Playing covers: sell-out or survival skill (even in original setting)?

Riaan-Combrink · 2009-01-20T19:41:00+00:00

Found this really well written article regarding one of the big performance debates: is playing covers a sell-out or a legitimate entertainment option? This also resonates in the debate regarding tribute bands/shows, and to an extent in the almost "ethical" or purist debate of backtracks vs live bands (original and/or cover). Be that as it may, the article has an interesting premise: you are an original musician pouring your heart out, and some drunken lout shouts: "Can you play Hotel California???". How do you respond? The author, IMHO quite correctly, resolves the issue by postulating: "The word you need to concentrate on here is not 'cover', but 'version'". It starts as follows: Play Something We Know! Performing cover versions For many musicians, performing a cover of a song is the biggest form of sell-out there is, but overcoming this trepidation and making the song your own could really help you get in touch with your audience. You've laid yourself bare, poured out your irreparably broken heart, revealed your most painful secrets, and shone the shameful light of truth through the cracks in your soul in front of a room full of complete strangers. There is a slightly awkward pause before you are rewarded with a smattering of absent-minded applause. Then, from the back, you hear the last four words any performing songwriter wants to hear: "Play something we know!" But what is the point in playing cover versions? If they wanted to hear 'Hotel California' why didn't they just stay at home and put on a CD? The sign on the door says 'Live Music', not 'Karaoke Night'. And how can you express yourself through playing other people's music? Full article here: http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/feb08/articles/playsomething.htm

Heath

+1 majestikc

Neps

I must say I do enjoy covering some of my favorite songs.. But then again, our band never realy wants to take life too seriously, so we have a set comprised of covers and originals. One of my previous bands I was in actualy enjoyed doing the following.. A guy will shout out a song, we'll look at each other, see if we know it, and if we do, invite the punter up to come and do a karaoke session with a live band backing him/her up.. Always proved to be entertaining..! esp. for us if the guy was as false as Paris Hilton but at least looked like he/she is pouring themselves into the song.

Riaan-Combrink

Neps wrote A guy will shout out a song, we'll look at each other, see if we know it, and if we do, invite the punter up to come and do a karaoke session with a live band backing him/her up.. Always proved to be entertaining..! esp. for us if the guy was as false as Paris Hilton but at least looked like he/she is pouring themselves into the song.

I like it!!!

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