Holiday Inn

[FunkyE9th]

I recently saw this band that I thought sounded pretty good. However, they exuded "Holiday Inn". It was "Holiday Innish" from song selection and a performance standpoint.

Anyway, now that I just joined a cover band, I wonder myself if we are headed in that direction, from a song selection standpoint. There are songs in the setlist that to me just screams "Holiday Inn". You know those "gimme songs" that people like, but you don't necessarilly want to play.

I tend to lean towards the idea that you should play what you like and get the crowd to like it and not approach it from....well the crowd likes this so we should play it. I don't play music for the money. So I can afford to have that attitude, but I understand that some have to find a balance between what they like and what the crowd likes. Of course playing what you like in front of empty seats is no fun either.

Opinions anyone?

-FunkyE9th

[silentman]

We play all covers and the way I try to keep songs fresh is by finding another cover of the original song so it comes accross slightly different. I also try to pick more obscure songs by bands people like. Keeps it interesting. I like to play to the crowd and get songs on the list that'll move people. It's funny though the same songs don't work on all people though.

[edgar_allan_poe]

I look at it this way...

I am not in this for the money...*however*...I am getting paid by establishments to play a particular style of music. I owe it to them to play what they want. If I want to play the stuff that *I* want to play...then I need to find an establishment that will accomodate the style of music that I would like to perform.

IMHO it is selfish to play in an establishment that wants to hear the "Holiday-Inn" style, and give them something else because you don't like to play that stuff. If you don't want to play that style of music...don't book that particular gig. JMHO

[kurtsstuff]

We're all just a bunch of whores....I mean....if the money's right...yes....We'll play freebird....AGAIN!!!....lol

[MCChris]

Clubs also pay a nice chuck of change to ASCAP and BMI in the form of licensing fees for the privilege of having published songs performed in their establishment. They expect (and deserve) a return on their investment.

[serial]

Money being good is fine, but having the crowd absolutely enjoying themselves and the music is even better. I had more fun playing in a large-drawing party band than I did playing all of the stuff I listened to to a dozen guys at the bar. Playing in front of chicks is infinitely cooler and much better when they flash as opposed to the drunk guy at the bar...

[FunkyE9th]

IMHO it is selfish to play in an establishment that wants to hear the "Holiday-Inn" style, and give them something else because you don't like to play that stuff.  If you don't want to play that style of music...don't book that particular gig.  JMHO

I agree, but I think it's a given that if you're going to play a country bar, you're going play country, not rap. IMHO the gray area occurs when you have to decide between playing Achy Breaky Heart and some other country song.

-FunkyE9th

[hardheartedbill]

I enjoy the corny covers the most, it's off the chart to see the crowd go n uts over a really stupid song, think more social comedy, less artistic musing and go w/ it

[tomteriffic]

A fine line, that. Keeping the owner and crowd happy with what they're paying you to play, vs. not going nuts doing (insert title here) for the umpty-bazillionth time.

One thing that I'll do is try to find the original version of a pop tune and do it that way, or take the requested-but-hated tune and turn it into something else entirely, by whatever means seems appropriate. F'rinstance, my wife and I seem to find ourselves playing more than our fair share of weddings. One tune that inevitably comes up is The Beatles' "Here, There and Everywhere". Nice tune, but we've played it to death. Just recently we welded it into bits of "Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Daughter" and did the whole mess as a fast reggae/ska thing. Absolutely hilarious, a little more of a challenge to play and everybody was satisfied all around.

[SteveB]

or take the requested-but-hated tune and turn it into something else entirely,

*edit* pulled the link to avoid embarassing Aardvark any further.

[kurtsstuff]

Ummm......that took alot of gut's to post that mp-3 up here.....lol!!

[SteveB]

Ummm......that took alot of gut's to post that mp-3 up here.....lol!!

heh, yeah, it kinda sucks, but we were just screwing around one day and it's kinda funny. Definately not an example of our best work though, LOL!

[GusS]

or take the requested-but-hated tune and turn it into something else entirely,

sorta like http://www.turbogerbil.com/_publicimages/funkymusic.mp3

amazing vocals

[SteveB]

or take the requested-but-hated tune and turn it into something else entirely,

sorta like http://www.turbogerbil.com/_publicimages/funkymusic.mp3

amazing vocals

I presume you are being facitious....

[edgar_allan_poe]

I presume you are being facitious.... wink.gif

Ya think?

[Buzzy Fretts]

Another take was how we approached Joined at the Head over the 15 on again / off again years. We had a certain sound that was a combination of our material and our instrumentation. If a club wanted THAT sound, they hired us. If not, they didn't. When we had a blast, it was infectious.