaynterThe holiday season may be upon us but there are still plenty of shows to catch around town to keep your mind off of all the hustle and bustle. Look out for Zettajoule, Moving Panoramas, Calliope Musicals , Sweet Spirit, Lady Fang, Magna Carda and more!
Thursday, 13th Start your weekend off early Thursday night and catch Nite Jewel at Barracuda Austin with Memory Keepers and Zettajoule. Zettajoule was featured as November's KUTX 98.9 Artist of the Month and they are one you don’t want to miss! Doors are at 8PM! Friday, 14th On Friday night get your groove going and head over to Empire Control Room and catch The Holiday Groove ft. Austin Groove Project, Magna Carda Saturday, 15th Want to be an extra in a music video? From 3-5PM take part in an open cast call and head over to Hotel Vegas for the Moving Panoramas ADD HEART Music Video Shoot. After the video shoot, go grab some grub then head back to Hotel Vegas for a good cause for the Calliope Musicals Holiday Toy Drive with Shy Beast & Coattails. Door are at 9pm, $5 or a new toy. Back in the Red River district, Barracuda is featuring KUTX presents Sweet Spirit with TC Superstar and Ex Romantika Doors are at 9PM but grab your tickets early for this one folks! Over at Dozen Street Ladyfang, Hex Boyfriend, Black Basements and Dream Eater will be ready to help you get your dance on. Doors are at 9PM Sunday, 16th To cap off a weekend full of great shows on Sunday go to Hotel Vegas at 9PM for Semihelix, Elnuh, & Jesika Cueta Have fun this weekend, dance the night away, don’t forget those ear plugs! And as always: Get out there, support some local music and get that sober ride!
One listen to the lead single ‘Tetherbound’ off Marcus Morales's upcoming EP, The Bohemian Groove, and I’m immediately taken back to my college days, dancing away my Saturday nights in my favorite honky tonk bar with smoky air, cheap beer and pool tables. Push play on ‘Tetherbound’ and right on cue, Morales captivates you with masterfully slick guitar licks showcasing a sound that can only be developed from years of honing a craft. Complete with a surprisingly delicious twist, halfway through the song comes a driving jam session showcasing the many talents of his backing band 'The Boho Groove'. This special treat unexpected and yet a staple of Morales’s intricate songwriting. With vocals reminiscent of the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan, and his polished ripping blues influenced guitar, Marcus is guaranteed to break into the Rock scene and be noticed.
Catch Marcus Morales at his Bohemian Groove EP release party January, 10 at The Saxon Pub and listen to his debut single ‘Tetherbound’ below.
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AuthorsMo Paynter and Archives
February 2019
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